Original Article A Drug Utilization Evaluation Study of Amphotericin B in Neutropenic Patients in a Teaching Hospital in Iran

Drug Utilization Evaluation (DUE) studies facilitate assessing the appropriateness and rational use of medications.The goal of the present study was to evaluate Amphotericin B usage in neutropenic patients. A prospective DUE study was performed in Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation wards at Taleghani hospital for one-year. National comprehensive cancer network, clinical practice guidelines in oncology, American Hospital Formulary Service and other relevant medical practice and up-to dated articles were used to evaluate whether Amphotericin B is properly used according to the guidelines. All data collected by a pharmacist in daily review using information of physician and nursing records as well as laboratory findings. During the one-year study, 35 patients receiving amphotericin B were evaluated. 29 patients (82.9%) received amphotericin B due to neutropenia and fever and 6 patients had confirmed fungal infections. All of the injectable solutions of amphotericin B were appropriately prepared for intravenous infusion. In addition, for all patients, ordering (indication) of the study drug was in accordance with the guidelines. Twenty-five (71.4%) patients received an appropriate dose according to the guidelines. Duration of treatment was properly selected in 21 (60%