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01-06-2003 | Leading Article

Medication Errors Caused by Confusion of Drug Names

Authors: Dr James M. Hoffman, Susan M. Proulx

Published in: Drug Safety | Issue 7/2003

Abstract

Many drug names can look or sound like other drug names, which leads to confusion and potentially harmful medication errors. While various types of drug names exist, brand (proprietary) names are most commonly confused. Examples of the numerous drug names that have been confused because they look and/or sound similar include Celebrex® (celecoxib), Cerebyx® (fosphenytoin), and Celexa® (citalopram). Factors such as poor handwriting and clinical similarity may exacerbate the problem. This problem can be alleviated through actions by regulatory agencies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, healthcare professionals, and patients. To address the problem, significant changes in the pharmaceutical regulatory process have occurred in the US and Europe.

Use of brand names is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement.

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Title: Medication Errors Caused by Confusion of Drug Names
Authors: Dr James M. Hoffman
Susan M. Proulx
Publication date: 01-06-2003
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Drug Safety / Issue 7/2003
Print ISSN: 0114-5916
Electronic ISSN: 1179-1942
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-200326070-00001

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Medication Errors Caused by Confusion of Drug Names

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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