Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Click on the plus sign beside a question to see the response.

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Why can't I see the drug I'm looking for in the list of Monographs?

 
Monographs of drugs that are on formulary are listed by their generic names.  If you are unsure if the name of the drug you are looking for is its generic name, try searching for the drug on the Monographs page, ensuring that you are searching “All Names”.

Example: type "dimenhydrinate" or "Gravol" in the search box. Try a variety of spellings.



If the search still does not find the drug you are looking for, it may not be on formulary. Contact your site Pharmacy for more information.

For Oncology medications not found in the PDTM, refer to the BC Cancer Drug Monographs.

Where can I find Y-site IV compatibility?

 
Y-site IV compatibilities can be found on the left hand side of the Monographs page, listed under the heading IV Compatibility.

Where can I find Y-site Compatibility with TPN?

 

Vancouver General Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital and Richmond Hospital have site policies that allow this practice. This information is found on the left hand side of the Monographs page, listed under the heading IV Compatibility.

 

There is no pertinent information available for the drug.

What do I do if the website is down and I can’t access the PDTM?

 
The new PDTM is an external website. You can access it directly here http://pdtm.vch.ca at work and when off-network. 
When there is scheduled maintenance for the website, you will be notified in advance. In the event the PDTM is not accessible, a PDTM Downtime Manual can be found on Downtime SHOP.

The monograph does not state who can administer (e.g. LPN, RN). How do I know if I can administer the ordered drug?

 
Each professional is responsible for practicing within their scope of practice or within their delegated functions. It is the responsibility of the individual to recognize what competencies they have to provide safe care to patients.

Each health authority supports clinicians in their practice by providing support tools, guidelines/policies, and by stating limits and conditions for skills that they may or may not be able to perform within the health authority. If unsure, speak with your supervisor or manager.

Where a drug is restricted to administration by physician only, this will be stated in the monograph.

What do I do if I cannot meet one or more of the monitoring requirements listed in the monograph?

 

Request assistance from your supervisor or manager. Inform the physician that the required monitoring is beyond your scope and/or practice for your area.

What is different about palliative monitoring in relation to patient monitoring requirements?

 
Prescribers may write orders on palliative patients that contradict the Client Monitoring requirements set out in the monograph. It is acceptable to follow less restrictive monitoring for the drug.
 

In an Emergency, can I administer a drug, when the monograph states “by physician only”?

 
A nurse may administer any drug by the intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous route in an emergency situation upon a Physician's verbal order and in their presence.  Immediately after the emergency, the physician must write and sign the order.


What is the difference between IV intermittent and Continuous IV infusion?

 
IV intermittent definition: Intravenous infusion of a defined dose (volume), over a specified infusion duration.

Features of an IV intermittent infusion:

  • the entire contents of bag is administered to provide total dose
  • infusion duration of each dose is specified
            e.g. ceFAZolin 1000 mg IV every 8 hours; infuse over 15 to 30 minutes
            e.g cycloSPORINE 300 mg IV daily; infuse over 24 hours
            e.g. acetylcysteine 100 mg/kg (to a maximum of 10 g) over 16 hours

Continuous IV infusion definition: Intravenous medication of a defined concentration, infused at a specified rate; variable duration is determined by clinical endpoint(s).


Features of a continuous IV infusion:

  • one or more bags may be required
  • infusion rate is specified, while total dose or duration may vary
            e.g. vasopressin 0.01 to 0.04 units/minute continuous IV infusion
            e.g dexmedeTOMidine 0.2 to 0.7 mcg/kg/hour adjusted to desired level of sedation, titrate                    every 30 minutes
            e.g. insulin regular human: 0.1 unit/kg/hour continuous IV infusion titrated to optimize                         blood glucose

I have received an order to administer a drug to a woman who is pregnant, in labour or breast feeding. How do I know if it is safe to do so?

 
Follow the information in the PDTM monograph along with the information found in the Pregnancy & Lactation section of Lexicomp or Micromedex. To find the link to Lexicomp go to External Links (right hand side of the Monographs page).

What should I do if my current practice differs from the information in the PDTM?

 

Use the "Contact" Tab at the top of the PDTM main page and follow the instructions about who to contact depending on your specific needs.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions or suggestions?

 

Use the "Contact" tab at the top of the PDTM main page and follow the instructions about who to contact depending on your specific needs.

Suggestions for improvements are welcomed and most appreciated!


​ February 2023