ISMP home page Support ISMP ISMP Newsletters ISMP Teleconferences ISMP Online Forums Report a medication error to ISMP Educational programs ISMP online store ISMP consulting services FAQ About ISMP Contact ISMP
 
Print This Page Sitemap

 
 

ISMP Medication Safety Alert


What is a "dropperful"?

Medications for children are frequently ordered by the "dropperful". There are several problems with these orders. First there is too much room for misinterpretation of what might constitute a dropperful. One individual might consider it to be a dropper filled to the upper calibration mark. Others might consider it to be, literally, a full dropper and yet others might consider it acceptable to use a household dropper or a dropper supplied for another product. Likewise, another problem is variation in the measurement scales on droppers supplied with different products.

We recommend that consumers make sure that they understand the directions and keep the proper dropper with the product. Only use the dropper that has been supplied with the product.

Institute for Safe Medication Practices
Resources
Main Page
Premier Issue
Past Issues
Consumer Alerts
Subscribe
Newsletter Editions
Acute Care
Community/Ambulatory
Nursing
Consumer
Education
Consumers
 
Home | Contact UsEmployment  | Legal Notices | Privacy Policy | Help Support ISMP
  Med-ERRS |   ISMP Canada |  ISMP Spain | ISMP Brasil | International Group
Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority

200 Lakeside Drive, Suite 200, Horsham, PA 19044
Phone: (215) 947-7797,  Fax: (215) 914-1492

© 2009 Institute for Safe Medication Practices. All rights reserved

HON @ Code
Health On the Net Foundation
Health Impact Award
Health Impact Award