A cost comparison of intravenous cimetidine delivery systems

Five systems for preparing and three systems for administering intravenous medications, using forty doses for each system were evaluated on the basis of product acquisition, ancillary supply and personnel costs. Time and motion studies were conducted on solutions (System 1: minibag prepared with a vial of cimetidine; System 2: minibag prepared with a premixed syringe; System 3: ready-to-use minibag; System 4: large volume cimetidine infusion; System 5: premixed syringe) prepared by pharmacy technicians and administered by nurses. The total cost for the large volume infusion system was 50% less than the other systems. Labor costs accounted for only a small portion of total cost and did not appear to influence the rank established by drug and supply costs. Based on the study results, using a large volume cimetidine infusion could result in a cost savings for both pharmacy and nursing departments and should be considered when pharmacy and nursing time is at a premium.