EVALUATION OF POPULATION KNOWLEDGE OF AMOXICILLINE ANTIBIOTICS

Abstract

Infections are caused by an invasion and multiplication of microorganisms within our body tissues, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that cause damage to the host. Antibiotics are chemical and synthetic substances that are used to treat infections. Amoxicillin is a β-lactam antimicrobial whose action is bactericidal, that is, it interferes with the bacterial cell wall, preventing its growth. The purpose of this study was to verify the population's knowledge about the antibiotic, the medical indication, its side effects and the relevance of completing the treatment properly so that there is no bacterial resistance. It was a cross-sectional study in a Health Unit of Curitiba/PR, where a form with twenty-six questions related to the use of antibiotics was delivered, the sample is of 104 users of the Health Unit (n = 104). We identified that the researched population uses the amoxicillin antibiotic for pain and inflammation symptoms, besides interrupting the drug treatment when the clinical condition improves. We emphasize that patients perform the practice of self-medication when buying the drug without a prescription and / or dental. Above all, they are unaware of the ills that cause their health when they do not use the antimicrobial properly, and a consequence of this attitude is bacterial resistance. We note that public health policies have to work with professionals to develop health education for the population in order to promote self-care and raise awareness about the use of antibiotics.