Shortages of several key drugs used in emergency department care continue to create difficulties for practitioners and patients. Pharmaceutical companies cite increased demand, supply issues and manufacturing delays as key reasons for the shortages.
Standard antibiotics such as amoxicillin continue to be in short supply, as do dextrose 50, dextrose 25, dexamethasone and betamethasone. Even over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and Motrin are short in some areas due to increased demand, according to Southern Standard.
"Drug companies have not been able to keep up with the demand from pharmacies and healthcare providers," Southern Standard reported.
Dextrose is typically used to restore blood glucose levels and is a staple for both emergency rooms and ambulance supplies. The same goes for dexamethasone, which is used to treat inflammation and betamethasone, a steroid often used to treat allergic reactions of the skin.
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, dextrose injections and dexamethasone are estimated to be in supply again in late March, though currently there is no estimated resupply date for betamethasone from several drug manufacturers.