THE RATIONAL USE OF MEDICINES: AN INTEGRATIVE CHALLENGE IN PHARMACEUTICAL PERSONAL AND COMMUNITY CARE

Abstract

This article refers to the observance of the rational use of medicines, in the face of clinical demands with appropriate dosages, according to the needs and conditions of the patient, knowledge and awareness of the drug's effectiveness. Therefore, the inclusion of the pharmacist in primary care is important, enabling access to and conscious use of medication through their interventions, which favor the efficiency of the pharmacotherapy service, guaranteeing health promotion at the individual and community levels. The methodology was based on research in periodicals, articles, and online collections, such as congresses and meetings focused on knowledge and questions that include the rational use of medicines and pharmaceutical action, contributing to the development of public health, prioritizing care with a clinical approach. Searches for related topics were carried out in electronic databases such as: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), meetings, and articles. The descriptors relate to public health, drug use, drug interactions, pharmaceutical care, and others referenced in tables. Knowledge of the drug's actions in the body becomes an object of discussion and evaluation for raising awareness of the rational use of medication. The final considerations relate to the importance of rational use and the action of public policies to enable it.