The role of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship programs: Strategies for optimal antibiotic use

Authors

  • Khalid Saud Alharbi Pharmacy Technician, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs

Keywords:

pharmacists, antimicrobial, stewardship, antibiotic, infections

Abstract

The rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats to public health today. This resistance occurs when bacteria mutate or adapt to the use of antibiotics to which they were previously susceptible. When bacteria are allowed to adapt, a small number of them acquire antibiotic-resistant properties and are able to survive and pass these properties on to their offspring. This process leads to population-level increases in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, even when exposure to antibiotics is limited. Patients contribute to this phenomenon by using antibiotics unnecessarily or inappropriately. Antibiotic misuse includes using the wrong drug for an infectious organism and using antibiotics in situations where they do not prevent infection. Therefore, continued antibiotic stewardship and careful prescribing of antimicrobials are imperative to maintaining the longevity of our current antibiotic arsenal now and in the future. Antibiotic prescribing is an important component of preventing and managing the infections they are used to treat.

References

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Published

2013-11-10

How to Cite

Alharbi, K. S. (2013). The role of pharmacists in antimicrobial stewardship programs: Strategies for optimal antibiotic use. International Journal of Economic Perspectives, 7(1), 1–11. Retrieved from http://ijeponline.org/index.php/journal/article/view/678

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2013)

Section

Peer Review Articles
Copyright & Licensing

Copyright (c) 2024 Khalid Saud Alharbi

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