Medication safety

MS / MSO₄ / MgSO₄

morphine sulfate / magnesium sulfate — written out in full

Two very different drugs whose old abbreviations look alike. Both must be spelled out on orders.

On The Joint Commission’s Official "Do Not Use" List: MS, MSO₄, and MgSO₄ can be confused for one another. The required notation is "morphine sulfate" or "magnesium sulfate", written out.

How it gets tested

Among the most tested items on the Do Not Use list: given an order written as "MSO₄", what is the correct action — clarify, and expect the drug name written in full.

Quick check: MS / MSO₄ / MgSO₄

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What does MS / MSO₄ / MgSO₄ stand for?

Related terms

Do Not Use listUIUQD

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