Mohammad Azeem, Pankaj Arora, Yousif Alosaily
Irrational use of antibiotics and the major complication of the rapid growth of antibiotic resistance are widely acknowledged. Irrational practice of antibiotics comprises prescription of incorrect dose, duration, route of administration, and regimen frequency and are influenced by certain interrelated factors and drivers. The primary complications of irrational antibiotic use are antibiotic resistance with an increase in poorer health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, more extended hospitalization, and higher mortality, particularly more in the pediatric population. The scope of clinical pharmacy delineates the promising use of antibiotics more rationally than ever. Clinical pharmacists are responsible for achieving goals by spreading awareness and educating about optimal drug use to govern pharmaceutical promotions at the hospital, subsequently progressing outcomes. The narrative review aimed to discuss major influencing factors and compilations associated with irrational antibiotic use, concerns on the pediatric population regarding pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics, and the contribution of clinical pharmacist intervention in addressing the global concern of irrational antibiotic use.