P H A R M A G R A M

...a memo from your Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

October, 2006

Abbreviations Policy – Reminder:

The following is a list of abbreviations that can lead to medication errors and should not be used when ordering medications. The following list of abbreviations has been banned from use in the Medical Center and was approved by the Medical Executive Committee. 

1. Abbreviated drug name (ex. MS, MSO4, MgSO4) – Write out the complete name (ex. Morphine)

2. “U” for units or “IU” for international units – Write out “units” or ‘international units”

  3.  "ug” for micrograms – Use “mcg” or micrograms                   

  4. Q.D. – Use daily or q24hrs

  5.  Q.O.D. – Write out every other day or use every 48 hrs       

  6. .5 (no leading zero) – Should be 0.5

  7. 5.0 (trailing zero) – Should be 5                                               

  8. SC or SQ –Use “subq” or subcutaneous

  9. AU, AS, AD – Write out ‘both ears,’ ‘left ear,’ ‘right ear’

Formulary Decisions:

Ranolazine (Ranexa®) – a newly FDA approved drug for angina was denied Formulary addition based on efficacy (especially female population), drug interactions, cost, look-alike/sound-alike concerns (i.e. ranitidine or raloxifene) and dosing considerations in renally or hepatically impaired patients.

Epoprostenol (Flolan®), which is approved for IV use in treating pulmonary hypertension, has been approved to be used by inhalation for pediatric patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Ibuprofen lysine (NeoProfen®) was added to the Formulary to be used as the primary drug for patent ductus arteriosus in neonates. Indomethacin IV will still be available for ‘non-responders.’

Calcium gluconate IV was approved to be available on override in Pyxis® stations in the obstetrics units for emergency treatment of magnesium overdoses.

ADE (Adverse Drug Event) Hotline: 655-6805

Drug Information Service: 655-2382 (Monday-Friday 0800-1530)