Decreased Sedation Time = BIG SAVINGS
Authors:Toxicology - Pharmacy Collaboration
Clinical pharmacist, Catherine Verme, was concerned about the prolonged sedation occuring in critically ill patients after their midazolam infusions were discontinued. With the help of the Toxicology Laboratory a stability study was carried out verifying that lorazepam was sufficiently stable to be used as a replacement for midazolam. Subsequent use of lorazepam has resulted in patients recovering more rapidly from sedation. In addition to the savings obtained from faster release of patients from the ICU, an additional savings of $750,000 annually was realized due to the lower cost of lorazepam compared to midazolam.