Since the introduction of cimetidine in 1977, hospital expenditures for the histamine2-receptor antagonists have steadily increased, making them one of the most costly classes of therapeutic agents. As a result of cost considerations, we reviewed the available antiulcer agents in our hospital and evaluated the potential for therapeutic interchange within this group of agents. We found that by using famotidine as the principal agent in our hospital, drug cost savings of approximately $65,000 were realized. Additionally, avoiding the administration of approximately 13,000 parenteral doses with the selection of famotidine resulted in further reduction of drug administration costs. We conclude that the histamine2-receptor antagonists represent a cost-effective target for pharmacy cost-containment programs, without affecting patient therapeutic outcomes.

Formularies, Hospital as Topic↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Resolution of tumor pain with EMLA cream: a case report.

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Aged↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Use of tricyclic antidepressant concentrations to determine individual response.

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Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic↗

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Resolution of tumor pain with EMLA cream.

A 69-year-old woman was admitted for control of intractable rectal pain caused by a 4-cm malignant mass. She was treated successfully with EMLA (eutectic mixture of local anesthetics) cream applied every 8 hours and covered with a Xeroform dressing. Despite an increase in tumor size to 6 cm, her pain control was maintained with no local or systemic adverse effects. We believe topical EMLA may be effective in managing such lesions. Close patient monitoring is necessary, however, and long-term, controlled studies must be conducted to determine its safety and efficacy in this setting.

Aged↗