This study aimed to identify and categorize publications about themes related to medication administration in Brazilian nursing journals between 1987 and 2008. From a survey in the main health databases, we reviewed literature about the theme in six Brazilian journals, classifying the articles into care, teaching, research, technique, medication errors, communication and specific drugs. One hundred eight articles were identified, particularly in the Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem and the Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem. The author Cassiani and the category specific drugs stand out as responsible for the largest number of articles published. Efforts need to be added up with a view to a more expressive production of articles on medication administration.