A commercially premeasured medication packaged with a syringe and needle, the ready injectable enables rapid drug administration in an emergency. Preparing a ready injectable usually takes only 15 to 20 seconds. Other advantages include the reduced risk of breaking sterile no-touch technique during administration and the easy identification of medication and dose.⁴

When using a ready injectable, be sure to give the precise dose prescribed. For example, if a 50-mg/mL cartridge is supplied but the patient’s prescribed dose is 25 mg, you must administer only 0.5 mL, half of the volume contained in the cartridge. Be alert for potential medication errors whenever dispensing medications in premeasured dosage forms.