[Pharmacoeconomics of meropenem versus imipenem/cilastatin]

The Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee of our hospital regulates the use of antimicrobial drugs every year. With the coming into the market of the new antibiotic carbapenem meropenem, comparative meropenem, it was assigned to the Drug Information Center the elaboration of comparative report on the two antibiotics, including as well cost analysis. We have analyzed the activities to be made since an antimicrobial drug is purchased until it is administered. We have only assessed on the direct costs that differ in the two antibiotics that are: the pre-use preparation in the pharmacy service and the preparation and administration in hospital floors. We have classified the direct cost in: goods and services, purchases and supplies costs costs and staff costs. We have calculated the daily cost of both antibiotics in the treatment of serious infections and even in more serious, life threatening infections. On top of that, we have a reviewed the use of imipenem/cilastatin and meropenem in our hospital. The information obtained shows that the saving in serious infections is of 34.6% and of 4.5% in more serious infections with vital compromise. The Pharmacy and Therapeutic Commission taking into account the report elaborated, has considered convenient the choice of meropenem as a representative of carbapenem drugs.