Journal of Applied Pharmacy
Open Access

Abstract

COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF INTRAVENOUS (IV) TO ORAL (PO) SWITCH OF PARACETAMOL IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Sidrah Andleeb, Muhammad Tahir Aziz, ZuhaibJaffer Malik, Mariam Nawaz, Kiran Ibrahim

Background: Intravenous to oral switch of medication in clinically stable patients is a part of appropriate medication reconciliation process, which ensures lower cost and reduced hospital stay. Paracetamol injection use has been very frequent in hospital setting especially during emergency care.At Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital 7 Research Center (SKMCH&RC), an online restriction for paracetamol injection prescribing was introduced in Jun, 2014 to ensure parenteral use only in indicated cases. Aim: In this retrospective study, it was intended to evaluate the impact of online IV paracetamol restriction on consumption of parenteral paracetamol in the institute. Method:It was a retrospective cross-sectional study. Paracetamol injection consumption was observed for the year 2014 month-wise using hospital information system (HIS). Results:The number of paracetamol injections used before implementation of restriction was 11429 from Jan to Jun, 2014. After implementation of restriction, the number was reduced to 8219 in total from Jun, 2014 to Dec, 2014. There was a 28.1% decrease in the use of paracetamol injectable dosage form after implementation of the restriction. Rs. 321,000/- approx. were saved as a result of reduced consumption. Conclusion: Restriction of intravenous paracetamol prescribing is associated with reduced parenteral paracetamol prescribing and lower cost of therapy