Fluconazole dosing in renal impairment: a drug usage evaluation

Fluconazole is an antifungal agent available for oral and parenteral use. Drug dosage is based on the type and severity of infection, identity of the causative organism, the patient's renal function as determined by creatinine clearance, and response to therapy. To determine whether or not IV fluconazole was being dosed appropriately based on the above parameters, the pharmacy department at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, Michigan, decided to perform a 3-month drug usage evaluation. As had been speculated, many fluconazole-treated patients were receiving inappropriate dosages. Specifically, renal function was not being taken into consideration in 30% of the cases. Additionally, 33% of patients received higher than necessary doses based on site and severity of infection. With the help of the P & T Committee, an educational program was implemented to assist physicians in the appropriate dosing of fluconazole.