title: DUE (drug usage evaluation) of ticarcillin and clavulanate potassium: determining appropriate and cost-effective therapeutic options.
abstract: The initial 46 patients who were prescribed the combination drug ticarcillin disodium and clavulanate potassium in a 640-bed teaching hospital were evaluated to determine the potential usefulness of the drug in the institution. The review revealed frequent use of the drug for inappropriate indications and in situations for which less expensive antimicrobials were appropriate. The results demonstrate that an increase in costs can occur when an agent that is being considered for formulary addition--because of its cost-saving potential--is not used as expected. In order to optimally utilize the clinical or cost advantages of newer antimicrobials, a program of prescriber education, drug use controls or guidelines, and a concurrent monitoring program may be required and should be implemented at the time of initial drug use within an institution.
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002969:Clavulanic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004363:Drug Utilization / Q000191:economics*; D006746:Hospital Bed Capacity, 500 and over; D006801:Humans; D009518:New York; D010406:Penicillins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013982:Ticarcillin / Q000627:therapeutic use*