Medication dispensing device with stepped dose indicia

Abstract

A drug dispensing device configured to contain a liquid drug dispensed by the drug dispensing device and having a plurality of dose indicia spaced from each other around and relative to a circumference of a surface of the drug dispensing device. Each dose indicium has a different height relative to a reference level and corresponds to a different dose of the liquid drug.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 62 / 830,287, filed on April 5, 2019, entitled “MEDICINE DISPENSING SYSTEM HAVING STAIR-STEP DOSING INDICATORS,” which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and is hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to drug delivery devices, and more particularly to drug delivery devices having specially arranged and designed dosage markings, and methods for administering an appropriate dose of a drug. Background Art

[0004] In emergency or critical care situations, accurately and effectively administering the appropriate medication dose is crucial. This is particularly crucial in emergency or critical care settings, especially those involving pediatric patients, because even minor dosage errors can have catastrophic consequences. However, even under the best of circumstances and despite medical professionals' best efforts, unintentional errors sometimes occur due to the numerous steps involved in the medication administration process. More specifically, in a typical scenario, the appropriate medication dose must first be determined, which often involves multiple mathematical calculations. This is followed by the multiple steps involved in the actual administration process, which may include selecting the correct medication to administer or the medical dosing device to use. Because each step has the potential to introduce error into the overall medication administration process, reducing the number of necessary steps can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of the entire process.

[0005] Medication dosages are traditionally determined based on the patient's weight. However, this method is sometimes inappropriate and inaccurate, especially in emergency and critical care settings. Therefore, patient height is sometimes used as it allows for quick and efficient determination of medication dosages, including the use of color-coded measuring tapes to determine the patient's height. Specifically, A pediatric emergency tape is a known device that links readily available patient height to medication dosage. Details of this device and its method of use are disclosed in U.S. Patents 4,716,888 and 6,132,416 to Broselow, which are incorporated herein by reference. Generally speaking, the method involves measuring and encoding a patient's height into one of the color-coded zones provided on the tape, and using the color-coded length to determine the medication dosage to be administered to the patient. By dividing the tape into multiple color-coded zones, rather than the commonly used inches or centimeters, with each zone corresponding to a given height range, the patient's height can be easily read and recorded as a specific color, rather than a specific measurement in centimeters or inches. In other words, each color-coded length zone corresponds to a predetermined range of actual lengths measured in metric or imperial units. For example, a gray zone on the tape could correspond to a length range of 42.20 cm to 60.79 cm, while a pink zone on the tape could correspond to a length range of 60.80 cm to 67.79 cm.

[0006] Thus, a patient whose height falls within the first height range would be coded gray, and a patient whose height falls within the second height range would be coded pink. The appropriate medication dosage for both patients is then selected from a list of predetermined medication dosages listed on the measuring tape. Other commercially available height / weight-based measuring tapes, such as PediaTape and Handtevy, are used in a similar manner.

[0007] Although the steps of determining drug dosage have been greatly simplified using the above method, there are still many other problems, which often lead to drug administration errors or make the drug administration process inefficient. In order to obtain the correct drug dosage after determining the drug dosage, it is still necessary to perform some other calculations, such as the calculation involving drug concentration. In addition, the selection of the correct drug, the appropriate drug dispensing device or the extraction of the correct predetermined amount of drug into the drug dispensing device can cause errors or slow down the process of administering the drug to the patient. Even in the case of drug dosage based on a drug administration system other than a traditional weight-based system, such as patient age, body surface area or volume, it is also possible to observe drug administration inaccuracies due to the calibration type used in such systems. In particular, when using such a system, the constant incremental variation of the dosage often used may result in the loss of required dosage accuracy.

[0008] Therefore, despite various technologies designed to simplify the process of drug dosage determination and administration, the potential for error still exists due to the time and pressures of the treatment environment and the type of dosing system being used. Therefore, there is a need for a device and method for accurately and effectively delivering medications, particularly to pediatric patients. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention discloses a drug dispensing device for administering liquid drugs. The drug dispensing device comprises a cup configured to contain a liquid drug to be dispensed by the drug dispensing device, the cup comprising a side wall, a circular bottom element and an open top.

[0010] The device also includes a plurality of dose markings around the periphery of the surface of the side wall and spaced apart from each other relative to the periphery of the surface of the side wall. Each dose marking has a different height relative to the reference level and corresponds to a different dose of the liquid drug.

[0011] In one embodiment, the plurality of dose markings are associated with a plurality of values ​​of a patient's physical characteristic. Each of the plurality of dose markings has a different color. Furthermore, each of the plurality of dose markings includes a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency different from the first transparency. A first dose marking in the plurality of dose markings and a second dose marking in the plurality of dose markings are spaced approximately 180 degrees apart on the surface of the sidewall. In one embodiment, the sidewall has a frusto-conical shape. Each of the plurality of dose markings further includes a volume indicator.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a medication dispensing device comprising a frustoconical cup configured to contain a liquid medication to be dispensed. The device further comprises a plurality of color-coded dose markings disposed around and spaced apart from one another relative to a periphery of a side surface of the frustoconical cup. Each dose marking has a different height relative to a reference level and corresponds to a different dose of the liquid medication.

