In this section : Safe and Effective Use of Medicines
Prescribing for CAU Patients Still in ED
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Clozapine
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Methadone/Buprenorphine
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Corticosteroids
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Items Not Prescribed by GP
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Patients on Chemotherapy Regimes
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Medication for Parkinson’s Disease
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Insulin
Prescribing Advice on Admission
Gentamicin & Vancomycin
Greener Inhaler Prescribing
Safe and Secure Handling of Medicines
Blood Glucose & Steroids
Prescribing Advice on Admission – Corticosteroids
Last updated 18th November 2022
Safe and Effective Prescribing and Use of Medicines for Patient Safety
Corticosteroids
- Long-term corticosteroids are often hiding on the “acute” medicines list on ECS, and generally do not have a clear dose attached.
- Determine if on a maintenance or a reducing dose.
- Ask the patient / carer / family member
- Ask the GP practice
- If in doubt, prescribe the largest likely dose that they take – less harm is likely to result from this. Flag to the ward pharmacist if dose unclear.
- Document dose & clinical reason for long-term steroid on HEPMA and ECS.
- Consider doubling dose in infection.
Prescribe “Blood sugar check” on HEPMA for all patients prescribed steroids.
Approved by Medicines Safety Group/Formulary Group/Area Drugs and Therapeutic Committee, NHS Dumfries and Galloway