In a recent Medication Errors column ("Name Confusion: 'Pro'moting Safety," July 2004), Michael Cohen reminded nurses that Protonix (pantoprazole) shouldn't be administered by I.V. push.

Although this instruction does apply to the original formulation, Wyeth recently reformulated its Protonix injection, which can now be administered I.V. push over either 2 or 15 minutes without the use of a filter. Each pharmacy using the new injection should provide detailed information to the nursing staff regarding use of the new formulation.

-AARON PACK, LPN

Norman, Okla.

Michael R. Cohen, RPh, MS, ScD, responds: I appreciate the reminder. The new formulation was approved by the Food and Drug Administration after we wrote the article. It should replace the older Protonix I.V. formulation. Pharmacies should check for old stock and make sure it isn't dispensed and given inadvertently without a filter.

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