[0013] In one embodiment, each dose marking on the frustoconical cup further includes a volume marking. The reference level may coincide with or be close to the inner bottom surface of the frustoconical cup. Each of the plurality of dose markings includes a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency different from the first transparency.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a syringe medication dispensing device comprising a barrel configured to contain a liquid medication to be dispensed by the medication dispensing device. A plurality of color-coded dose markings are spaced around a periphery of a surface of the barrel. Each dose marking has a different height relative to a reference level and corresponds to a different dose of the liquid medication. The reference level may be proximate the end of the barrel.

[0015] In one embodiment, a dispensing device includes a syringe and a plurality of color-coded dose markings associated with a plurality of values ​​of a patient's physical characteristic. Each of the plurality of dose markings may have a different color. Furthermore, each of the plurality of dose markings may include a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency different from the first transparency. The first portion of the plurality of dose markings may be approximately 180 degrees apart from the second portion of the plurality of dose markings on a surface of the syringe. Each of the respective dose markings may also be rectangular, have a different color, and include a volume indicator.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a medication dispensing device comprising a scoop configured to receive a liquid medication to be dispensed. A plurality of color-coded dosing markers are spaced apart from one another about a portion of the scoop, the scoop configured to receive the liquid medication to be dispensed, each dosing marker having a different length relative to a reference and corresponding to a different dose of the liquid medication.

[0017] In one embodiment, a dispensing device includes a scoop, and the plurality of dose markings are associated with a plurality of values ​​of a patient's physical characteristic. Each of the plurality of dose markings has a different color. Furthermore, each of the plurality of dose markings may include a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency different from the first transparency. Each of the plurality of dose markings may also be rectangular, have a different color, and include a volume indicator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1A- Figure 1D is a perspective view of a drug delivery device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2A-2D is a perspective view of a drug dispensing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figures 3A-3D A plan view of an identification with color-coded medication administration is shown.

[0021] Figure 4 A flow chart illustrating a method of determining and printing color-coded medication dosage identification.

[0022] Figure 5 A flow chart illustrating a method of administering medication using the disclosed pre-filled and labeled drug dispensing device is shown.

[0023] Figure 6 Shown is a measuring instrument for determining a patient's color-coded length.

[0024] Figure 7 An exemplary emergency medical treatment kit for administering medication according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figures 8A-8F Data showing improvements in drug delivery using the presently disclosed systems and methods.

[0026] Figure 9A-9B Alternative methods of administration according to some embodiments are shown.

[0027] 10A-10B illustrate exemplary identification of medication dosages with color coding, according to several embodiments.

[0028] Figure 11 One embodiment of a drug delivery system including a pre-labeled drug dispensing / dispensing device designed to facilitate the delivery of sequential doses of a drug to a patient in a safe manner is described.

[0029] Figure 12 A dosing system is shown that includes a pre-labeled medication dispensing / dispensing device having stepped dose indicia designed to facilitate delivery of sequential doses of medication to any one of a plurality of patients of varying sizes.

[0030] Figure 13-17B A drug dispensing device in the form of a syringe 1300 is described that is configured to deliver one or both of a therapeutic dose and a prophylactic dose of a particular drug.

[0031] Figure 18A and Figure 18B is an exemplary table identifying the prophylactic or therapeutic dose corresponding to the patient's colored area.

[0032] Figure 19A and Figure 19B as well as Figure 20A and Figure 20B A syringe having multiple color-coded segments of a series of different widths is described.

[0033] Figure 21-22 A medication dispensing device in the form of a syringe is described that is configured with dosage indicia associated with different medical conditions.

[0034] Figure 23A and 23B is used Figure 21-22 An exemplary dosage form for a syringe that facilitates the ability of the syringe to deliver the same medication for different medical conditions with different dosage requirements.

[0035] Figure 24 A syringe having a single color-coded dosage scale is shown.

[0036] Figure 25A and Figure 25B is with Figure 24The syringes are combined with different dosage charts for specific medications, which are related to the administration of medications for different medical conditions.

[0037] Figures 26A-26C A first embodiment of a drug delivery system is shown, with colors used to represent dispensed volumes for various scenarios or medical conditions.

[0038] Figures 27A-27C A second embodiment of a dosing system is shown, with colors used to indicate dosing volumes for various situations or medical conditions.

[0039] Figures 28A-28B An embodiment of a medication dispensing device according to the present disclosure is shown having color-coded zone indicia and numerical volume indicia.

[0040] Figure 29A -C shows a view of a logo that can be used to print and manufacture the drug dispensing device of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 30 An embodiment of a drug dispensing device in the form of a syringe having two stepped dose markings is shown.

[0042] Figure 31A and Figure 31B Shown are the front and back of a medication dispensing device in the form of a syringe with a set of stepped dose markings for administering a liquid medication.

[0043] Figure 32 A drug dispensing device in the form of a spoon is shown, which implements stepped dose marking for administering a liquid drug.

[0044] Figure 33A Shown is a front perspective view of a medication dispensing device of the present disclosure having a stepped set of dose indicia, each dose comprising indicia of a different color and transparency.

[0045] Figure 33B Shown Figure 33A Front elevation view of a drug dispensing device.

[0046] Figure 33C Shown Figure 33A Rear elevation view of a drug dispensing device.

