Nitroglycerin-all the following are true except:
- a- Can be dispensed in hospital pack of 500 and 1000 tabs***
- b- Containers must be made of glass and be covered with a tight-fitting.
- c- Close tightly after use.
- d- Tablets must be stored at controlled R.T.
- e- Tablets not to be refrigerated.
The statement that is not true about nitroglycerin tablets is: a. Can be dispensed in hospital pack of 500 and 1000 tabs.
While it's true that nitroglycerin can be dispensed in individual patient vials or blister packs for safety and accurate dosing, hospital packs containing 500 or 1000 tablets are not standard practice.
Nitroglycerin is a potent and unstable medication, and large bulk packs present several risks:
- Increased potential for medication errors:
Accurately dispensing individual doses from a large container is prone to human error, which can be critical with a medication like nitroglycerin.
- Reduced potency with time:
Nitroglycerin tablets can degrade over time, especially when exposed to heat, light, and moisture. Bulk packs increase the surface area exposed to these factors, potentially impacting the potency of individual tablets.
- Safety concerns:
Large quantities of nitroglycerin pose a safety risk in case of accidental spillage or misuse.
Therefore, nitroglycerin is typically dispensed in smaller, controlled quantities to ensure patient safety and medication effectiveness.
The other statements you listed are all true regarding nitroglycerin storage and handling:
b. Containers must be made of glass and be covered with a tight-fitting lid:
Glass protects the tablets from light and moisture, and a tight-fitting lid helps prevent evaporation and potency loss.
c. Close tightly after use:
This minimizes exposure to light, moisture, and air, further preserving the potency of the remaining tablets.
d. Tablets must be stored at controlled room temperature:
Extreme temperatures can degrade nitroglycerin.
e. Tablets not to be refrigerated:
Refrigeration can cause condensation on the tablets, increasing the risk of degradation.
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