National consumption of antimicrobials prescribed by dentists

Abstract

The dentist is the professional qualified to prescribe antimicrobial agents intended for the prophylaxis or treatment of bacterial infections. In Brazil, sales require prescription retention and are notified in the National Controlled Products Management System (SNGPC). The objective of this study was to analyze the consumption of antimicrobials prescribed by dentists, based on data provided by the SNGPC between 2015 and 2021. Amoxicillin, azithromycin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cephalexin, metronidazole, erythromycin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and tetracycline were the top sellers and the top five accounted for 92% of all sales. The states with the highest sales were São Paulo and Minas Gerais, with Rio Grande do Sul and Rio de Janeiro alternating between third and fourth positions. The lowest sales occurred in the North and Northeast regions, especially in Acre, Amapá, Roraima, and Piauí. Although it is not possible to know the reason for the prescription, as the clinical indication is not reported in the SNGPC, the study provides a national overview on the prescription of antimicrobials by dentists. It is observed that the highest consumption occurred in regions with the highest human development index, which may reflect greater access to dental care.

Keywords: antimicrobials, prophylaxis, treatment, dentist.