[0047] Figure 33D Shown Figure 33A Right side view of the drug dispensing device.

[0048] Figure 33E Shown Figure 33A Left side view of the drug dispensing device.

[0049] Figure 33F Shown Figure 33A A top view of a drug dispensing device.

[0050] Figure 33G Shown Figure 33A Bottom view of the drug dispensing device.

[0051] Figure 34A Shown is a front perspective view of a medication dispensing device of the present disclosure having a stepped set of dose indicia, each dose comprising an indicia of a different color.

[0052] Figure 34B Shown Figure 34A Front elevation view of a drug dispensing device.

[0053] Figure 34C Shown Figure 34A Rear elevation view of a drug dispensing device.

[0054] Figure 34D Shown Figure 34A Right side view of the drug dispensing device.

[0055] Figure 34E Shown Figure 34A Left side view of the drug dispensing device.

[0056] Figure 34F Shown Figure 34A A top view of a drug dispensing device.

[0057] FIG. 35G shows Figure 34A Bottom view of the drug dispensing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] This application describes a device, system, and method for administering appropriate medication to patients. The device and system are configured to address the five "rights" of medication dispensing: providing the right medication to the right patient at the right time, via the right route, and at the right dosage. In particular, a pre-labeled medication dispensing / dispensing device is provided to minimize medication dosing errors and improve the overall accuracy and efficiency of medication administration, particularly in emergency and critical care settings.

[0059] As discussed in detail below, in one embodiment, a drug dispensing device 10 is a syringe 15 comprising an elongated barrel 30 identified by a predetermined color-coded volumetric drug dose 100 and a plunger 50. According to one embodiment, the drug dispensing device can be further pre-filled with a fluid 105 corresponding to the drug to be administered to a patient. A method for determining a specific volumetric dose of a plurality of drugs based on various factors is also disclosed. In particular, according to one embodiment, the method involves generating an identification or marking of a drug dispensing device with a dose determined based on, for example, the volumetric capacity of the drug dispensing device and / or the drug concentration.

[0060] Furthermore, a method for administering an appropriate dosage of a drug using a pre-labeled drug dispensing device is discussed. The disclosed method significantly reduces the amount of time required to determine and administer a dosage to a patient while reducing the risk of such a dosage being miscalculated or otherwise incorrectly administered.

[0061] Device

[0062] For a detailed discussion of the first embodiment of the pre-labeled drug dispensing / dispensing device 10, reference is now made to Figures 1A-1D .like Figure 1A As shown, the drug delivery device 10 according to one embodiment is a syringe 15, which includes a proximal end 25 and a distal end 20 opposite the proximal end. The syringe includes a container, such as a syringe barrel 30 at the distal end, for holding the drug to be dispensed therein, and a plunger 50, which extends proximally from an opening 36 located at the proximal end 35 of the syringe barrel to a plunger proximal end 55 at the proximal end 25 of the barrel. The syringe barrel and plunger are both made of materials such as plastic, glass, or any other suitable transparent medical grade material that is inert or does not disrupt the chemical balance of the internal fluid.

[0063] like Figure 1B As shown, the syringe barrel 30 is elongated and substantially cylindrical and includes a distal end 31 and a proximal end 35. The syringe barrel also includes an outer peripheral surface 37 and an inner peripheral surface 38. The inner peripheral surface 38 of the syringe barrel between the distal and proximal ends 31 and 35 defines a chamber 32 capable of receiving a plunger and retaining liquid therein. A flange 33, which can serve as a finger grip to make the syringe easier to operate, is integrally formed with the proximal end of the barrel and defines an opening 36 for receiving the plunger. Adjacent to the opening 36, there is a ridge 34 along the inner surface of the barrel, as shown. Figure 1C As shown, it prevents the plunger from sliding out of the barrel after engaging with the barrel.

[0064] The opening 36 communicates with the cavity 32 and an orifice 39 located at the distal end 20 of the syringe barrel. A tip 40 for connecting a needle, nozzle, or tube to expel the liquid contained in the syringe barrel 30 is integrally formed with the distal end 20 of the barrel and communicates with the orifice 39. The tip may include an inner layer 41 component and an outer layer 42 component positioned coaxially. According to one embodiment, the tip may include a Luer taper fitting. In some embodiments, the tip may be configured based on the type of medication the syringe is used to deliver. For example, an oral tip may be used on a syringe configured for oral medication, and in particular, the oral tip may be different from an intravenous tip ("IV") or an intramuscular ("IM") tip to ensure that the medication is delivered through the correct path. Similarly, syringes configured for intravenous and intramuscular injections of medication may be configured with an IV tip and an IM tip, respectively, so that they can only be delivered through the correct path.

[0065] according to Figure 1B In one embodiment shown, the plunger 50 includes a plunger rod 51 and a rubber or plastic gasket or plug 52 connected to the distal end 56 of the plunger rod. The gasket forms a tight seal between the inner surface of the tube and the plunger to prevent the contents of the syringe from leaking out the back of the syringe. An annular flange 53 is formed integrally with the proximal end 55 of the plunger rod. The plunger 50 has an elongated shape that complements the chamber 30 and is designed to be pushed along the cavity (inside the cylindrical barrel or tube) to cause the syringe to discharge liquid through the tip 40 or orifice 39 at the distal end of the barrel. In addition, the plunger may include any other configuration that can force fluid from the interior of the chamber 30 through the tip 40 or orifice 39.

