Concurrent pharmacist monitoring of gentamicin therapy

The results of concurrent monitoring of gentamicin therapy by a clinical pharmacist are reported. All patients in a 332-bed teaching hospital who were started on gentamicin therapy during a 72-day period were monitored. Predetermined criteria concerning maximum daily gentamicin dose based on serum creatinine and acceptable precautions for avoiding toxicity (i.e., serum creatinine, gentamicin serum level determinations) were used. Deviations from these criteria resulted in contact with the patient's physician, and specific recommendations were made by the pharmacist at that time. During this period, 120 courses of gentamicin therapy were monitored in 101 patients. Major criteria deviations were found in 15 (12.5%) courses, resulting in the contact of 10 physicians. Physicians responded to the pharmacists' recommendations in 9 (60%) of the 15 courses. It is concluded that a clinical pharmacist can interact effectively with physicians in monitoring drug therapy in the hospital.