From: David Collette
Sent: Wednesday, October 3, 2018 3:13:12 PM
Subject: URGENT shortage notice - diphenhydramine IV


ALL - We were just informed that diphenhydramine (BENADRYL) IV is on national backorder. None of the McKesson distribution centers have this drug in stock and currently we have a one-month supply on hand.

Beginning immediately, pharmacists will convert all possible diphenhydramine IV doses to PO (on a mg:mg basis) . Patients experiencing a severe reaction (such as a serious adverse drug reaction) or those unable to take PO will remain on IV diphenhydramine at this time.

PHARMACISTS - please note that there is now a report on Pharmacy One Source under the Drug Shortages tab to help you identify patients who are receiving IV diphenhydramine. Please review and make these changes now.

If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. DAVID

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David R. Collette, Pharm.D., FASHP
Operations Manager, Professional Services Huntsville Hospital Department of Pharmacy