Page 3 - High Alert Medications INFORMATICS_Neat

Introduction:

High-alert medications are medications that have an increased risk of causing

significant patient harm when they are used in error. These medications are not necessarily

more likely to be involved in an error or incident, but when such incidents occur, the

consequences are often more severe relative to errors involving non–high-alert

medications. Historically, organizational lists of high-alert medications have been largely

based on the lists developed by the US Institute for Safe Medication Practices.

The Canadian High-Alert Medication List is divided into medication classes,

medications used in specific circumstances, and specific medications. The taxonomy of

the list is designed to reflect usage in typical care settings; it does not necessarily reflect

any formal classification system (e.g., Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification or

American Hospital Formulary System). Examples of each class or subclass are provided,

but these are not meant to be inclusive.

Definition:

High-alert medications are drugs that bear a heightened risk of causing significant

patient harm when they are used in error. Although mistakes may or may not be more

common with these drugs, the consequences of an error are clearly more devastating to

patients.

Classes/Categories Medications:

Positive Inotropic Drugs

Positive inotrope is an agent that will increase myocardial contractility. This helps

the heart pump more blood with fewer heartbeats. This means that although the heart beats

less, it also beats with more force to meet the oxygen demands of your body.

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