THE Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has acted to reduce the risk of errors when administering risperidone (Risperdal and generic) to children.
An investigation into reports of overdosing of the medication, which is used to treat behavioural disorders, found errors due to misunderstanding of dosing instructions and incorrect use of dosing syringe.
The investigation revealed most cases involved accidental administration of 10 times the prescribed dose (for example, 5mL instead of 0.5mL), with symptoms including sedation, tachycardia and hypotension.
In response, the TGA has mandated an update to Product Information and Consumer Medicines Information with clearer dosing instructions and visual aids.
Pharmacists should ensure all caregivers are aware of the correct dosing instructions; provide a clear explanation of how to measure the exact dose using the supplied syringe; and remind caregivers to read the dosing label carefully before administration and confirm their understanding, especially with first-time users.
Read more HERE.
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