Keywords
Irrational use of medicines
Self-medication
Off label use of medicines
Pharmacist
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Abstract
Objective: To discuss the impacts of the irrational use of medicines during the confrontation of the pandemic of COVID-19 as well as the importance of the pharmaceutical professional in its prevention. Methods: This refers to an integrative literature review, for data search the following platforms were used: Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Medline, Pubmed, Acervo+ Index Base, Google Scholar and the World Health Organization (WHO) website. Results: The most commonly used drugs during the pandemic in order to treat and/or prevent COVID-19 were Hydroxychloroquine/Chloroquine, Ivermectin, Azithromycin, and Vitamins C and D. Studies showed that these drugs had possible, but still uncertain, indications against COVID-19. The irrational use of these drugs raises the potential risks and occurrences of adverse reactions. Final considerations: To date, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to support a satisfactory therapeutic protocol against COVID-19. Further confirmation of the efficacy and safety of the drugs used against COVID-19 is needed.