[Prescriptions of aerosol therapy. A survey of practices at the Besançon University Hospital].

Objective: Prescriptions of aerosol sprays concomitantly with other drugs can raise problems of incompatibility.

Methods: Medical practices in the clinical units of the Besançon University Hospital were analyzed to assess the therapeutic indications, the most frequently prescribed drugs, possible admixtures, the nature and volume of solvents used, drug protocols and type of aerosol therapy and nebulizer used. Sixty questionnaires were sent to all the units of the University Teaching Hospital of Besançon.

Results: Analysis of 48 questionnaires completed by head nurses showed that 28 different drugs and 26 different admixtures were prescribed. Only 2 of the admixtures had undergone prior validation. Only 7 (26%) of the drug formulations prescribed had received marketing approval. Recognized clinical practices for the administration of aerosol therapy were not applied and the aerosol sessions were not standardized.

Conclusion: Many prescriptions are carried out without knowledge of the chemical compatibility of co-administered medicines.