What should be done if excess liquid medication is poured?

When excess liquid medication is poured, the most appropriate action is to discard it entirely. This practice is essential for several reasons. First, pouring medication back into its original container can lead to contamination of the medication, which may compromise its safety and efficacy. Contamination can occur from various sources, such as exposure to bacteria, other medications, or foreign objects.

Additionally, saving the excess medication for a future dose could lead to dosing errors, particularly if the volume saved is not accurately measured or if it is combined with future doses. Proper medication administration guidelines emphasize the need for accurate dosing to ensure patient safety and effective treatment.

Measuring the excess again is generally unnecessary since the goal is to ensure precise and safe dosing, and any excess should not be relied upon for future administration. Therefore, the safest and most responsible action when excess liquid medication is poured is to discard it entirely.