[0066] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the drug delivery device can be pre-filled with a pre-selected drug. Initially, when the drug delivery device is pre-filled and the syringe is in the pre-dose position, the actual length of the plunger rod extends longitudinally outside the syringe barrel. In other words, Figure 1A As shown, prior to administration, only the washer 52 and the distal end 56 of the plunger rod are initially within the syringe barrel, at the proximal end 35 of the barrel, while the remainder of the plunger length is outside the barrel such that its proximal end 55 is in its most extended configuration.

[0067] Alternatively, the drug dispensing device may not be prefilled. The drug dispensing device may be marked with, for example, the name of the drug, concentration, volume identification, color-coded areas, and / or similar identification. In an embodiment, the drug dispensing device may have a "stepped" visual dispensing identification, which will be described in more detail in the subsequent disclosure. A medical professional can draw the appropriate concentration of drug (i.e., the drug named on the device) into the drug dispensing device to achieve the appropriate volume identification and / or color-coded area. In some embodiments, the drug dispensing device comes as part of a kit that includes a drug container containing the drug to be administered. The drug in the drug container can be drawn into the drug dispensing device immediately before the administration process. In this embodiment, the plunger rod can remain in the syringe barrel until the drug is drawn into the syringe.

[0068] according to Figure 2A In another embodiment shown, the syringe 15 includes an elongated barrel 70 and a plunger 80 that is marked with a predetermined color-coded volumetric drug dose 100 and / or pre-filled with a liquid drug 105 corresponding to the drug to be administered to the patient. Figure 2C As shown, the syringe barrel includes an inner tubular body 75 that is generally coaxial with the major diameter of the cylindrical barrel. The inner tubular body has a needle 76 coaxially positioned within and longitudinally aligned with the inner tubular body. A plunger 80, such as Figure 2D As shown, it includes a generally cylindrical member or vial 81 and a stopper 82. Since the syringe barrel and plunger are initially separate, as shown in FIG. Figure 2B As shown, prior to administration, the plunger 80 needs to be inserted into the proximal end 35 of the syringe barrel so that the stopper 82 is fully engaged with the inner tubular body 75 and the needle 76.

[0069] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the plunger and / or plunger stopper can be color-coded according to the drug contained in the barrel. Such color coding of the plunger can further improve the efficiency of drug administration and make drug administration less prone to errors, as visual inspection of the plunger can quickly verify the correct drug to be administered. In addition, in addition to the color-coded plunger and / or plunger stopper, the plunger and / or plunger stopper can also be labeled with the name and / or concentration of the drug to further limit the possibility of errors.

[0070] Alternatively, the medication dispensing device can include any container, such as a tube, vial, bag, cup, spoon, or bottle, capable of containing and dispensing the desired medication. For example, the medication dispensing device can be a bag containing an IV. According to this embodiment, the bag can be labeled with a series of color-coded areas, along with traditional volume markings. When used in conjunction with traditional volume markings, the color-coded areas can serve as a reminder to medical personnel of the correct volume of each medication to be administered to the patient based on the patient's color area. The color-coded areas can also serve as a key to input the correct total amount of medication for distribution to the IV pump.

[0071] What will now be described is the markings on the surface of the medication dispensing device. In the case of a syringe, the markings can be placed along the peripheral surface of the syringe barrel or plunger. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the markings include a series of substantially translucent bands or areas 100 that indicate the possible medication doses to be administered to the patient. Although the markings shown in the figures include a series of color-coded areas, the markings may also include areas with different patterns, textures, etc. Regardless of the type of marking used, the markings can be directly stamped, painted, etched, or dyed onto the inner or outer surface of the medication dispensing device, or a marking or sleeve can be prepared that can be affixed or placed on the outer surface of the medication dispensing device. The markings are applied so that once the device is filled, the liquid level can be easily seen through the markings.

[0072] Figure 3A Multiple labels according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown. Each label 300 is substantially rectangular in shape, and its dimensions are determined based on the volumetric capacity of the drug delivery device to which it is affixed. In other words, due to variations in the volume of drug delivery devices and the peripheral outer surface of these devices, the size or dimensions of the label are adjusted accordingly to ensure that it properly covers the outer surface of the device. For example, when creating a label for syringes with two different capacities, the length and width of the label are either increased or decreased to accommodate the changes in the outer surface of the barrel.

[0073] As the size of the label changes, the width of the ribbon or color zone printed on the label will also change accordingly depending on the drug dispensing device used to dispense the drug. Specifically, in order to take into account the change in the volume of the dispensing device, the width of the ribbon or color zone needs to be changed so that the same drug volume dosage is maintained in different drug dispensing devices. For example, Figure 3BAs shown, the markings for the same medication loaded into a 10 ml medication dispensing device and a 5 ml medication dispensing device have two different widths for each color band or color zone to maintain consistent dosage between the two medication dispensing devices. In other words, to dispense the same amount of medication using the 10 ml medication dispensing device and the 5 ml medication dispensing device, the width of the color bands 351A-359A on the marking 310 of the 10 ml device will be smaller than the width of the color bands 351B-359B on the marking 305 of the 5 ml medication dispensing device, so that the same dosage of medication is provided to the patient.

