Brazil Authorizes Nurses to Prescribe Antibiotics Under New Cofen Rule

Overview

• Cofen’s Resolution No. 801, published on January 22, allows pharmacies to dispense medicines on prescriptions signed by nurses when protocol requirements are met.
• The reference list names antibiotics such as amoxicillin, azithromycin, erythromycin, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin, with authorization applying to adults and children.
• The scope extends to contraceptives, hypertension and diabetes treatments like metformin and insulins, prenatal items, and HIV PrEP/PEP drugs including tenofovir, lamivudine and dolutegravir.
• Prescriptions must originate from a nursing consultation and the Nursing Process, using standardized forms, mandatory information, digital records and qualified electronic signatures.
• The change implements Anvisa’s 2025 SNGPC update and lets states and municipalities expand local protocols with scientific and epidemiological support, as prior CFM opposition points to possible legal challenges.