Shortage of perioperative drugs: implications for anesthesia practice and patient safety.

Several medications used in clinical perioperative medicine are currently cited on the national shortage list. Medication shortages may be attributed to lack of raw materials, manufacturing issues, and discontinuation of production. Medication shortage has a substantial impact on patient care, and is responsible for creating an environment conducive to an increase in medication errors. Anesthesiologists should be taking an active role with the pharmacy and hospital management to alert caregivers and help to prevent adverse effects on patient care and safety.