Evidence based pharmaceutical interventions focusing on the characteristics of antibiotics use in primary hospitals were investigated to optimize the use of antibiotics. Four pharmaceutical interventions were set up in this study: 1) different levels of antibiotic management system were developed; 2) usage of antibiotics was reported in a monthly journal for the entire hospital; 3) early antibiotics warning system was started; 4) communication between pharmacists and physicians was strengthened. Use of antibiotics in 2007 (before intervention) and 2008 (after intervention) in department of respiratory medicine was analyzed. Significant differences (P〈0.01) in antibiotics use before and after intervention were observed. Use of antibiotics was changed from focusing on one category of drugs to a rotation of a wide range of agents. Evidence based, sound pharmaceutical interventions were effective means to ensure the rational use of antibiotics.