Evaluating appropriateness of prescribing of long-acting risperidone for injection in acute care settings.

Background: Long-acting risperidone for injection is a second-generation antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. It is a relatively new agent with pharmacokinetic and dosing properties unlike those of conventional long-acting antipsychotic drugs administered by injection.

Objective: To determine the proportion of patients for whom long-acting risperidone for injection was prescribed appropriately in acute care settings in the Fraser Health Authority of British Columbia, according to the following 4 criteria: approved indication for therapy, 2-week dosing intervals, dose increases no sooner than every 4 weeks, and initial overlap supplementation with another antipsychotic for at least 3 weeks.

Stability of Vancomycin 25 mg/mL in Ora-Sweet and Water in Unit-Dose Cups and Plastic Bottles at 4°C and 25°C.

Background: Solutions of vancomycin for oral administration are not available commercially in Canada or the United States but are needed for patients who cannot swallow capsules.

Objective: To evaluate the stability of vancomycin solutions stored in unit-dose cups and plastic bottles under refrigeration (4°C) and at room temperature (25°C) for up to 75 days.

Methods: Vancomycin 25 mg/mL in Ora-Sweet vehicle and water (1:1 ratio by volume) was dispensed into opaque blue polyethylene unit-dose cups with aluminum seal (14 replicates) or amber plastic prescription bottles (6 replicates).