Vancomycin Drug Utilization Evaluation in infectious disease ward of Imam Khomeini Hospital
Background: Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies are performed to define, determine, and finally improve the quality of drug usage. These types of studies are especially valuable for drugs with a narrow therapeutic index or specific indication, or for expensive medications. In Iran, vancomycin is only available by prescription for methicillin resistant staphylococcal and enterococcal infections. It is obvious that extensive and irrational use of this drug can increase bacterial resistance to this antibiotic. The goal of this study was to assess vancomycin utilization. Methods: In a descriptive cross sectional study performed during the fall and winter of 2004, this vancomycin DUE was done in the Infectious Disease Department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Tehran. All of the patients receiving vancomycin were enrolled in this study. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and American Society of Hospital Pharmacists (ASHP) protocols have been used to perform this study. Results: Of the 565 inpatients at this hospital, 39 subjects (7% received vancomycin. Vancomycin utilization among these patients was compatible with CDC and ASHP protocols in only 28% and 35% of the patients, respectively. Conculusion: Vancomycin is predominantly administered empirically, rather than being based on the antibiogram. This may be due to the routine protocol of the ward or the physician doubting the reliability of the antibiogram.