Drug Utilization Evaluation of Vancomycin in a Teaching Hospital in Tabriz-Iran

Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies are designed to evaluate drug usage appropriateness. In this study we evaluated the relevant use of vancomycin in a teaching hospital in Iran. The results of this study may be of help for clinicians to improve the patient care. Methods: The use of vancomycin was evaluated in a cross-sectional and prospective study from October 2011 until June 2012. Vancomycin administration was assessed according to CDC and ASHP guidelines. Predesigned data collection was implemented in this study. Information collected from medical records, patient’s history, medical orders, nursing reports and the experimental results available in the patient’s records. Results: During the study period, 75 cases were been evaluated from all of the hospital wards. The median age of patients was 46.65±20.04 years (mean ± SD). The median time of vancomycin use in the study population was 9.35±5.70 days. most of the patients received vancomycin, had been hospitalized for trauma problems. In this study 30.7% of cases received vancomycin appropriately and in accordance to standard guidelines. Conclusion: Based on the results of our study, a substantial percentage of the patients (69.3%), received vancomycin inappropriately. It is essential to promote practical guidelines about utilizing culture and sensitivity testing when considering the use of important and broad spectrum antibiotics. Also educational programs for health care professionals regarding rational use of antibiotics can be helpful in improving antimicrobial medications utilization and monitoring.