Multidose Packaging

Hello,

The facility I work in uses a multi-dose dispensing sytem for medication administration. (pouches) Routine meds are dispensed in pouches with the name of the resident, as well as the name of the medication and the doses. The pharmacy is responsible for administering the medications into the packages, but ultimately the nurse is responsible for following the rights of med administration and checking that the pouch is accurate. Medications that are not packed in the multi-dose package include all PRN medications, Narcotics, and digoxin due to assessments that must be made before administrating these meds, as well digoxin has the potential for being broken down and less potent when stored with other medications.

Have fun with your research!!

Hi, I have spoken with several pharmacies regarding the multi dose pouches. Some pharmacies say they can package OTC medication in the pouches, but others say it is illegal. Does anyone else know??

I have seen it packaged separately for each resident, but also I have seen nurses administer meds directly from a large "house stock" bottle (dated when opened). Meds like Tylenol, Calcium, multi vitamins, ect....

Our facility started using multi dose packaging and it has proven to be anything but a time saver. Approximately one half of our residents get meds from local pharmacies so we have one drawer that is dedicated for the blister packs. We have overflow for these res. in the bottom drawer. The top drawer contains OTC's, insulin and eyedrops. We have 3 drawers dedicated to the strip packs which get caught in the drawers. When a med is DC'd, we must circle that med description with a sharpie so that it isn't given in error. When a med change occurs, which is common, we are given strip packs that contain the new dose; sometimes the new dose completely replaces the previous dose, sometimes it is an additional pill to equal the new dose. Drugs are satellited from local and not-so-local pharmacies so we have oodles of pill bottles with a couple of pills in each, until the strip packs come for those residents. We also have boxes with individual blister packed pills in them. It is quite frustrating. We have discovered numerous errors in the packs, so thank heavens we double check them. We are told to hang in there, and that it'll get better. Just remember the five rights and be prepared for confusion. We are adapting, and so will you. Good luck