Gray Morris

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Unit Three: Chapter 13

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After reviewing this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Identify trade and generic names of medications

2. Identify dosage strength of medications

3. Identify forms in which medications are supplied

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4. Identify the total volume of a medication container where indicated

5. Identify directions for mixing or preparing a drug where necessary

6. Identify information on combined drug labels

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Given by manufacturer who develops medication

One generic name Legally required on all labels Nurses need to know Dispensed less expensively than brand Common generics: morphine, atropine,

phenobarbital, meperidine Look-alike, sound-alike—very different

Hydralazine vs hydroxyzine

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“Brand” or “Proprietary”May be many for one generic

Prominently displayed ® or to indicate registration of name

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Weight or amount of medication in a specific unit of measure

May be stated in two different but equivalent expressions, such as

0.25 mg per mL = 250 mcg per mL

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Type of med in packageTablets, capsules, liquids, suppositories,

ointments Abbreviations or words that describe form

CR (controlled release), DS (double-strength) Bar-code symbols

Aid in inventory control and distribution

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The route should be clearly indicated on the labelOral, IM, IV, topical, optic, oticUnless stated otherwise, capsules, pills, and

tablets are understood to be oral medsMeds with abbreviations SR, XR, ER, XL, or

anything indicating that it is long-acting should NOT be crushed and used via a tube

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LiquidsTotal volume in container is statedStrength is expressed as medication per

volume of solution (e.g., mg in mL 5 mg per 10 mL)

SolidsThe total number of capsules or tabs is listedStrength of each tablet or capsule is provided

(e.g., mg per tablet 50 mg per capsule)Powders for reconstitution – precise instructions

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Precautions Safety Storage

Examples: Protect from light, Keep tightly closed, Refrigerate after opening

Usual Dosage

Note: ALWAYS read EXPIRATION DATES

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The capsule, tablet, or liquid contains two medicines within one vehicle

Orders must include dosages—not just number of tabs or mL!

Exceptions: If strength is NOT indicated on label, only one strength exists, and it can be ordered by number of tabs, caps, mLExamples: multivitamins, Bactrim DS, Percocet

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Lot/Control NumbersRequired by law

National Drug Code (NDC) number Manufacturer’s name Other abbreviations

USP (United States Pharmacopoeia)NF (National Formulary)

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Narcotic FDA control number Based on abuse potentialSchedule I to Schedule VWritten as CI, CII, CIII, CIV, CVHighest abuse potential is CILowest abuse potential is CV

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Unit Dose Labeled individually Packaged individually In computerized dispensing system In client-specified drawersMultidose bottles or vials Used if large quantities are needed for unit

Examples: Tylenol, insulin