84. Which of the following medication pairs is an example of a look-alike/sound-alike error in which a diuretic is dispensed instead of a calcium channel blocker?
Answer: A
Amiloride and amlodipine are an example of a look-alike/sound-alike error.
This pair represents a look-alike/sound-alike error because both medications have similar names, which can lead to confusion in dispensing. Amiloride is a diuretic, while amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, highlighting the potential for serious medication errors.
A) Amiloride and amlodipine
This option is correct as it illustrates a classic look-alike/sound-alike error where the names of the medications are phonetically and visually similar, increasing the risk of dispensing the wrong drug. Since amiloride is a diuretic and amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, confusing these medications could have significant clinical implications for patient safety.
B) Clonidine and Klonopin
This option is incorrect because, while clonidine and Klonopin (clonazepam) may sound somewhat similar, they belong to different drug classes: clonidine is an antihypertensive and Klonopin is a benzodiazepine. The nature of their action and indication does not create a direct risk of dispensing a diuretic instead of a calcium channel blocker.
C) Diflucan and Diprivan
This option is also incorrect. Diflucan (fluconazole) is an antifungal medication, while Diprivan (propofol) is an anesthetic. The difference in their therapeutic classes and indications means they do not represent the specific confusion between a diuretic and a calcium channel blocker.
D) Metronidazole and metformin
This option is incorrect as well. Metronidazole is an antibiotic, while metformin is an antidiabetic medication. Although they share a similar beginning of the name, they are not likely to be confused as replacements for each other in the context of a diuretic and a calcium channel blocker.
Conclusion
Amiloride and amlodipine exemplify a significant look-alike/sound-alike error due to their similar names, posing risks in medication dispensing. The other options do not involve a diuretic and a calcium channel blocker, nor do they present the same level of confusion, thereby affirming that Option A is the only correct choice in this context.