§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many deaths have been reported to his Department which were caused by intravenous injections of adrenalin in mistake for atropine; and if he is satisfied that ampoule labels are adequately distinguished.
§ Sir George YoungIn England and Wales in the last five years there has been one death where the record showed that an intravenous injection of adrenalin was given instead of atropine. The record of one other death mentioned adrenalin given in error but did not indicate whether the patient should have been given atropine.
Medicinal products must be labelled in accordance with the Medicines (Labelling) Regulations 1976 as amended. These regulations require ampoules to be labelled, amongst other things, with the name of the product and the ingredient particulars. I am satisfied that these products are readily distinguishable by reference to their name.