Wrong-route drug administration errors: A review of the literature

Authors

  • J Taylor Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa
  • M Blockman Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7240-8812

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7196/SAMJ.2023.v113i12.1043

Keywords:

medication error, wrong route, drug administration error

Abstract

Oral drug formulations and enteral feeds may inadvertently be administered intravenously. Intravenous medications may be inadvertently administered intra-arterially. These examples of wrong-route drug administration errors have the potential to cause significant organ dysfunction and even death. This narrative review aims to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying such errors and investigate preventive strategies and potential therapeutic options.

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Published

2023-12-04

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Section

Review

How to Cite

1.
Taylor J, Blockman M. Wrong-route drug administration errors: A review of the literature. S Afr Med J [Internet]. 2023 Dec. 4 [cited 2025 Oct. 30];113(12):29. Available from: https://samajournals.co.za/index.php/samj/article/view/1043