Medication use patterns are important health markers. In Brazil, it is estimated that at least 35% of drugs are purchased through self-medication. Research suggests that factors such as educational level and professional field influence the practice of self-medication, which is more closely related to health professionals and academics, especially medical students. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the behavior of future doctors at the Federal and Catholic Universities of Pelotas, Brazil, in relation to the practice of self-medication and associated factors, given that they will be responsible for instructing their patients on the correct use of drugs. From then on, a comparative table was established with other studies in the field so that the reader could have a real overview of the use of drugs without a prescription by medical students.