Enhancing the role of pharmacy students in appropriate use of antibiotics and preventing its resistance – a systematic review

Abstract

Antibiotics are agents which are used to kill or inhibit growth of various bacterial infections. There is an increase in the availability of antibiotics over the counter which has been used inappropriately. Inappropriate usage of antibiotics ultimately results in the bacterial resistance leads to the therapeutic failure. They have broad spectrum of activity against the bacteria as well as the narrow spectrum where it acts against a specific group of bacteria. Both developed and non-developed countries are affected by the irrational use of antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance is accelerated by the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, as well as poor infection prevention and control. Pharmacists plays an ultimate role in preventing the self-medication, since self-medication can lead to adverse effects. Hence it is the role of the pharmacy students who would be the future pharmacists should not indulge themselves in inappropriate usage and dispensing of antibiotics. Many studies have been reported across the world which has shown that irrational self-medication of antibiotics were consumed in self-limiting diseases such as upper respiratory infection and allergic rhinitis. Pharmacy students also reports the irrational use of antibiotics in acute gastroenteritis and diarrhea. Prescribing and dispensing antibiotics according to the guidelines by the healthcare professionals helps in promoting the rational use of antibiotics. This study helps to understand the Pharmacy students’ knowledge, attitude and perception towards the antibiotic use and its resistance and their role in the appropriate use of the antibiotics and preventing its resistance. This study has also focused on the importance of the antimicrobial stewardship program and its benefits to the pharmacy students.