Abstract

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND PHARMACIST ROLE IN ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP

Tajuddin Shaik*, Parveen Shaik*, Lavudya Manisha, Lingala Vishnupriya, Mailapally
Srilakshmi, Penna Mahendra

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a critical globalhealth challenge, threatening the effective treatment ofinfectious diseases and undermining decades of medicalprogress. The widespread misuse, overuse, and irrationalselection of antibiotics across hospital, community, andagricultural settings have accelerated the emergence of resistantpathogens, resulting in higher treatment failure rates, prolongedillness, increased mortality, and substantial economic burden.To counter this growing threat, Antibiotic StewardshipPrograms (ASPs) have been established as essential strategiesto promote the judicious use of antimicrobials, enhance patientoutcomes, and limit the spread of resistance. Pharmacists, asexperts in pharmacotherapy, play a central and influential rolein the design, implementation, and success of ASPs. Theircontributions include evaluating the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy, optimizing dose and duration based on pharmacokinetic andpharmacodynamic considerations, monitoring treatment response, preventing adverse druginteractions, and ensuring adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Pharmacists alsoparticipate in antimicrobial audits, surveillance activities, infection-control initiatives, policydevelopment, and education for healthcare professionals and the public. In communitysettings, they are key advocates against self-medication and support rational antibiotic usethrough patient counseling and awareness efforts. This review highlights the magnitude of the AMR crisis, outlines the core principles of antimicrobial stewardship, and emphasizes the essential and expanding role of pharmacists in safeguarding antibiotic effectiveness. Strengthening pharmacist-driven stewardship initiatives is vital to improving clinical outcomes, reducing resistance, and preserving the efficacy of antibiotics for future generations.

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