At present, the use of antibacterial drugs is one of the most frequently recommended methods of treating a large number of infectious diseases. However, in clinical practice, excessive use of antibiotics, unreasonable antibiotic therapy, and inappropriate combinations are quite common, which creates the risk of unwanted side effects, increases the cost of treatment and leads to an increase in microorganism resistance. That is why, in modern medicine, the problem of rational antibiotic therapy, i.e. the adequate use of antibacterial drugs, compliance with strict indications for their use, certain schemes and principles of use, and the creation of protocols for antibiotic therapy in pediatric practice, remains relevant. Antibacterial drugs should be prescribed for inflammatory diseases of bacterial etiology and for perioperative prophylaxis. Antibiotics should not be used in the treatment of uncomplicated acute viral respiratory diseases, since they do not have an antiviral effect, do not reduce fever, and do not prevent the development of bacterial complications. The purpose of this work is to form a methodological approach to the use of antibacterial drugs in pediatrics based on existing Russian recommendations.