ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND PHARMACIST ROLE IN ANTIMICROBIAL STEWARDSHIP

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has become a critical global health challenge, threatening the effective treatment of infectious diseases and undermining decades of medical progress. The widespread misuse, overuse, and irrational selection of antibiotics across hospital, community, and agricultural settings have accelerated the emergence of resistant pathogens, resulting in higher treatment failure rates, prolonged illness, increased mortality, and substantial economic burden. To counter this growing threat, Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASPs) have been established as essential strategies to promote the judicious use of antimicrobials, enhance patient outcomes, and limit the spread of resistance. Pharmacists, as experts in pharmacotherapy, play a central and influential role in the design, implementation, and success of ASPs. Their contributions include evaluating the appropriateness of antibiotic therapy, optimizing dose and duration based on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic considerations, monitoring treatment response, preventing adverse drug interactions, and ensuring adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Pharmacists also participate in antimicrobial audits, surveillance activities, infection-control initiatives, policy development, and education for healthcare professionals and the public. In community settings, they are key advocates against self-medication and support rational antibiotic use through 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.