Nursing - Tenfold error
Two recent reports involved incorrect dosing of the tricyclic antidepressant nortriptyline (marketed as Pamelor, Aventyl, and, in Australia, Nortab and Allegron) when ordered for neuropathic pain syndromes. The cases involved 10 mg and 20 mg orders that were misread as 100 mg and 200 mg, respectively. One patient required hospitalization; the other developed sedation and orthostatic hypotension after two doses, leading to recognition of the error.
Related Results
NortriptylineNortriptyline and smokingNortriptyline and neuropathic painNortriptyline may aid ECT efficacyNortriptyline may beat SSRIs for depression in Parkinson’s
Nortriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants aren’t prescribed as frequently as they once were. To make sure you’re familiar with recommended dosages, first refer to a drug handbook and speak with a pharmacist if necessary.
Copyright Springhouse Corporation Nov 1998
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