The 6 Rights of Medication Administration: Why They Matter



What Are the 6 Rights of Medication Administration?

3. The Right Dose: Double-Check Before Administration

Dosing errors are dangerous, whether it’s an overdose causing toxic effects or an underdose making the medication ineffective.

How to make sure the dose is correct: 

• Use standard measuring tools.   
• Follow facility policies for high-risk medications (like insulin or opioids).
• Double-check units (mg vs. mcg, mL vs. tsp) and ask if something seems off.

If a dose feels off, double-check before proceeding. Your gut feeling might just save a life.

4. The Right Route: Ensure Proper Administration

Medications meant for IVs cannot be taken orally, and creams cannot be ingested. Giving medication the wrong way can be ineffective or, worse, harmful.

How to ensure the right route:

• Always verify the prescribed route. Medications can come in multiple forms.
• Check the label to see if the medication is to be administered orally, sublingually (placed under the tongue), or extended-release (designed to release its effect at a delayed or slower rate).
• If unsure, ask a pharmacist before giving the medication.

Some medications must be crushed or split, but not all are safe to modify. Always verify before altering a pill.

5. The Right Time: Check Hours of Administration

Some medications only work when taken at the right time. Pain medications must be given before the pain worsens. Insulin must be taken with food, and antibiotics must be spaced evenly. Timing isn’t just about convenience—it’s about effectiveness.

How to stay on schedule:

• Follow prescribed timing and frequency (e.g., every 4 hours, before meals).
• Use reminders like alarms, pill organizers, or EHR notifications to stay on track.
• Be aware of food interactions (some medications need to be taken on an empty stomach, while others should be taken with food to prevent stomach upset).

If a medication has very specific timing rules, write them down or use a dose-tracking app (like DosePacker’s MyDoses App). 

6. The Right Documentation: If It's Not Written Down, It Didn't Happen

Accurate documentation isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a necessity for patient safety. 

How to document correctly:

• Record immediately after administering the medication (never rely on your memory).
• Include the medication name, dose, time, route, and observations. 
• For PRN medications, write why they were given and how the patient responded.

Clear, accurate documentation prevents errors, improves communication, and protects everyone. DosePacker’s CareCommunityOS eMAR chart helps streamline this process, making medication management safer and more efficient. 

Why the 6 Rights Matter in Modern Healthcare

Medication mistakes can happen anywhere—hospitals, care communities, pharmacies, or even at home. That’s why sticking to the six rights is a lifesaving strategy.

Who's Responsible for the 6 Rights?

While healthcare professionals are trained to follow these principles, medication safety is a shared responsibility. Here’s how you can play your part:

Caregivers & Family Members:

• Store medications properly and label them clearly.
• Set reminders for scheduled doses.
• Keep an updated medication list to share with doctors.

Residents:

• Always check the medication name and dosage before taking it.
• Use a smart pill organizer to avoid missed doses.
• Speak up if something doesn’t seem right. Your health depends on it.

DosePacker: Your Partner in Medication Precision

Taking medication shouldn’t be a hassle. With DosePacker, it’s as easy as it gets. Our medication management solutions keep things simple—helping you take the right medications, in the proper dose, at the perfect time. From easy-to-read packaging to helpful reminders, we take the stress out of medication administration, so you can focus on your holistic well-being.

• Compliance Packaging: DosePacker’s multi-dose compliance medication pack delivers pre-sorted, clearly labeled dose cups, each designed to align with your medication administration plan. Read how our compliance packs have upgraded the caregiving experience at renowned care communities.

"Since using DosePacker's multi-dose compliance packaging from Verdugo Plaza Pharmacy, we've seen a noticeable improvement in efficiency and accuracy. Each pack comes with clear images and detailed medication information, making it easy for our staff to ensure the right medication is given every time. This has significantly reduced medication errors, saved us time, and, most importantly, enhanced the care and confidence of our residents."

- Tyana Fisk, Owner and Administrator of Augustin Gardens

• CareCommunityOS: This system improves care coordination by streamlining communication between your care community and DosePacker Pharmacy, ensuring accurate, timely information sharing. It simplifies prescription management, improving efficiency and enhancing resident care. Here’s how our software has elevated care community management for users:
  
  

"As the facility administrator for Serene Suites, I’m highly impressed with CareCommunityOS’s transformative solutions. The software makes it easy for our staff to accurately document resident interactions and provides an excellent platform for training on proper documentation. The support team has been highly responsive, and using multi-dose packaging with dose-level QR codes has simplified medication passes for our staff."

- Bradley Sanow, Administrator, Serene Suites

By incorporating DosePacker’s services, you can confidently manage your medications with less stress, fewer mistakes, and total peace of mind. 

Safer, Simpler Medication Management with DosePacker

A Commitment to Safe Medication Practices

Whether you’re a caregiver managing a loved one’s prescriptions or a patient taking daily medications, following the six medication administration rights helps prevent errors and protect lives.

By double-checking the right patient, medication, dose, route, time, and documentation, you can create a safer healthcare system for everyone. But you don’t have to do it alone! Technology, like DosePacker’s innovative medication management solutions, makes it easier than ever to track prescriptions, reduce mistakes, and improve medication adherence.

At the end of the day, medication safety is about care, attention, and the right tools. Let’s work together to make every dose the right one!