How can formulary restrictions contribute to antimicrobial stewardship?

Formulary restrictions contribute to antimicrobial stewardship by limiting the use of certain antimicrobials to specific situations, which is a critical strategy to prevent the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. When specific antimicrobials are reserved for particular types of infections or patient populations, it reduces the overall exposure to those agents in the healthcare setting. This targeted approach helps ensure that antimicrobials are used appropriately, thus preserving their efficacy for when they are truly needed.

By narrowing the indications for the use of certain drugs, formulary restrictions can also guide healthcare professionals in adhering to evidence-based practices and promote the use of first-line or more narrow-spectrum agents when appropriate. This not only minimizes the risk of developing resistance—since wide use of broad-spectrum and reserve antimicrobials contributes to the problem—but also helps in optimizing patient outcomes by ensuring that the right drug is used for the right infection.