Costs and outcomes of extended-release vs. immediate-release clarithromycin for lower respiratory tract infections.
We used decision-analysis modeling to compare costs and outcomes of clarithromycin extended-release (Biaxin XL, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA) and clarithromycin immediate-release (Biaxin, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA) for outpatients with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). More patients achieved clinical cure with extended-release (83.9%) versus immediate-release (72.8%); fewer discontinued due to adverse events. Total costs with extended-release were $32 (16%) less; incorporating greater adherence for extended-release (once-daily) therapy resulted in greater savings. Results indicate that clarithromycin extended-release is cost-saving compared with immediate-release for LRTI.
Halpern
Michael T
MT
Exponent, Health Sciences Group, 1800 Diagonal Road, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314, USA. mhalpern@exponent.com
Cifaldi
Mary A
MA
Schmier
Jordana K
JK
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D017291:Clarithromycin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000191:economics*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000191:economics; D017048:Health Care Costs; D006801:Humans; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017291:Clarithromycin