[0074] Similarly, the concentration of the drug used will also affect the width of the band or area printed on the label. Specifically, the width of the band or area is determined based on the concentration of the drug, with higher concentrations of the drug corresponding to smaller volume doses or smaller band widths compared to lower concentrations of the drug.

[0075] like Figure 3C As shown, the label 300 has opposing parallel sides 315 and 320 and opposing parallel ends 325 and 330, and includes a series of continuous colored bands or regions 351 to 359, the width of which corresponds to a medication dosage for a particular patient. This characteristic can correspond to the patient's height (as described above), the patient's weight, the patient's age, the patient's surface area / volume, and / or the like. Specifically, each colored band has a width defined by a leading edge 335 and a trailing edge 340, which are parallel to the opposing ends 325 and 330 of the label, and, once the label is applied to the medication dispensing device, has a volume corresponding to a predetermined dosage of medication appropriate for the patient's characteristics, which medication falls within a predefined color-coded range. In other words, each colored band or region on the label represents a medication dosage associated with a corresponding color-coded height range, weight range, age range, surface area / volume range, or other physiological characteristic.

[0076] Still refer to Figure 3C According to one embodiment, nine different color bands 351-359 can be used to distinguish nine different dosages of medication, which are associated with nine different color-coded patient characteristic ranges. Specifically, each color corresponds to one of the nine different dosages of a specific medication. Figure 3C As shown, in a given embodiment, the color band colors may include gray 351, pink 352, red 353, purple 354, yellow 355, white 356, blue 357, orange 358, and green 359, where the gray band corresponds to the minimum dose of the drug and the green band corresponds to the maximum dose of the drug that can be delivered. One or more solid black lines 365 may be used at the boundaries between the various bands or areas to facilitate the process of administering the drug, as will be discussed in more detail below. Although the discussion will refer to Figure 3A-3CThe specific colors shown in FIG, but it is readily understood that other colors or logos may be used. Additionally, or in addition to the colors, the color names may be printed within the band or zone width in lieu of the colors.

[0077] according to Figure 3D In another embodiment, the marking includes ten different color bands, with the tenth color band 360 corresponding to the maximum deliverable dose of medication. In this particular embodiment, the maximum dose may correspond to a universal dose that can be delivered to patients of any characteristics (e.g., height, weight, etc.) that are not covered by the color schemes of the present invention. For example, the universal marking according to this embodiment can be applied to a medication dispensing device that is universal for both pediatric and adult patients, eliminating the need for separate medication dosing systems for these two different patient groups.

[0078] Although a specific number of color bands is discussed in the examples provided above, it should be noted that any number of color bands can be used to achieve more precise drug dosing. In some cases, the previously defined color bands or regions can be further subdivided into sub-color bands or sub-regions to achieve more precise drug dosing. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, there are thirty-six markers (sub-regions) within nine color regions. This can improve the accuracy of drug administration to patients.

[0079] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3C As shown, one of the label edges may include a marking 370 that will help ensure that the label is correctly applied or positioned on the syringe or plunger. For example, the label edge aligned with the distal end of the syringe barrel may be marked to prevent the label from being applied to the barrel in the reverse orientation, thereby causing the incorrect dose to be administered later. For example, a label edge having a color band corresponding to the minimum dose may include a marking on its leading edge to facilitate alignment of the label with the distal end of the syringe barrel.

[0080] In addition, according to Figure 3A In another embodiment, the label includes the name of the medication to be administered or any other information that may be important for ensuring that the correct medication is administered to the patient. In particular, the medication name may be embossed along the length of the label or at any other location that facilitates verification of the correct medication in the drug delivery device. Furthermore, for medications that are administered at intervals, the corresponding intervals may be indicated on the label, or a separate paper or electronic calendar may be provided so that the patient and / or healthcare professional can keep track of the dosing intervals.

[0081] Methods for determining and generating dose information

[0082] Now, the method 400 is discussed for determining the dosage of a plurality of drugs and drug dispensing devices. Figure 4 As shown, the method may include generating color-coded dosage identification that can be applied to a selected medical dispensing device. Figure 4 As shown, method 400 begins at step 401, during which a medication for which a dosage indication is to be generated is selected. For emergency or critical care situations, some of the most commonly used medications include, for example, atropine, lidocaine, fentanyl, epinephrine, etomidate, ketamine, succinylcholine, rocuronium, and midazolam. However, it should be understood that the method is equally applicable to any other medication that can be administered using the medication dispensing device of the present invention.

[0083] Once the medication for which an identification is to be generated is determined, the medication dosage for each color-coded characteristic (e.g., length, weight, etc.) zone discussed previously is determined in step 402. Depending on the medication, the width of the color-coded zone may vary. Table 1 below provides the dosages of the medications listed above, in milligrams. As can be seen from Table 1, the dosage of each medication varies not only by medication type, but also by the patient's height (i.e., characteristic). Thus, for example, as shown in Table 1, a patient falling within the yellow color-coded length zone would receive 26 mg of succinylcholine and 13 mg of rocuronium. If the same medication is to be administered to two different patients whose heights fall within different color-coded lengths, two different medication dosages would be used, as shown. For example, in the case of epinephrine, where one patient's length is coded red and the other is coded blue, the medication dosages administered to each patient would be 0.085 mg and 0.21 mg, respectively. Alternatively, medication dosages can be determined based on recommended dosages other than patient height, such as the patient's weight, age, surface area / volume, and / or the like.

