An aminoglycoside monitoring service in a community hospital using a microcomputer

A pharmacy-based aminoglycoside dosing and monitoring service using a microcomputer is described. The service was developed after an audit of aminoglycoside use and serum drug sampling revealed existence of several deficiencies in areas related to aminoglycoside antimicrobial therapy. A protocol was proposed by the pharmacy department and accepted by the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee whereby the departments of pharmacy, laboratory, and nursing would initiate a protocol for aminoglycoside dosing and serum drug sampling. The program has been operational for 36 months. The author's experience indicated that a pharmacy-based aminoglycoside dosing and monitoring service can be effectively conducted by baccalaureate-level pharmacists.