Irrational use of antibiotics in children

Irrational use of antibiotics is a major public health problem worldwide and this practice is more common in treating pediatric illnesses. certain factors are contributing to this growing problem which is responsible for increasing the cost of health services and antimicrobial resistance. this article will review the current situation of antibiotics misuse in children across the globe with special emphasis on situation in pakistan and will identify the factors responsible for it. this will also help in understanding the problems associated with it and interventions needed to overcome this problem. studies done previously on this topic have been reviewed thoroughly from electronic media. we have found it to be a common practice in pediatric population. factors responsible include demographic factors,psychosocial factors,attitudes and behavioral patterns of physicians and patients. this problem can be reduced successfully by multifaceted interventions and strategies. © 2015,pakistan pediatric journal. all rights reserved.