Price variation analysis of various brands of cephalosporins available in Indian market

Abstract

Background: Cephalosporins are one of the widely used groups of antibiotics worldwide. The price variation among different brands of same compound is one of the important factors influencing the compliance to treatment. Aim and Objectives: The present study was done with the aim to analyze the price variability pattern among the various brands of cephalosporins available in Indian Market by calculating the percentage price variation. Materials and Methods: Current Index of Medical Specialties July–October 2020 was used to review the prices of different brands of oral and parenteral preparations of cephalosporins with same strength available in Indian market. Cost ratio and percentage price variation among different brands were calculated. Results: In this study, noticeable price variation was found between different brands of cephalosporins. The numbers of brands for same strength formulations marketed by different companies were found to be ranging from 2 to 90 in this study. Among oral cephalosporins maximum percentage price difference was found for cefuroxime 500 mg −1396.53%, whereas the lowest percentage price difference was found to be for cefaclor 500 mg −17.69%. The maximum percentage price difference among the parenteral cephalosporins was found to be for cefuroxime 750 mg −1784.21% and the lowest percentage price difference was found to be for ceftazidime 250 mg + tazobactam 31.25 mg −0.92%. Conclusion: There exists a wide percentage price difference among the brands of cephalosporins marketed by different companies. Clinicians must consider socioeconomic background of their patients, while prescribing to reduce non-compliance and provide economical regimen for their patients.