Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On The Pattern Of Azithromycin Prescribing; A Review

Abstract

Objective: Emergence of COVID-19 infection and its persistence globally for three years in a row (2020-2022) entailed several modifications in healthcare services, among which drug prescribing was an important outcome. This review aims to highlight changing trends in azithromycin prescribing during pandemic years. Methods: PubMed database was systematically searched for combinations of the following keywords: Antibiotics; Antimicrobial resistance; Azithromycin; COVID-19. Results: A total of 12 articles were included in this review. All included studies demonstrated a notable increase in azithromycin consumption during COVID-19 pandemic in Spain, Brazil, USA, India, Croatia, and Jordan. Healthcare systems worldwide should be prepared to address anticipated outcomes of increased azithromycin use particularly possible changing trends in azithromycin resistance, and systemic side effects of the drug.