Rational Use of Antibiotics in Childhood: Challenges in Pediatric Practice
Rational Use of Antibiotics in Childhood: Challenges in Pediatric Practice
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51473/rcmos.v1i1.2026.1968Keywords:
Antibacterials; Pediatrics; Rational use of medicines; Bacterial resistance; Pediatric infections.Abstract
The rational use of antibiotics in childhood represents one of the main challenges in contemporary pediatric practice. Despite their importance in the treatment of bacterial infections, inappropriate prescription of these medications remains frequent, especially for conditions of viral etiology, which are common in the pediatric population (Ventola, 2015; Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, 2022). This practice contributes to the increase in bacterial resistance, a higher occurrence of adverse events, and rising healthcare costs (Brazil, 2021). The present study aims to analyze, through a narrative literature review, the main challenges related to the rational use of antibiotics in childhood, with a focus on upper respiratory tract infections, community-acquired pneumonia, and urinary tract infections, which together represent significant causes of morbidity in this population. The main prescription errors, their clinical and epidemiological consequences, as well as strategies aimed at promoting the rational use of antibiotics in pediatric practice, are discussed (World Health Organization, 2019).
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Copyright (c) 2026 Gabriela Wander de Almeida Braga, Mariany de Oliveira Gomes, Ibrahim Daoud Elias Filho, Mariana Braz de Oliveira, Fernando de Velasco Lino (Autor)
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