use of oral syinges to administer oral meds

[vague1]

I know that best practice says you should not use an oral syringe to ADMINISTER oral medication to an adult, but does anybody know if this is written down anywhere - guidance, policies, legislation? Grateful for help.

[Judee Smudee, ADN, RN]

I have used a syringe to administer meds to patient many times. The fact that you are not supposed to do this is news to me. Matter of fact the meds came in prefilled syringes from pharmacy.

[vague1]

I have used a syringe to administer meds to patient many times. The fact that you are not supposed to do this is news to me. Matter of fact the meds came in prefilled syringes from pharmacy.

Not in the UK though.

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

Actually more than any thing its a safety issue. The medication can and has been inadvertantly given IV/IM with fatal results when it should have been given PO. If the proper syringes are not avalible one needs to question why starting at the dept level and moving up to pharmacy and beyond if one doesnt get a satisfactory answer.

rj:rolleyes:

[vague1]

Actually more than any thing its a safety issue. The medication can and has been inadvertantly given IV/IM with fatal results when it should have been given PO. If the proper syringes are not avalible one needs to question why starting at the dept level and moving up to pharmacy and beyond if one doesnt get a satisfactory answer.

rj:rolleyes:

I obviously did not explain my question very well - I know the reasons 'why' not to give medication via an oral syringe. I wondered if the guidance is actually written down anywhere. I am thinking about adults who for some reason have an issue with compliance i.e. swallowing problems, mental illness, reduced level of consciousness etc. I am aware of the safety risk and the removal of individuals' right of choice, I just hoped that somewhere the best practice quideline in these kinds of situation was documented - but it does not appear so. Thanks anyway.

[dknunges]

Hopefully this will answer you question vague1. According to ISMP (Institute of Safe Medication Practices) and FDA the push for use of oral syringes to administer liquid oral medication is to prevent inadvertant choking on tip caps and giving oral medication IV or IM. You can find further inforamtion and articles at the following web site:

http://www.ismp.org/msaarticles/cap.html

http://www.ismp.org/msaarticles/nearfatal.html

http://www.ismp.org/consumer/syringecap.html

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/fusenews/ufb38.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/196_kid.html

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tipkid.html

[vague1]

Hopefully this will answer you question vague1. According to ISMP (Institute of Safe Medication Practices) and FDA the push for use of oral syringes to administer liquid oral medication is to prevent inadvertant choking on tip caps and giving oral medication IV or IM. You can find further inforamtion and articles at the following web site:

http://www.ismp.org/msaarticles/cap.html

http://www.ismp.org/msaarticles/nearfatal.html

http://www.ismp.org/consumer/syringecap.html

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/fusenews/ufb38.pdf

http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/196_kid.html

http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/20tipkid.html

Thanks for taking the time to help. I am still however searching for information relating to adults not children, and the issue of freedom of choice. Cheers

[ClaireMacl]

Not in the UK though.

I've never heard of this! I've been through the drug admin course a few times and its never come up.

Clearly, if there is no consent then it should not be given in any manner, however, there are occasions where it is the best alternative... for example, adult learning disability pts, I've also had many patients who state that they feel sick when taking tablets and would prefer liquid and opt for a syringe... afterall, how much difference is there to drawing up in a no needle syringe to putting it in a cup?

I'd like to hear if you actually find clear guidelines on this.

Thanks, Claire