Table 5.

Examples of Prescribing Errors and Near Misses

Prescribing Errors
Metformin 500 MG Tab, 1 QD	Use of an inappropriate abbreviation ‘QD’
Lariam® 250 mg, 1 tab weekly for malaria prophylaxis	Incomplete directions, as start of medication and completion of its course needs to be in relation to expected travel time to the malaria endemic region
Near Misses
Imitrex® 100 mg, 1 Tab for Migraine, may repeat	Frequency for medication use is incomplete. No daily maximum or interval time between doses specified
Colchicine 0.6 mg PRN for gout flare	Frequency or maximal allowable daily dose not specified
Viagra® 100 mg, 1 Tab 1 hour prior to sexual intercourse	Maximal daily dose or interval between doses not specified