Drug utilization evaluation of imipenem and intravenous ciprofloxacin in a teaching hospital

Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies are designed to assess drug usage appropriateness. We aim to evaluate the drug utilization of intravenous ciprofloxacin and imipenem, two of the broad spectrum antibiotics that consume a significant proportion of our hospitals’ outlay, in different wards of a teaching hospital in Zabol. During a 5 months period (December 2010 to May 2011), 263 patients who received imipenem or intravenous ciprofloxacin were assigned to this study. Retrospective review of patient’s records was carried out. Data were converted to Defined Daily Dose (DDD) and the ratio of prescribed daily dose per DDD was calculated. Among these records, 100 patients received either imipenem or ciprofloxacin. The ratio of prescribed daily dose to DDD was 1.5 for both antibiotics. Almost all patients received empiric therapy in both groups. Only 13 patients (26%) in ciprofloxacin group and 4 patients (8%) in imipenem group received their antibiotics consistent with American Hospital Formulary System (AHFS) mentioned indication. Baseline Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and serum Creatinine were ordered for only 37 patients (74%) in both groups with 15 abnormal results but dose adjustment performed just in one case with decreased renal function. In conclusion, the majority of courses with both drugs were empirically selected and continued and required lab tests for drug monitoring and dose adjustments were not performed in most cases. Educational interventions, developing a local formulary and a strict antibiotic prescribing policy for example by prior approval by an infectious disease consultant can help significantly to overcome these problems.