Some quantities of resource use were reported separately from the costs. Costs relating to the administration of famotidine in the hospital were estimated. Specifically these included drug acquisition, dilutants, syringes, needles, 0.9% sodium chloride solution for flushing catheter ports, alcohol swabs, and nursing time. Drug acquisition costs were taken from average wholesale prices in the 1994 Red Book. All other supply costs were taken from information on contractual agreements with the hospitals central supply department. Nursing time costs were based on the average hourly rate for ICU nursing services and the average time required to prepare and administer a single dose of famotidine The average time was based on data collected by stopwatch timing and direct observation during the study. The price year was not specifically stated.