Cost-effective antibiotic prescribing.

Antibiotics are often misused, resulting in a high frequency of adverse effects, emergence of drug-resistant organisms, and excessive costs. The high cost of antibiotics is currently receiving the greatest attention. Considerable cost savings can be achieved by appropriate prescribing of antibiotics for patients receiving these drugs prophylactically as well as for those with established infections. This article cites specific examples of how cost-effective antibiotic prescribing practices can realize substantial cost savings without any diminished quality in patient care.