Evaluating the cost impact of intravenous antibiotic dosing frequencies

Cost differences between antibiotic dosing frequencies were studied at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Developing a complete cost profile between antibiotic alternatives is difficult because of role separation within the hospital. To present a more complete profile, the study analyzed the incremental costs associated with the hospital pharmacy and nursing staffs regarding various dosing frequencies, including different iv admixture and administration methods. Results showed that administration of an antibiotic dose costs approximately $3.35 based on labor and material costs associated with admixture and administration. An average of 4.6 minutes/dose saves nurses up to 23 minutes for each patient who receives an antibiotic dosed once rather than six times daily over a 24-hour period. Costs of administration and admixture should be considered in comparisons of combination therapy with monotherapy when deciding between two therapeutically equivalent alternatives.