Criteria-based DUE aids in selection of preferred agent

The combination of a criteria-based drug utilization evaluation and a comprehensive drug literature review can be effectively used to reach therapeutically sound, cost-efficient formulary decisions. This report describes the approach to evaluating the available H2-receptor antagonists used by the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee of Memorial Medical Center, a 550-bed, community-based teaching hospital affiliated with the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.