Cost analysis of mixing clindamycin and aminoglycosides

Data were collected to determine if cost savings could be achieved by mixing clindamycin and aminoglycosides (gentamicin or tobramycin) in the same minibag for intravenous administration. The following issues were investigated: drug and supply costs associated with combination admixtures, pharmacy labor costs, and waste. Over a 17-month period, 1961 combination admixtures were prepared; 62 of these doses were wasted. Drug cost savings of $128.15, supply cost savings of [4719.48, and labor cost savings of [1878.40 were achieved, with an overall cost savings (minus waste) of $5658.01. Overall waste was similar with the combined admixture service and the preparation of separate doses, and the aminoglycoside pharmacokinetic dosing service did not substantially affect use of the combination admixtures. The clindamycin and aminoglycoside admixture system was effective in reducing supply and labor costs.