Irrational Use of Antibiotics During Covid19 Pandemic

Irrational use of antibiotics and the major complication of the rapid growth of antibiotic resistance are widely acknowledged. Irrational utilization of antibiotics includes prescription of incorrect dose, duration, route of administration, and frequency of regimen and are influenced by certain interrelated factors and drivers. The major complications of irrational antibiotic use are antibiotic resistance with an increase in poorer health outcomes, increased healthcare costs, longer hospitalization, and higher mortality. The irrational use of antibiotics has accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic and has led to severe peri- and post-hospitalization complications. Although the usage of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients has not been widely studied in the literature, beneficial outcomes have been reported in treating bacterial co-infections and superinfections. The rational and prudent use of antibiotics is required and the approach to achieving the goal and addressing the challenges must be effectively outlined. Clinical pharmacists are indispensable in promoting the selection and appropriate use of antibiotics. The current review describes the causes and complications associated with the irrational use of antibiotics in COVID-19 patients and addresses the major public health concerns.