Review Article
Year: 2017 | Month: February | Volume: 7 | Issue: 2 | Pages: 319-321
Strategies to Manage and Prevention of the Look-Alike and Sound-Alike (LASA) Drugs Associated Medication Errors: A Review
Ankur Panchal1, Dr. Rajiv Chhabra2
1Clinical Pharmacologist, 2Head: Paediatrics & Neonatal Intensivist,
Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram
Corresponding Author: Ankur Panchal
ABSTRACT
In healthcare, drugs related confusions are one of the major contributors to the inappropriate use of drug therapy. Look-alike and sound-alike (LASA) drugs are a category of drugs having a high potential to confuse the healthcare professionals and patients due to their similar resemblance and pronunciation. Due to the confusing nature of LASA drugs, there is always a possibility of medication errors and potential harm to the patient. So, proper management is very essential to prevent the misuse of LASA drugs. Development, implementation and maintenance of medication policy are highly required for the proper management of medications and ensure patient’s safety.
Key words: Look-alike and sound-alike (LASA) drugs, medication errors, adverse drug events, Medication management, drug formulary, patient’s safety