Metronidazole stewardship initiative at Christchurch hospitals achievable with immediate benefits
Sharon J Gardiner, Sarah CL Metcalf, Paul KL Chin, Matthew P Doogue, Simon C Dalton, Stephen T Chambers
Metronidazole is a commonly used antibiotic. In hospitals, it is traditionally dosed three times daily, and often intravenously (IV). In October 2015, a campaign was started in Christchurch public hospitals to change to less frequent dosing (twice daily), and to prioritise the oral route for dosing. The initiative was successful with a 43% decrease in metronidazole IV use and savings of around $100,000 annually. Benefits include avoidance of bloodstream infections associated with IV access, and increased nursing time to care .