[A prospective comparative study to assess the impact of pharmaceutical intervention in the promotion of sequential therapy with flouroquinolones].
OBJECTIVE
To assess the impact of pharmaceutical intervention on the use of sequential therapy (ST) with fluoroquinolones.


METHODS
A prospective comparative study of pharmaceutical intervention in two stages: observational stage and intervention stage for ST promotion.


RESULTS
In all, 250 patients receiving intravenous therapy with fluoroquinolones (113 with levofloxacin and 137 with ciprofloxacin) were studied, with 76 and 70 patients, respectively, being eligible for a pharmaceutical intervention program to promote ST. Pharmaceutical intervention showed a decreased duration of intravenous therapy and increased duration of oral therapy for both drugs, as well as decreased medication-related costs, all in a statistically significant manner.


CONCLUSIONS
ST promotion provides an opportunity to expand the role of hospital pharmacists and to optimize fluoroquinolone-based therapy, which results in decreased intravenous treatments and provides a more cost-effective option.
Pinteño Blanco
M
M
Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Son Dureta, Palma de Mallorca. mpinteno@hotmail.com
Delgado Sánchez
O
O
Escrivá Torralva
A
A
Crespí Monjo
M
M
Ventayol Bosch
P
P
Puigventós Latorre
F
F
Martínez López
I
I
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000191:economics; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D024841:Fluoroquinolones / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010607:Pharmacy Service, Hospital / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D024841:Fluoroquinolones