TYPES OF PARENTERAL COMPATIBILITY

Traditionally, incompatible admixtures have been classified as physically incompatible (i.e., visually apparent to the unaided eye), or chemically incompatible (i.e., not visually apparent to the unaided eye). Because chemically incompatible admixtures will not be readily apparent during preparation, practitioners should refer to the text monograph in the King Guide to confirm the advisability of mixing two or more parenteral drugs prior to administration.

Today's environment of rapidly changing drug information is subject to interpretation based upon each patient's clinical situation. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information presented in the King Guide, the reader is advised that the author, editor, or publisher cannot be responsible for any consequences that may arise from the use of the information presented here.

COMPATIBILITY SYMBOLS USED IN THE GRID

The special grid included on monograph pages allows for quick reporting of compatibility (C), incompatibility (X), or conflicting data (Ø). In some instances conflicting results have been reported in the literature for a particular admixture. These contradictory reports are noted with a Ø, and are described in the written entries.

Note:

Absence of a notation in the grid does not imply that the combination is compatible. Rather, it means that no information has been reported for that particular combination. The presence of other symbols in the grid, such as # and *, are included to help the reader locate the specific written entry about the drug combination, and the reference that pertains to that entry.

 
X
Incompatible
 Do Not Mix
  Evidence of incompatibility has been reported. As a result admixtures is not advised.
     
C
Compatible
 OK to Mix
  Evidence of compatibility has been reported. Actual compatibility is determined by several variables, including drug concentration, pH, infusion fluid, temperature, type of container, order of mixing, and method of administration.
     
Ø
Conflicting Reports
 Maybe OK to Mix
  Conflicting data have been reported in the literature, so the specific combination may be compatible or incompatible, depending on infusion fluid, temperature, type of container, order of mixing, and method of administration.
     
blank
No Information Available
 Do Not Mix
  Admixture is not advised without JCAHO approved supporting documentation that provides evidence of compatibility.