SELF-MEDICATION: CONSEQUENCES OF THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF NON-STEROIDAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS ON HEALTH

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.1593662329081

• Palavras-chave: Self-medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Irrational use of medication. Painkillers. Pharmaceutical attention.

• Keywords: Self-medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Irrational use of medication. Painkillers. Pharmaceutical attention.

• Abstract:

  Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one of the main classes of drugs widely consumed by the Brazilian population, due to their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, indiscriminate use and self-medication are intrinsically associated with serious implications for the health of the population, such as adverse events, intoxication, poisoning and death. Thus, the problem of this study was: What are the current and future challenges of the pharmaceutical professional regarding the practice of rational use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, based on effective health promotion? The general objective was to analyze the consequences of the inappropriate and unsupervised use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as their adverse reactions, due to the practice of self-medication. The methodology consisted of a systematic review in the Lilacs, Medline and SciELO databases of articles published between 2015 and 2021. As a result of this work, it can be stated that there is a large amount of scientific evidence regarding the adverse effects and dangers of indiscriminate consumption of NSAIDs, being consumed especially among the young-adult public, in the age group of 20 to 60 years, highlighting the female public. The main adverse drug reactions observed in the studies were alterations in the gastrointestinal system, central nervous system, respiratory system, liver, kidneys and hypersensitivity. Given the above, maximum health education must be promoted regarding the indiscriminate use of anti-inflammatory drugs, which must only be used when prescribed by a qualified professional and in adequate doses. Making Pharmaceutical Care a relevant act in promoting the rational use of anti-inflammatories in order to avoid potential deleterious effects to the population.