Premixed intravenous admixtures: a critical challenge for hospital pharmacy.

The advantages and disadvantages of premixed intravenous admixtures are discussed in the context of their effects on hospital pharmacy practice. Premixed i.v. admixtures offer the advantages of preparation-time savings, assurance of properly reconstituted drugs, lengthy expiration dating, and appropriate labeling. However, because not all drugs will be available from all three i.v. solution manufacturers, hospitals may be forced to use several types of i.v. containers and administration sets. Storage-space requirements will be increased, as the pharmacy will need to stock both premixed and unmixed products. Health-care personnel may be confused about whom to call (the drug manufacturer or the i.v. manufacturer) for drug information on premixed admixtures. Quantity discounts will likely decrease as fewer base i.v. solutions and unmixed drug products are purchased. Plans should be made now to shift personnel from admixture preparation to clinically oriented programs and to develop new workload indicators for pharmacy departments.