Antibiotics are the most powerful agents against bacterial infections and hence, are the most commonly prescribed for the pediatric population. However, there have been instances when it has been recommended to children affected by viral or other non-infectious etiologies. The non-judicious use of antibiotics may lead to serious consequences. Adverse drug reactions of gastrointestinal and dermatologic nature are the most commonly observed ones among children. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea occurs in up to a quarter of the patients exposed to antibiotics.
Antibiotic overuse also has led to mounting negative consequences in the form of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Worldwide estimates suggest approximately 700,000 deaths attributed to infection with AMR alone. Source: Yonts AB, Kronman MP, Hamdy RF. The Burden and Impact of Antibiotic Prescribing in Ambulatory Pediatrics. Current…
