Description

Designed specifically for healthcare settings, this label serves a critical role in the safe administration of suxamethonium, a neuromuscular blocking agent. Its primary function is to clearly identify syringes and containers containing suxamethonium, thereby minimizing the risk of medication errors during procedures such as endotracheal intubation and electroconvulsive therapy.

Key Features

• High Visibility Warning: The label prominently displays a warning statement, "WARNING: Paralysing agent," in black text on a fluorescent red or warm red background. This design ensures that healthcare professionals are immediately alerted to the high-risk nature of the medication.

• Adaptability for Small Containers: On very small containers, the warning may be shortened to "WARNING: Paralyser" or "Paralyser," and in some cases, may not include a coloured background due to manufacturing constraints.

Design and Placement

• Strategic Label Placement: The warning statement is required on both the primary pack and the container, such as an ampoule or vial. For user-applied syringe labels, the text appears on a black background bar at the top, ensuring it does not obscure syringe gradation lines.

• Writable Surface: The label material is designed to be writable with a ball-point pen or felt-tip marker without smudging, adhering to ISO 26825:2008 standards.

• Bar Coding: Includes bar coding for enhanced medication identification and error reduction, aligning with color-coding and readability standards.

Essential Information

Each label includes crucial details such as:

• Medication name (Suxamethonium or Succinylcholine)
• Strength and amount (e.g., 100 mg/2 mL, 50 mg/mL)
• Diluent name and volume (if applicable)
• Expiration time or date

Compliance and Safety

• Regulatory Compliance: The label meets the requirements of Therapeutic Goods Order No. 91 (TGO 91), ISO 26825:2008, and ASTM D4774-11 standards, ensuring it is suitable for use in anaesthesiology.

• Risk Mitigation: By distinguishing suxamethonium from other medications, the label significantly reduces the risk of selection and administration errors. Its design complements other high-risk medicine labels, emphasizing the importance of clear warning statements.

Material Properties

The label adheres securely to syringes and ampoules without obscuring measurement markings, ensuring that essential information remains visible. This makes it an indispensable tool for healthcare professionals in critical care and anaesthesia settings, where precision and clarity are paramount.