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For the first time in several years, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations has revised the look-alike/sound-alike drug list.

ED Accreditation Update: Joint Commission revises look-alike/sound-alike list

November 1, 2006

ED Accreditation Update

Joint Commission revises look-alike/sound-alike list

For the first time in several years, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations has revised the look-alike/sound-alike drug list.

New medication pairs added to the list for hospitals are hydroxyzine and hydralazine; metformin and metronidazole; and OxyContin and oxycodone. Deleted pairs include cisplatin and carboplatin, fentanyl and sufentanil, lantus and lente (insulin products), and taxol and taxotere.

In addition to identifying pairs or groups of medications that easily can be confused, the list identifies potential complications and strategies to avoid confusion.

ED managers can view the tips and the entire list with detailed information at www.jointcommission.org. Go to "Patient safety" on top navigation bar and select "National Patient Safety Goals." Under "2007 Resources," select "Look-alike/sound-alike drug list." The most recent additions appear in bold italics.