Adherence to antimicrobial agent recommendations and utilization during drug shortages.

Purpose: Antimicrobial shortages occur frequently, but the impact on antimicrobial use is not well defined. The study objectives were to characterize utilization of antimicrobial agents with established restrictions during a medication shortage, assess utilization of shortage antimicrobials following shortage resolution, and examine use of recommended alternative antimicrobials during the shortage period.

Methods: Five antimicrobials were restricted due to shortages from 2015 through 2020.