A pharmacist recently reported an error which occurred while
determining an appropriate iron dextran dose based on a table
listed on pages 33-34 of the most recent edition of Facts
& Comparisons. The table lists estimated iron dextran
requirements based on patient weight and hemoglobin levels.
A footnote at the bottom of page 34 instructs the practitioner
to use the lesser of actual body weight or lean body weight
for patients weighing greater than 15 kg (33 lbs). The pharmacist
in question used the patient's actual weight while referring
to the table. However, the patient's actual body weight was
much greater than the lean body weight, and the resulting
dose was too high. The error was recognized before it reached
the patient, and the dose was corrected.
In response to this event, the publishers of Facts &
Comparisons changed the weight heading to read "lean body
weight". The above-mentioned footnote still applies. Look
for the correction in the August supplement. The publishers
are considering further revisions that will make the information
easier to understand, thereby decreasing the chance of incorrect
dosing.
