Objective To investigate the knowledge of the rational use of antibiotics among pharmacists in medical institutions in Shanxi Province, People’s Republic of China, in order to determine the problems and provide support for the correct management of antibiotics.

Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted, which included the basic information of the respondents, the basic knowledge of antimicrobial management, and the related knowledge of antimicrobial drugs.

Results 462 pharmacists were investigated. The average score of the knowledge related to the rational use of antibiotics was 10.49±4.05. It showed that the hospital type, grade, pharmacist’s education, professional title and working years all had an effect on the pharmacist’s mastery of antimicrobial-related knowledge (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hospital grade and pharmacist’s education were the main influencing factors (p<0.05).

Conclusion Pharmacists have insufficient knowledge about the rational application of antibacterial drugs. It is essential to strengthen the training of management regulations and the application of antibacterial drugs.