annostusvirhe

Annostusvirhe refers to an error in the prescribed or administered dose of a medication. These errors can occur at various stages of the medication process, including prescribing, dispensing, or administration. They can lead to either underdosing or overdosing, both of which can have significant consequences for patient health.

Underdosing occurs when a patient receives less medication than prescribed. This can result in treatment failure, where the condition being treated does not improve, or it can lead to the development of drug resistance, particularly in the case of antibiotics or antiviral medications. In chronic conditions, consistent underdosing can lead to disease progression and increased morbidity.

Overdosing occurs when a patient receives more medication than prescribed. This can lead to increased toxicity and adverse drug reactions, ranging from mild side effects to severe, life-threatening events. The severity of the consequences depends on the specific medication, the degree of overdose, and the patient's individual characteristics, such as age, weight, and kidney or liver function.

Factors contributing to annostusvirhe include illegible handwriting on prescriptions, misinterpretation of drug names or strengths, calculation errors, distractions during dispensing or administration, and inadequate patient education about the correct dosage and administration schedule. Systemic issues within healthcare settings, such as understaffing or poor communication protocols, can also play a role. Preventing annostusvirhe requires a multi-faceted approach, including using electronic prescribing systems, implementing barcode scanning for medication administration, improving staff training and awareness, and fostering open communication among healthcare professionals and with patients.