Islamabad: Irrational use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has emerged as a growing concern in the federal capital, where more than 1.11 million units of the 10 most commonly used antibiotics were sold in the first quarter of 2026, with Co-Amoxiclav topping the list.
Data compiled by the Pharmacy Services & Drug Control (PS&DC), Health Department, Islamabad Capital Territory, from pharmaceutical distributors showed that Co-Amoxiclav, a broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, was the most consumed antimicrobial during January to March 2026, with 352,699 units sold.
It was followed by Ceftriaxone, the most widely used injectable third-generation cephalosporin, with 196,363 units, Cefixime, a third-generation oral cephalosporin, with 193,073 units, and Azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, with 139,110 units.
Other commonly used antibiotics included Levofloxacin (55,299 units), Amoxycillin (48,325), Clarithromycin (41,273), Moxifloxacin (29,997), Linezolid (27,360) and Ciprofloxacin (26,527), taking the combined sales of the top 10 antibiotics to more than 1.11 million units during the three-month period.
The consumption pattern showed a clear predominance of broad-spectrum beta-lactam antibiotics, including Co-Amoxiclav, Ceftriaxone and Cefixime, which together accounted for the largest share of antibiotic use.
According to the report, these medicines, along with macrolides such as Azithromycin and fluoroquinolones, are among the antibiotic classes most strongly associated with accelerating antimicrobial resistance when used irrationally.
The report noted that Ceftriaxone remained the most widely used injectable antibiotic, suggesting heavy utilization in hospitals and emergency care settings, while the high ranking of Cefixime reflected extensive use of third-generation oral cephalosporins in the community.
Azithromycin also continued to show very high community consumption despite increasing concerns regarding resistance to macrolide antibiotics.
The analysis further showed substantial use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics, including Levofloxacin, Moxifloxacin and Ciprofloxacin.
These medicines are classified by the World Health Organization as “Watch” antibiotics and should be prescribed cautiously because of their greater potential to contribute to antimicrobial resistance, the report said.
Another notable finding was the inclusion of Linezolid among the 10 most consumed antibiotics. The report said Linezolid is generally considered a reserve antibiotic and its utilization should be carefully monitored.
In contrast, utilization of the reserve antibiotic Meropenem remained comparatively low, suggesting that last-resort antibiotics are still relatively protected.
The report said the overall consumption pattern demonstrated heavy reliance on broad-spectrum beta-lactams, macrolides and fluoroquinolones.
It warned that misuse and overuse of antibiotics remain the principal drivers of antimicrobial resistance worldwide, increasing the risk that common bacterial infections may become increasingly difficult, and sometimes impossible, to treat.
Commenting on the findings, Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, Secretary Quality Control Board of the Health Department, ICT urged people not to take antibiotics without a qualified doctor’s prescription, avoid demanding antibiotics for viral illnesses such as the common cold and influenza, and purchase antibiotics only from licensed pharmacies.
He also advised the public to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, complete the full course of treatment, never share antibiotics with family or friends, never use leftover antibiotics from previous illnesses and return unused or expired medicines for safe disposal.
Sardar Shabbir said responsible use of antibiotics was essential to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines for future generations, warning that misusing antibiotics today could leave patients without effective treatment options tomorrow.
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