As of May 2016, the ratio expression format for certain single-entity drug labels is no longer permitted.
As a result of this new development, labels for several single-entity drugs including epinephrine are required to include mass concentrations. However, this change will not be made to labels for local anesthetics like lidocaine 1% and epinephrine-combination solutions.
This new epinephrine labeling display the mass concentration format that was already previously in use for virtually every other medication. Epinephrine 1:1000 injection is now labeled as 1 mg/mL, while epinephrine 1:10,000 injection is now labeled as 0.1 mg/mL.
The new concentration notation is a welcome change for prehospital and hospital personnel alike.
Certainly, this change will not prevent all medication errors, but it may tremendously help reduce their incidence
References:
- Say Goodbye to Confusing Ratio Expressions. PDF.
2016-paparella-epi-ratio-expressions - Institute for Safe Medication Practices. Acute medication safety alert newsletter, December 2015.
https://www.ismp.org/Newsletters/acutecare/issue.aspx?id=1111.
Accessed January 15, 2016