[0084] After determining the dose to be administered to the patient in step 402, the drug concentration of the drug selected in step 401 is then determined in step 403. The concentration of the drug is directly related to the volume that needs to be administered. In other words, a higher concentration solution requires a smaller dose of the same drug to be administered than a lower concentration solution.

[0085] The next step, step 404, involves selecting a medication dispensing device to be labeled. As described above, since medication dispensing devices come in a variety of volumes, medication dispensing device conversion factors related to the length and width of the medication dispensing device and / or the medication concentration may be used to account for variations in the size and / or shape of the different medication dispensing devices for which labels are to be generated. Thus, once a medication dispensing device of a particular volume is selected for administration, the respective conversion factors listed in Table 1 may be used to calculate the individual color band / region widths and the total band width corresponding to the determined medication dose (step 405). More specifically, the width of each color band / region corresponding to the determined medication dose is calculated based on the medication dose to be administered, the solution concentration, and the volumetric capacity of the medication dispensing device. According to one embodiment, all of the calculations may be performed by a computer processing unit (CPU) in response to input provided by a user.

[0086] Once the width of each color band or area has been determined and the label has been printed, the label can be applied to the medication dispensing device. For example, if the label is to be applied to a syringe having a barrel and a plunger, where the barrel is designed to contain the medication to be dispensed, the label can be placed along the outer circumference of the barrel. This is done by aligning the edge of the label with the color band corresponding to the minimum dose and the distal edge of the syringe barrel of the medication dispensing device 10. Alternatively, in a syringe where the plunger serves as the reservoir for the medication, the label can be placed along the outer circumference of the plunger by aligning the edge of the label corresponding to the color band corresponding to the minimum dose with the proximal end of the medication dispensing device.

[0087] While pre-calculated ribbon / zone widths for each selected medication, volumetric capacity of the medication dispensing device, and solution concentration can be printed on a label that can be attached to the medication dispensing device, the dosage information can also be embossed, etched, dyed, or painted directly onto the medication dispensing device. Alternatively, the dosage information can be printed on a sleeve or label that can be placed on the medication dispensing device. In an embodiment, the dosage label can be fixed to the medication dispensing device so that it does not move once attached.

[0088] According to various embodiments, a suitably labeled medication dispensing device can be pre-filled with the desired medication, wherein the liquid volume can correspond to the maximum dose to be administered to a patient, e.g., a patient whose height falls within the maximum length region. When the medication dispensing unit is pre-filled with the selected medication, the label can be affixed before or after the medication dispensing device is filled. In cases where the medication dispensing device is filled with the selected medication immediately prior to the medication administration procedure, e.g., when the medication dispensing device is included as part of a kit comprising the medication dispensing device and a container containing the medication, an empty, pre-labeled medication dispensing device is provided for use.

[0089] Thus, a volume of fluid corresponding to a predetermined dose for a given patient can be drawn from the container into the pre-labeled administration device immediately prior to administration.

[0090]

[0091]

[0092]

[0093] Dosage

[0094] The drug dispensing device assembled according to the above steps can be used to deliver drugs safely and effectively. Figure 5 FIG5 is a flow chart 500 of a method for administering a drug to a patient using the disclosed drug delivery device 10 according to one embodiment. In this particular example, the disclosed method provides steps for effectively administering a selected drug to a patient from a prefilled and pre-labeled drug delivery device. As shown, the method begins at step 501 where a color-coded length of the patient or any of their physical characteristics is determined. In terms of length, a Broselow tape or any other similar type of instrument that can provide a color-coded length range can be used in this step. Figure 6 As shown, the color-coded length can be obtained by placing a patient 600 along a measuring tape 601 and recording the patient's color-coded length on the measuring tape. In addition, any other physiological characteristic, such as weight, age, body surface area or volume, can be color-coded and correlated with a medication dose.

[0095] Once the patient's coded length or any physiological characteristic thereof is determined and / or coded into a particular color range, the prefilled medication dispensing device 10 containing the medication to be administered is selected at step 502. The selection of the medication is verified by either reading the medication name embossed along the outer surface of the prefilled medication dispensing device or by verifying the color of the plunger rod as described above.

[0096] After determining and recording the color code of the patient's coding length or other characteristics and verifying the correctness of the medicine to be administered, the appropriate dosage or its corresponding volume is determined in step 503. The appropriate dosage can be determined by a physician or other medical expert, which is calculated based on at least one patient characteristic. The calculated dosage can be the exact amount of medicine to be administered. In addition, the medication physician or other professional medical personnel can determine the patient's color code based on at least one patient characteristic. For example, if the patient's height or other characteristics are determined to fall within the blue range of the measuring tape, the dosage to be administered to the patient will be the volume within the blue color band or area on the medication dispensing device.

