P&T Committee guidelines for antibiotic cost comparisons.

P & T Committees are focusing much effort and attention on controlling the costs of antibiotic therapy in their hospitals. In their efforts, committee members must understand not only the basic costs of acquisition in determining cost-effective therapy, but also the many expenses involved with dosing and administration. The author provides guidelines for assessing the various costs involved with antibiotic therapy based on his observations of hospitals' attempts to control costs. Suggestions of ways to make most effective use of the formulary and staff resources are presented.