Abstract
Objective: To assess the risks that every patient or ordinary person is exposed to due to the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in the treatment of infections. Methods: This is an integrative literature review whose bibliographic research focused on the risk of indiscriminate use of antimicrobials in view of the possibility of bacterial resistance. A retrospective was carried out based on the database of Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE) and the Scientific Electronic Library Online repository. The Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO). Results: The misuse of antibiotics for the treatment and prophylaxis of infections is perceived by the negative results in reducing their effectiveness and variations in the sensitivity of bacteria to these drugs, which makes the control of the use of antimicrobials by science and health professionals, challenging and relevant for the protection of the population in the face of the resistance that microorganisms have developed. Final considerations: Bacterial resistance, caused by the indiscriminate use of antimicrobials, is a public health issue due to the increase in morbidity and mortality it causes worldwide. Brazil has sought to control the free sale of these drugs through the National Controlled Products Management System (SNGPC) to prevent their inappropriate use from contributing to the bacterial resistance process.