[0097] Because (in this embodiment) the dispensing unit is pre-filled with the drug, the appropriate dose of the drug can be obtained by purging any excess drug from the pre-filled syringe until the calculated volume (dose) of the drug is reached as shown in step 504. In other words, the pre-filled volume of the drug dispensing device may correspond to the maximum dose that can be administered to the patient. Therefore, unless the calculated dose is the maximum possible dose, some drug must be purged from the pre-filled drug delivery device before administration.

[0098] Thus, according to one embodiment, the plunger is pushed along the interior of the barrel towards the distal end 31 of the barrel until the proximal end of the plunger 54 reaches the calculated dose.

[0099] Once the administering healthcare professional has removed excess medication, the calculated dose is the only medication remaining in the medication dispensing device. The administering healthcare professional verifies that the calculated dose and the dose remaining in the medication dispensing device are within the color-coded range determined for the patient. For example, in the case where the patient's length or other characteristic is coded blue, the leading edge of the blue band is near the distal end of the syringe barrel and the trailing edge is near the proximal end of the syringe barrel. The plunger is advanced toward the distal end of the barrel until the distal end of the plunger is aligned with the calculated dose. The administering healthcare professional then ensures that the plunger is positioned between the leading and trailing edges of the blue band. Once all excess liquid has been removed from the prefilled medication dispensing device in step 504, the correctness of the medication dose is verified in step 505, and the medication is then administered to the patient in step 506.

[0100] Alternatively, according to another embodiment, the drug dispensing device may be configured as follows: Figure 7 The method shown in A is used to administer a drug to a patient. In particular, the method for administering a drug can begin with a selected emergency medical kit, which includes the drug to be administered to the patient (step 701). As shown in the figure, Figure 7As shown in Figure B, the medical kit may include a container, such as a box, bag, pouch, or any other suitable container, capable of holding a medication dispensing device, and labeled on its exterior with the name of the medication contained within the container and other information. For example, according to one embodiment, in addition to listing the name of the medication on the label, the label may also include information about the medication's concentration and / or instructions for administering the medication using the kit. The medical kit may also include a pre-labeled medication dispensing device, such as a syringe, with color-coded areas calibrated for different dosing of the selected medication. The syringe label may also include the name of the medication to be delivered or any other information that may help ensure the medication is properly delivered to the patient. The medical kit may also include a needle, such as a blunt-tipped filling needle, which may be made of plastic or any other suitable material, to facilitate drawing the medication into the syringe. The medical kit may also include a container, such as a bottle or vial, for holding the medication, labeled with the medication's name. The container may include a stopper or cap to facilitate the entry of the medication into the container. The container may include a stopper or cap to facilitate the entry of the medication into the container, and these materials may be easily pierced by the filling needle, allowing the medication in the container to be easily drawn into the medication delivery device.

[0101] If a kit includes more than one medication, the corresponding vial and syringe for each medication can be placed within the packaging to ensure that there is no confusion about which vial corresponds to which syringe. Furthermore, different colored plungers can help ensure that the correct medications are given to the patient in the correct order. For example, if two medications are to be administered in a specific order, the kit may include a first medication in a first vial and a first syringe marked with an area colored by the first medication, and a second medication in a second vial and a second syringe marked with an area colored by the second medication. To ensure that the first vial and syringe are not confused with the second vial and syringe, the plungers in the syringes can be colored. The first vial's logo and / or cap can be the same color as the plunger logo on the first syringe, and the second vial's logo and / or cap can be the same color as the plunger logo on the second syringe. This allows the administering healthcare professional to easily ensure that the correct vial / syringe combination is being used when administering medication.

[0102] Alternatively, when the medications need to be delivered in a specific order, the tips of the plungers can be numbered to indicate the order in which the medications should be delivered. For example, if the plunger for the first medication to be administered is green and the plunger for the second medication to be administered is yellow, the tip of the green plunger can have the number "1" on the tip and the tip of the yellow plunger can have the number "2" on the tip. Vials can also be numbered.

[0103] In cases where medication dispensing is based on patient height, the patient's color-coded length can be determined using a device such as a Broselow tape or any other similar type of device that provides a color-coded length range, as described above. Figure 6 Alternatively, other patient characteristics may be used to determine the color code range. The appropriate volume of medication to be administered may then be determined based on the patient's height, and the patient's length may be associated with the color code. The determined amount of medication may then be drawn into the medication dispensing device, and the administering healthcare professional may verify that the determined volume of medication is within the color code corresponding to the patient. Once the dosage is verified, the medication may be administered to the patient. Figure 7 In one embodiment shown in , when the drug delivery device is a syringe with a pre-loaded filling needle, the filling needle can be disposed of before administration.

[0104] like Figure 8A and Figure 8B As shown, eliminating the step of calculating the medication to be administered in a high-stress environment and eliminating the step of selecting an appropriate medication delivery device can help eliminate critical dosage errors, such as critical overdose or critical underdose errors, which often occur when using traditional devices and methods. In addition, the frequency and severity of non-critical errors can be reduced compared to traditional methods, such as Figure 8C and 8D Finally, as Figure 8E and 8F As shown, when using the drug dispensing device according to the present invention, the time to prepare and provide medication, as well as the time to provide medication in preparation for rapid sequence intubation (RSI), can be significantly reduced compared to conventional devices. Thus, pre-labeled drug dispensing devices designed and used in accordance with the disclosed embodiments provide for simpler, more accurate, and efficient drug delivery in emergency and critical care situations.

