COURSE MODULE

N106a- PHARMACOLOGY SKILLS

RLE
Course : N106a
Course Title : Pharmacology
Course Credit : 3 units/51 hours
Contact Hours/Week : 9 hours /week
Pre requisites : Mathematic, Anatomy and Physiology,
Microbiology, NCM100, NCM101, NCM 102
NCM 103, NCM 104
Module IV
Introduction
This module discusses about Parenteral Drug Administration mainly Intramuscular
Injection, Subcutaneous Injection, and Intradermal Injection. Its indications and
contraindications. Acceptable and recommended sites or route, proper syringes and needles to
use for injections following acceptable standards and techniques in drug administration.

Week 4 – Parenteral Drug Administration

Topic: Withdrawing and Reconstituting Medication from a vial and ampule
1. Definition of ampules and vials;
2. Preparing medications from ampules and vials;
3. Reconstituting medications from vials and ampules; and
4. Withdrawing medications from vials and ampules.

Intended learning Objectives

At the end of the module, the learner will be able to:
1. Differentiate vial from an ampule;
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in preparing medications through acceptable
standards;
3. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in reconstituting medications;
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skills in withdrawing medications from vials and
ampules.

Activate prior knowledge

Pre – test

Acquire new knowledge

Ppt – Interactive discussion/lecture,
Demonstration through:
Zoom, video conferencing, telegrams
Provision of RD tools

Discussion:
Reconstituting and Withdrawing Medication from ampules and vials
Some drugs must be stored in powdered form because they rapidly lose their power once they are
mixed into a solution. These drugs will then have to be reconstituted, or mixed with a liquid,
called the diluent, before they can be administered.

Preparing Medications from Ampules and Vials

Specific equipment, such as syringes and needles, is required to prepare and administer parenteral
medications. The selection of the syringe and needle is based on the type and location of
injection; amount, quality, and type of medication; and the body size of the patient. Many
syringes come with needleless systems or needles with safety shields to prevent injuries (Perry et
al., 2014). Aseptic technique is paramount to the preparation and administration of these
medications.

Parenteral medications are supplied in sterile vials, ampules, and prefilled syringes. 

Ampules are glass containers in 1 ml to 10 ml sizes that hold a single dose of medication in

liquid form. They are made of glass and have a scored neck to indicate where to break the
ampule. Medication is withdrawn using a syringe and a needle. A blunt fill needle with filter (see
Figure 7.3) must be used when withdrawing medication to prevent glass particles from being
drawn up into the syringe (see Figure 7.4). Never use a filter needle to inject medication (Perry et
al., 2014).

Figure 7.2 Breaking an ampule

 Figure 7.4 Using a blunt fill needle with filter with an ampule
Note: Wear gloves whenever necessary
Read this information about ampules to review how to prepare medication from an ampule.

A vial is a single- or multi-dose plastic container with a rubber seal top, covered by a metal or
plastic cap (see Figure 7.5). A single-use vial must be discarded after one use; a multi-dose vial
must be labelled with the date it was opened. Check hospital policy to see how long an open vial
may be used. The vial is a closed system, and air must be injected into the vial to permit the
removal of the solution (Perry et al., 2014)
 Figure 7.5 Preparing medications from a vial

Figure 7.6 Vial with safety needle inserted

Note: always observe universal precaution (wear protective gears)
Read this information about vials to review how to prepare medication from a vial and
reconstitute medication.
Draw air into the syringe. Draw back the plunger to fill the syringe with air up to the dose that you’ll be
injecting. This is done because the vial is a vacuum and you need to add an equal amount of air to
regulate the pressure. This also makes it easier to draw the medication into the syringe. Don’t worry — if
you forget this step, you can still get the medication out of the vial.

Insert air into the vial. Remove the cap from the needle and push the needle through the rubber stopper
at the top of the vial. Inject all of the air into the vial. Be careful to not touch the needle to keep it clean.
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Withdraw the medication. Turn the vial and syringe upside down so the needle points upward and pull
back on the plunger to withdraw the correct amount of medication.

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Remove air bubbles. Tap the syringe to push any bubbles to the top and gently depress the plunger to
push the air bubbles out.
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Analysis
Case Analysis
Journal sharing
Quiz

Application
Return Demonstration

Assessment
Individual /group activities
Periodical examination

Prepared by:

Juliet V. Avena
Professor