title: Pharmacoeconomic impact of a drug use evaluation of ceftriaxone in an acute-care medical center.
abstract: Inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobial agents may result in considerable expense to the health care system. It was noted in a 295-bed, acute-care medical center that ceftriaxone was being prescribed every 12 hours in what appeared to be a disproportionately large percentage of patients. A drug evaluation was conducted to determine the appropriateness of the prescribing of this agent. Based on indication, it was determined that a significant number of patients receiving a twice-daily dosing should receive once-daily dosing. An educational effort directed to the medical staff was implemented via the pharmacy and therapeutics committee on the proper prescribing of ceftriaxone. A follow-up drug use evaluation demonstrated appropriate prescribing in most situations, resulting in cost savings in excess of $25,000.
authors.affiliation: College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Athens, USA.
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Wade
authors.forename: C Y
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: McCall
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002443:Ceftriaxone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D002511:Cephalosporins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D002511:Cephalosporins; D002443:Ceftriaxone