Altering aminoglycoside selection in a community hospital.

The aminoglycoside antibiotics make up a large part of the pharmacy budget. A method developed by the pharmacy department in conjunction with the P & T Committee for implementing usage guidelines at a community hospital is presented. The program was designed to promote cost-effective therapy while maintaining safety and efficacy. After the program was implemented, both aminoglycoside use and expenditures were altered. The data indicate that by incorporating current medical information into an institution-specific program, it is possible to bring about a decrease in the cost of antibiotic therapy. This study suggests that interventions may be effective in community hospitals as well as in large teaching institutions.