A cost effective analysis of ceftriaxone brands available in Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Cost effective analysis is an economic analysis which compares the relative costs and outcomes of two or more courses of action in the field of health services. Cost-effectiveness analysis is often used where it may be inappropriate to monetize health effect. Ceftriaxone is a valuable third generation cephalosporin, frequently used to treat myriads of infections caused by Gram positive, Gram negative, aerobic as well as anaerobic bacteria.The present study was designed to evaluate the quality of different brands of ceftriaxone available at different prices. Quality was evaluated by the physicochemical equivalence, amount of endotoxins as well as determination of clinical isolates sensitivity of  Salmonella typhi, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Staphylococcus aureus by turbid metric method against different brands of ceftriaxone. The physicochemical parameters as well as amount of endotoxins were in the range specified by United States Pharmacopoeia(USP). All organisms showed 100% susceptibility against each brand as shown by CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) susceptibility limit i.e. 8 µg/ml. Hence it is concluded that the physicochemical characteristics and in-vitro activity of brands is equal regardless of visible price variations. Thus brands with low price can be used expediently for the treatment of economically compromised patients.