The pharmacist's role in the use of medicines in children as a form of care

Abstract

The activities carried out by the pharmacist in the clinical environment, whether in the hospital or outpatient setting, are essential for the adequate care of pediatric patients. In this context, the pharmacist applies his skills and knowledge to play an active role in healthcare, interacting with both patients and other professionals in the field. The use of medication in children is a topic that generates a lot of discussion, requiring clear data and precise guidance. Thus, the objective of this research was to examine the pharmacist's role in the use of medicines in children as a form of care. This work consists of a narrative bibliographic review of the literature. Articles published in Portuguese and English between 2018 and 2024 were included, and the databases used were Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, Scielo and LILACS. The results indicated that drug dosages, originally intended for adults, often need to be adjusted for use in children, which increases the risk of side effects. To avoid these situations, specific clinical studies are needed for the pediatric age group, with the aim of developing appropriate and adapted pharmaceutical forms for this audience, in addition to the best specific standards in the leaflets, an issue widely defended by pharmacists. Therefore, it is essential that studies focused on pediatrics are expanded, improving patient care and safety, allowing pharmaceutical professionals to contribute effectively within the institution in which they work.