Arrangement of Look alike and sound alike drugs (LASA drugs) medication/ What is LASA Medication (as per NABH guidelines)

What are LASA Drugs?

LASA drugs are those drugs that are either look or sound similar to each other by name, spelling and packaging.

LASA drugs are also call confused drug. It comes under category of High alert medication.

LASA drugs are treat to patient safety as these medications are involved in high percentage of medication error, sentinel event and adverse outcome.

Following measures can be helpful to reduce the risk involved by LASA medication and to safeguard patients:

1.      List out Look alike and sound alike medications. Place the         list in all drug storage units.

 

2.      Using both the brand and generic names on prescriptions             and labels.

3.      Provision in software to alert whenever these drugs                     appear/billed while dispensing.

4.      Marking on medications to differentiate.

5.   Arrangement of LASA Medication

a.  Keep the two identified LASA drugs and different                     concentrations of same drug far apart (such as in opposite         ends of the pharmacy).

b.  In addition to pharmacy, follow storage practices in patient         care areas as well (Storing it separate from each other).

6.      Double check while dispensing and administration.

7.      Colour coding of medication and storage area.

 

 

Sample list of Look-alike medications: Download
Sample list of Sound alike medications: Download

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