Objective:

To present an overview of medication preparation and administration errors, the resources implied in the preparation of intravenous medications, and the use of premixed drugs in healthcare settings.

Methodology:

We performed a litera ture review without limits by date or type of study. Additionally, analysis and vali dation by pharmaceutical experts were carried out to estimate the use of resources and related costs.

Results:

The available heterogeneous data suggest that medication errors are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in specific populations and settings. Error medications cause additional interventions, prolonged hospitalization, higher costs of care, and a reduction in the treatment probability of success. Errors involving intravenously administered drugs have more severe consequences and generate higher costs. Annual labor costs for centralized medication mixing in Colombia are estimated between $281.5 and $422.3 million. Premixed drugs decrease the risk of contamination, the possibility of error in the preparation, and the incidence of complications related to therapy. Also, its use is related to the reduc tion of waste, improvement in the timing of dispensing, optimizing the pharmacy team, and reducing costs associated with this process.

Conclusions:

The use of premixes as part of a program to reduce medication errors can improve the quality indicators in drug administration and guarantee a safer use of intravenous therapy.