US Pharm. 2011;36(2):6. 

Toronto, Canada—According to a study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, preparing small doses of medication from syringes may be inaccurate and can result in crucial dosing errors and possible adverse events for infants and children. Babies and young children require small doses of drugs, often prepared from stock of less than 0.1 mL, which include such potent medications as morphine, lorazepam, and fentanyl. The safe administration of these medications requires formulations that permit accurate preparation and administration; however, current equipment does not allow the precise measurement of volumes less than 0.1 mL. The authors concluded that since this practice occurs in pediatric hospitals across North America, the “re-evaluation of preparation methods, regulatory requirements and manufacturing practices is warranted.”

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