Development,implementation and cost-effectiveness of a protocol for review of combination diuretic prescribing

AIMS: To determine the extent of inappropriate prescribing of combination diuretics and the cost implications of protocol implementation. METHODS: Pharmacist-run medication review clinics in two general practices in Bradford, UK. RESULTS: Sixty-one patients, mean +/- s.d. age 75.8 +/- 12.0 years, were reviewed. Thirty-six met protocol criteria; 30 (49.2%) patients had their potassium-sparing diuretics (PSDs) discontinued. Mean (95% confidence interval) reduction in serum potassium concentrations after intervention in these 30 patients was 0.26 (0.09, 0.43) mmol l(-1) (P < 0.01). Twenty-eight (93.3%) patients were within the reference range at follow-up; none was below. CONCLUSIONS: Of prescribed PSDs, 59% were found to be unnecessary. Using the developed protocol potentially improves drug safety and enables cost savings.