Reducing Risk of Improper Intrathecal Drug Injection

Safeguards to prevent improper intrathecal drug administration:

(1) Intrathecal drugs should only be administered by specially trained staff.

(2) The drugs should be administered only in designated areas. These areas should be clean to reduce the chance of infection.

(3) No other drugs should be delivered or stored in the administration suites.

(4) The drugs should be packed and delivered separately from the pharmacy. When possible all dilutions or preparation should be done in the pharmacy.

(5) The drugs should be clearly labeled for the route of administration.

(6) The drug should be delivered in a container that is sufficiently distinctive so as not to be confused with other preparations.

(7) The administration should be well-documented in the medical record.

Examples:

(1) Vincristine or other vinca alkaloids.

(2) Amphotericin B.