clinical pharmacology
Drug Errors
Inappropriate use of drugs
Drugs may be given incorrectly, especially in institutions. A drug may be given to the wrong patient, at the wrong time, or by the wrong route. Certain drugs must be given slowly when given IV, and some drugs cannot be given simultaneously. When an error is recognized, it should be reported immediately to a clinician, and a pharmacist should be consulted. Bar codes and computerized pharmacy systems may help decrease the incidence of drug errors. 