Drug Utilization Evaluation of Imipenem and Assessing the Role of Pharmacist Interventions

This study aimed at evaluating utilization of imipenem and assessing the role of pharmacist in rational use of antibiotics.

A retrospective/prospective observational study was conducted in Ramsar Imam Sajjad Hospital in 59 patients receiving imipenem, 2018-2019. In retrospective phase, patients’ records were reviewed, while in prospective phase, a pharmacist provided recommendations on use of imipenem. Duration of taking imipenem, dosage, and dosage adjustment in renal insufficiency were compared with standard protocols.

Mean age of the patients was 69.89±16.12 years and there were 29 males. The most common reason for prescribing imipenem was lower respiratory tract infection (54%) which was more used in internal medicine ward (67.28%) ordered by infectious diseases specialist (65%). In retrospective and prospective phases, mean dosage of imipenem, duration of receiving the antibiotic, and dosage adjustment in renal insufficiency were according to standard protocols in 65% and 85%,  45% and 65%, and 60% and 90% of the cases, respectively (P<0.001).

The role of pharmacist in drug utilization evaluations is of great importance for optimal use of drugs and reducing mortality rates caused by infectious diseases.