Objective: To assess the impact of pharmaceutical intervention on the use of sequential therapy (ST) with fluoroquinolones.
Methods: A prospective comparative study of pharmaceutical intervention in two stages: observational stage and intervention stage for ST promotion.
Results: In all, 250 patients receiving intravenous therapy with fluoroquinolones (113 with levofloxacin and 137 with ciprofloxacin) were studied, with 76 and 70 patients, respectively, being eligible for a pharmaceutical intervention program to promote ST. Pharmaceutical intervention showed a decreased duration of intravenous therapy and increased duration of oral therapy for both drugs, as well as decreased medication-related costs, all in a statistically significant manner.
Discussion: ST promotion provides an opportunity to expand the role of hospital pharmacists and to optimize fluoroquinolone-based therapy, which results in decreased intravenous treatments and provides a more cost-effective option.