Use of 400 µg/mL Peripheral Phenylephrine Infusions During Anesthesia: A Safety Initiative

During a general anesthetic case, a patient was administered a 400 µg/mL infusion of phenylephrine as opposed to the 40 µg/mL solution typically used in most operating rooms. The patient experienced iatrogenic hypertension, which resolved once the cause was discovered and the phenylephrine was discontinued. A root cause analysis was performed, with multiple factors contributing to the error. The Department of Pharmacy advocated switching to one concentration of phenylephrine hospital-wide. After performing a literature review regarding the safety of using 400 µg/mL phenylephrine peripherally, the decision was made to switch the operating room to this concentration of phenylephrine. The switch has been successful, with only one known medication error and no adverse events occurring since implementation. This quality improvement initiative demonstrates that 400 µg/mL phenylephrine can be used as an infusion in the operating room, which has potential implications for patient safety and efficiency. This safety initiative may serve as an example for other operating rooms.