LASA
Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy
| Stands for | Look-alike, sound-alike |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
LASA stands for Look-alike, sound-alike, a pharmacy abbreviation.
Drug names that look or sound similar enough to be confused when written, spoken or selected on a screen, such as hydroxyzine and hydralazine, or Celebrex and Celexa. LASA mix-ups are among the most common causes of medication errors.
Example: Store LASA pairs apart in the ADC and use Tall Man lettering on the labels.
Usage notes
ISMP and the FDA promote "Tall Man" lettering, which capitalizes the differing parts of names (hydrOXYzine versus hydrALAZINE), and ISMP publishes a list of confused drug names. Other defenses include adding the indication to prescriptions, separate storage and barcode scanning. Also called SALAD (sound-alike, look-alike drugs) in some sources.
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- IND – Investigational New Drug application
- IR – Immediate release
- ISMP – Institute for Safe Medication Practices
- KVO – Keep vein open
- LA – Long-acting
- LAFW – Laminar airflow workbench
- LDD – Limited distribution drug
- LR – Lactated Ringer's solution
- LVP – Large-volume parenteral
- MAC – Maximum allowable cost
- MAR – Medication administration record
- MDI – Metered-dose inhaler
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This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.