Pharmacists have an important role to play in monitoring antibiotic use through routine clinical screening of prescriptions. They should be mindful of the potential for antibiotic-related drugdrug interactions. Interactions concerning the fluoroquinolone and macrolide classes of antibiotic are particularly important in this regard.

Most CCGs will have local infection management guidelines, often adapted from the national antibiotic management guidance developed by PHE. It is important to have an up-to-date copy of the antibiotic guidelines available. When screening antibiotic prescriptions, consider the following:

• Is the prescribed antibiotic the most appropriate for the infection according to guidelines? 
• Is the dose, route, frequency and duration appropriate for the patient?

If a patient presents with an antibiotic prescription that is post-dated or is being presented several days or weeks after the date of issue, it is important to determine if the same antibiotic is still required. It may be prudent to contact the prescriber if, say, symptoms have worsened or there are other warning signs.