Summary

Antimicrobials and injectable drugs are amongst the most expensive of all drugs, often consuming most of a hospital’s drug budget. In addition to the normal hazards of drug use, the use of antimicrobials contributes to the development of antimicrobial resistance, and poor infection control contributes to the spread of resistant pathogens. Unsafe injections can transmit blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS. Therefore drug and therapeutic committees (DTCs) should:

• monitor the use of antimicrobials and injections to ensure appropriate and safe use

• ensure that appropriate infection control policies and practices are implemented, through an infection control committee or team

• ensure that appropriate surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is conducted in order to inform medicine selection for the formulary list as well as individual patients.