Types of Medication Errors

The classification of the types of medication errors as defined by the USP is described in below: 

 Types of Medication Errors^[8]

Type of Medication Error	Description
Unauthorized drug	Medication that was not authorized by a legitimate prescriber was dispensed and/or administered.
Improper dose/quantity	Any dose, strength, or quantity that differs from that prescribed.
Wrong drug preparation method	Incorrect preparation/formulation/reconstitution, or dilution of a drug product.
Wrong dosage form	A dosage form dispensed/administered other than that ordered by the prescriber.
Wrong patient	A product ordered for, dispensed for, or administered to the wrong patient.
Omission error	Failure to administer an ordered dose; excludes patient's refusal and clinical decision or other valid reason not to administer.
Extra dose	Duplicate dose administered at a different time.
Prescribing error	An incorrectly prescribed/authorized written verbal order.
Wrong administration technique	Inappropriate/improper technique used in the administration of a drug; includes incorrectly activating a drug administration system and inappropriately crushing tablets.
Wrong route	Use of wrong route of administration of the correct drug.
Wrong time	A scheduled dose administered outside a facility's acceptable predetermined time interval.