Related Experiment Videos
Aminoglycoside use monitored by clinical pharmaceutical services
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|September 1, 1979
Summary
A pharmacy-infectious diseases program improved rational antibiotic use for amikacin and tobramycin, reducing adverse events and hospital costs. This collaborative approach ensured safe and effective aminoglycoside therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Pharmacy
Background:
- Amikacin and tobramycin are aminoglycoside antibiotics with potential for adverse reactions.
- Rational antibiotic use is crucial for patient safety and healthcare economics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a collaborative pharmacy-infectious diseases program.
- To promote rational use and decrease adverse reactions of amikacin and tobramycin.
- To evaluate the program's impact on antibiotic stewardship and costs.
Main Methods:
- Screening of amikacin and tobramycin requests by pharmacists and infectious disease physicians.
- Physician review for questionable drug use appropriateness.
- Pharmacist recommendations for alternative therapies, dosage adjustments, and patient/provider education.
- Monitoring of antibiotic efficacy and toxicity.
Main Results:
- During a two-year period, 54 patients received amikacin or tobramycin.
- Recommended drug discontinuations occurred in 12 patients with negative cultures or sensitivity to other antibiotics.
- Two initial drug requests were denied.
- No definite renal impairment incidents were associated with amikacin or tobramycin use.
- Aminoglycoside costs and therapy courses represented a small fraction of total hospital expenditures.
Conclusions:
- A pharmacy-infectious diseases program can enhance safe and rational antibiotic prescribing.
- Collaborative drug monitoring may reduce adverse events and hospital costs.
- Effective antibiotic stewardship programs are vital in healthcare settings.