What is the term for medications dispensed in specific doses intended for immediate use?

The term used for medications dispensed in specific doses intended for immediate use is unit dose. This method involves providing a single dose of medication that is individually packaged for a patient’s administration. The unit dose system is designed to enhance safety and accuracy in medication delivery within healthcare settings by minimizing the risk of dosing errors and ensuring that each dose can be effectively tracked and accounted for.

This approach is especially beneficial in hospital settings, where medications must be administered precisely at the right time and in the correct amount. The convenience of unit dose packaging also aids healthcare professionals in managing inventory and streamlining workflows within the pharmacy.

In contrast, multi-dose refers to medication packages that contain multiple doses, bulk supply signifies larger quantities of medications that are stored for frequent or repetitive use, and patient-specific dosage usually refers to customized medication regimens based on individual patient needs rather than the immediate-use structure of unit doses. Utilizing a unit dose system fosters improved patient safety and medication management.