What it means
ISMP keeps a list of these drugs. Errors with them may not happen more often than with other drugs, but when they do, the harm is greater. Examples include insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry , opioids, anticoagulantan-tee-koh-AG-yoo-luntA drug that slows the blood's ability to form clots.anti- againstcoagul/o clotting-ant an agent that doesFull entry such as heparinHEP-uh-rinAn anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.Full entry , concentrated potassium chloride, chemotherapy, neuromuscular blockers and IV sedation drugs.
For the nurse
Use the facility's safeguards: independent double checks where required, smart infusion pumps with dose limits, standard concentrations and labels, and careful monitoring after the dose.
At a glance
| Also written | high alert medication, high-alert medications, high-alert drug, high-alert drugs, high-risk medication, high-risk medications, high risk medication |
|---|
Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
heparin
An anticoagulant drug, given by injection or IV, that keeps blood clots from forming or growing.
look-alike sound-alike
Describes drug names that look or sound similar to other drug names and so are easily confused.