Look-alike/sound-alike (LASA) medications are drugs that areeasily confused due to similar spelling or pronunciation, which increases the risk of medication errors.
Citalopram(Celexa) →Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for depression
Celecoxib(Celebrex) →Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation
Why Are Citalopram and Celecoxib Considered LASA?Both drugs sharesimilar spelling and pronunciation, increasing the chance of errors inprescribing, dispensing, and administration.
Example of potential errors: A patient withdepressionmay mistakenly receiveCelecoxib (NSAID)instead ofCitalopram (antidepressant), leading to untreated depression and unnecessary NSAID use.
A. Lisinopril and Metoprolol❌→Different drug classes, butnot commonly confused.
Lisinopril(ACE inhibitor for blood pressure)
Metoprolol(Beta-blocker for blood pressure and heart conditions)
C. Acebutolol and Acetazolamide❌→Although their names look similar, they haveless common confusion in clinical practice.
Acebutolol(Beta-blocker)
Acetazolamide(Diuretic for glaucoma, altitude sickness)
D. Naproxen and Misoprostol❌→These are oftenprescribed togetherbut arenot confused with each other.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) LASA List– ConfirmsCitalopram and Celecoxibas common look-alike/sound-alike drugs.
PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline– Covers error prevention strategies, including LASA medications.
FDA Medication Error Prevention Guidelines– Recommends usingTall Man Lettering(e.g.,CeleXib vs. CitaloPram) to differentiate LASA drugs.
Why Not the Other Options?Key References:
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