Drug-related problems of antibiotics in outpatients’ settings: a scoping review

Antibiotic use in outpatient settings accounts for the majority of overall antibiotic consumption, yet inappropriate prescribing and drug-related problems (DRPs) remain prevalent and underreported. Conducting a scoping review on antibiotic-related DRPs in outpatients is essential to comprehensively map existing evidence, identify gaps, and inform targeted interventions aimed at optimizing antibiotic use and improving patient safety. The review was conducted following the five-stage methodology developed by Arksey and O’Malley, with studies identified through a PubMed database search. Of the 400 studies retrieved, 22 met the inclusion criteria. The most frequently prescribed antibiotic classes for outpatients were penicillins, macrolides, fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, and cephalosporins. Commonly reported antibiotic-related DRPs included inappropriate dose and frequency, incorrect duration of therapy, lack of indication for therapy, non-adherence to guideline-recommended treatment, absence of therapy despite indication, potential drug interactions, and adverse drug reactions. Targeted outpatient antimicrobial stewardship is urgently needed to optimize antibiotic use and reduce resistance.