Section III. PREPARING UNIT DOSE PACKAGES
2-10. PREPACKAGING
Those medications not available in unit dose packages must be pre-packaged by
the pharmacy. There are numerous machines available for prepackaging unit dose
materials; however, the basic procedures followed in the pharmacy are the same
regardless of the equipment used.
2-11. QUALITY CONTROL INFORMATION
First, select the desired medication in the required dose and strength from stock.
Next, select the appropriate packaging material to use with the type and form of the
medication. Record the quality control information in the prepackaging log in
accordance with local SOP. This information should include, but is not limited to, the
following:
a. The date the medication is packaged.
b. Both the generic and trade names of the medication, when applicable.
c. The medication strength.
d. The manufacturer's name.
e. The manufacturer's lot number.
f. The expiration date before packaging (manufacturer's date).
g. The amount packaged.
h. The expiration date after packaging. It is recommended that medications
prepacked in the pharmacy be given an expiration date six months from the date of
packaging. The manufacturer's expiration date should be used if it is less than six
months.
2-12. LABEL
After the quality control information has been recorded, a label is prepared for
each prepacked medication. Labeling the unit dose package ensures that drug identity
is maintained. The following information should be included on each label:
a. Drug Name. This may be either the generic name or the trade name if the
actual trade named item is used. If a combination drug is given, the generic names for
all active ingredients must be listed. Ideally, both trade and generic names should be
used whenever possible.
MD0811
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