There has been a growing concern related to increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR) caused by inappropriate and extensive use of antibiotics around the world. There are many factors contributing to this negative trend such as poor awareness and inadequate resources, inappropriate prescribing, uncontrolled dissemination, etc. The COVID-19 pandemic only made it worse, introducing overuse of antibiotics to prevent superinfections. And again, the pandemic is where the antimicrobial stewardship programs came to light, leading to increased focus on infection prevention rather than control with antibiotics. Pharmacists are more and more trying to control AMR. They have a significant role in coordinating their efforts with both doctors and patients in order to lower the rate of prescription checks, drugs for minor sickness, over-the-counter (OTC) issuance of drugs, overdosing, repetitive prescription usage as well as discarding antibiotics.
The article concludes that the support from pharmacists for the rational use of antibiotics is essential for the achievement of better treatment.
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