Self-medication and medication disposal: a strategy for teaching organic chemistry

Abstract

The objective of the present work is to investigate the application of the theme “self-medication and correct disposal of medicines” in the context of Organic Chemistry classes, raising the discussion about the dangers of such practices. The research has a qualitative nature, of the participant type, developed in a first-year high school class at the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Norte (IFRN), campus Currais Novos/RN, in three moments of pedagogical intervention. A close relationship was identified between the proposed activities and the conceptual content on organic functions, molecular geometry and physical-chemical properties of drugs, through intense participation by students in the construction of molecular models of drugs, in the folder to publicize the awareness campaign about the correct disposal of expired medications and the construction of a medication collection point. As a result, it was noted that the main attitudinal contents addressed were the risks of self-medication, incorrect disposal of expired medicines and their implications for the environment, in addition to the engagement of work groups, the active participation of students and involvement with the entire community. school through the awareness campaign on the risks of self-medication and dissemination of the point of collection of expired medicines.