Antibiotic Usage in the Pediatric Population: The Need for Effective Role of Parents and Prescribers

Antibiotics are an important aspect of pediatric medical treatment and infectious diseases are the leading cause of child mortality. Antibiotics are the cornerstone of the treatment for bacterial infections, and children received these drugs more frequently than any other class of medication. Inappropriate use of antibiotics is of international concern and promotion of appropriate and safe antibiotic usage is the need of the hour. The high percentage of inadequate antibiotic prescriptions in hospitals and the community is reported in the pediatric population around the globe. The improper and excessive use of antibiotics in children leads to resistance and adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Parents and prescribers influence the prescription of antibiotics in children. It is reported that only proper educational intervention by the right people with the right tools for both parents and prescribers can sufficiently improve the problem of inappropriate antibiotic practices and gradually eliminate the risk of antibiotic resistance. This narrative review paper provides an overview of the use, ADRs, allergy, errors, and off-label usage of antibiotics in children and also discusses the important role of the parents and prescriber in the use of antibiotics therapy