Which medication is considered a high-alert drug?

Insulin is considered a high-alert drug due to its potential to cause significant harm if misused or administered incorrectly. High-alert drugs are medications that have a higher risk of causing injury or death if they are not used properly. Insulin requires careful dosing and monitoring to manage blood glucose levels effectively, and even small errors in administration can lead to severe hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, with serious consequences for the patient.

The classification as a high-alert drug emphasizes the need for additional safeguards when handling, prescribing, and administering insulin, such as double-checking dosages and ensuring that health care providers are adequately trained in its use. This level of scrutiny is essential to mitigate the risks associated with its administration, reflecting the critical role that insulin plays in the management of diabetes.