Consumption of antimicrobials during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic in specific macro-regions of Brazil

Background and Objectives: The main objective was to analyze the consumption of antimicrobials (ATMs) subjected to prescription retention, and with indication for the treatment of respiratory infections in Brazil, from 2014 to 2021.Methods: This is an ecological study of mixed design. Secondary data was obtained from the National System for the Management of Controlled Products (SNGPC). Data was presented following the equation: number of total consumption of ATMs for each macro-region of Brazil by year or trimester / number of residents for each macro-region per year *1.000 inhabitants. Annual data was analyzed by Prais-Winsten, and quarterly data was analyzed by automatic forward stepwise regression. Results: The Southern region showed the highest mean rates of consumption when compared to the other macro-regions. For annual analysis, the proportion of stability, increase and decrease of consumption of ATMs was similar among macro-regions. The quarterly period registered an increase in the consumption of Amoxicillin, Amoxicillin+Clavulanate, Azithromycin and Cephalexin altogether, in the Southern, Southeastern and Northern regions. Conclusion: Our data reveals an increased consumption of some ATMs during the pandemic period in specific macro-regions of Brazil. The five macro regions have shown different patterns of ATMs consumption.