Change in use of pediatric oral antibiotics in Japan, pre- and post-implementation of an antimicrobial resistance action plan.

The use of antimicrobial agents decreased in children younger than 8 years in pediatric clinics, hospitals, and internal medicine clinics. However, use increased in children older than 15 years and in other specialty clinics. Settings with an increasing use of antimicrobials are potential targets for the next antibiotic stewardship program and should be investigated in detail.