Rational Use of Antibiotics in Intensive Care unit

Abstract

Intensive Care Units (ICUs) care for critically ill patients who are highly vulnerable to severe infections, making timely antibiotic therapy essential. In many cases, empirical antibiotics arinitiated before laboratory confirmation to prevent disease progression. However, inappropriate antibiotic prescribing can contribute to antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions, prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and poorer patient outcomes. Therefore, rational antibiotic use, guided by clinical assessment, microbiological data, and antimicrobial stewardship principles, is essential to ensure effective treatment, enhance patient safety, and reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.