the spatula is ruined, and it becomes useless for
pharmacy work.
Graduates
Graduates are conical or cylindrical clear glass
containers, graduated in specified quantities and used
to measure liquids volumetrically. Measuring should
always be done at eye level.
DRUG INCOMPATIBILITIES,
CONTRAINDICATIONS, AND ADVERSE
EFFECTS
Occasionally, the drugs we use to improve a
person’s condition may not work in the manner
intended. The outcome may be contrary to that which
was expected, and, indeed, could even cause harm to
the patient. It is important to be aware of symptoms
that may indicate a drug is not doing its job properly.
Incompatibilities
LEARNING OBJECTIVE:
Identify the
three classifications of drug incompatibility,
a n d re c a l l w h a t c a u s e s t h e s e d r u g
incompatibilities to occur.
T h e r e a r e i n s t a n c e s w h e n a d r u g u s e d
simultaneously with another drug or substance does
not perform as it was intended. These drugs or
substances may be incompatible together and,
therefore, should not be administered at the same time.
A drug incompatibility can also occur when drugs are
compounded together in the pharmacy. There are three
classes of drug incompatibilities:
therapeutic,
physical, and chemical. In the following sections, each
class of drug incompatibility is discussed.
THERAPEUTIC INCOMPATIBILITIES.—
Therapeutic incompatibilities occur when agents
6-18
HM3F0802
MORTAR
AND
PESTLE
SPATULA
GRADUATE
(CONICAL)
GRADUATE
(CYLINDRICAL)
PRESCRIPTION
BALANCE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1/2
1/2
1/4
OZ.
PT.
Figure 6-2.—Pharmaceutical instruments.