[0105] In another embodiment, a dose can be calculated, and the color bands / zones can be used to verify that the calculated dose is within a safe range, based at least on patient characteristics. For example, a precise dose can be calculated based on patient characteristics, such as the patient's weight, and to ensure that the calculated dose can be safely administered to the patient, the administrator can ensure that the dose is within the correct color bands / zones before administering the medication. For certain medications requiring greater precision, the color bands / zones may be smaller. In such cases, a smaller range, or even exact accuracy, may be desirable in linking patient characteristics to the dose.

[0106] By first calculating the dose and then verifying that the determined dose is within the patient's safety range (i.e., the color zone), dosing errors can be avoided because everyone in the drug delivery chain will be able to recognize when an error has occurred. For example, a doctor may calculate the dose, but a nurse (or a second doctor) may administer the medication to the patient. If a calculation error occurs, or if the administering medical professional misreads the calculated dose, the administering professional will know that an error has occurred before administering the medication to the patient because the dose is outside the color zone corresponding to the patient. (In some embodiments, the patient's color zone can be determined at the time of administration and can be identified in the patient's medical record, such as with a logo, a scannable barcode, etc., or children are asked to wear an armband of a color corresponding to the child-safe color zone).

[0107] Figure 9A An exemplary flow chart of one embodiment is shown. The color-coded areas can be determined based on at least one patient characteristic 905. The patient characteristic can be patient height, patient weight, patient age, patient surface area / volume, and / or similar characteristics. In some embodiments, the color-coded areas can be determined based on patient weight, for example, by using the charts shown in FIG9C and / or FIG9D. The medication administered to the patient can be determined 910, and a pre-marked medication dispensing device 915 can be selected. In some embodiments, the pre-marked medication dispensing device can be specifically targeted at the medication administered to the patient (e.g., medication name and concentration), and the device can have a series of color-coded areas that correspond to medication doses that can be administered. The color-coded areas can have different widths and can correspond to the amount of medication that can be safely administered to a patient having at least one physical characteristic and / or within a range of at least one physical characteristic.

[0108] The dosage of the drug to be administered to the patient can be determined 920. In some embodiments, the determination of the drug dosage is based on calculations by a physician or other medical professional. For example, a physician may know that a patient with specific physical characteristics, such as a weight within a predetermined range, should receive a certain amount of the drug (e.g., based on FDA guidelines). The amount of drug administered to the patient can be measured in units of weight (e.g., milligrams). However, when administered in liquid form, the unit is volume (e.g., mg / ml). Therefore, the medical professional must determine how many milliliters of drug to deliver to the patient in order to provide the patient with the appropriate dose (e.g., milligrams) of the drug.

[0109] Once the medication dosage is determined, the medication dispensing device can be filled with a volume of medication based on the determined medication dosage 925. A person administering the medication, such as a physician, nurse, technician, physician's assistant, and / or the like, can verify that the volume of medication filled in the medication dispensing device corresponds to the determined color-coded area 930. Assuming the volume is within the area, the medication dose can be administered to the patient using the dispensing device 935. In some embodiments, if the volume is not within the area, the medication dose may not be administered to the patient. For example, the medication dose may be re-determined. In other embodiments, the medication may be administered as long as the determined area is not exceeded.

[0110] Figure 9B Another exemplary flow chart of one embodiment is shown. A medication being administered may be selected 950 and a dosage of the medication may be determined and / or calculated 955. The dosage may be based on patient characteristics, such as patient height, patient weight, patient age, patient surface area / volume, and / or the like. Color-coded zones may also be determined based on the same or based on different patient characteristics 960. The calculated dosage may be drawn into the medication dispensing device 965. For example, when the medication dispensing device is a syringe, the calculated dosage may be drawn from a vial into the syringe. The syringe may be marked with multiple color-coded zones, such as Figure 10B To ensure that a safe dose is administered, the calculated dose should be within the determined color-coded area 970. If the determined dose is within the color-coded area, and in some embodiments, is less than the color-coded area, the dose is administered to the patient 975. If the determined dose is not within the color-coded area, for example, if the determined dose is greater than the color-coded area, the dose is not administered. Excess medication can be expelled from the medication dispensing device, or the dose can be recalculated (redetermined) to ensure that the calculation was performed correctly.

[0111] 9C shows an exemplary chart for determining color-coded zones for patients based on their weight in kilograms. Such a chart may be used in a hospital where weight may be recorded in kilograms for use in dosage calculations.

[0112] FIG9D depicts another exemplary color-coded chart in which the patient's weight is shown in pounds (lbs). In the embodiment of FIG9D , the patient's height (here in inches (in.)) is also shown. This embodiment may be particularly useful when administering medication at home, because in some countries (e.g., the United States), patients and caregivers may be more familiar with pounds and inches than kilograms and centimeters. Thus, for example, when a parent is administering epinephrine to a child, they can quickly reference the chart shown in FIG9D to determine that the dose their child should be administered falls within the color range corresponding to their child's weight and / or height.

[0113] Figures 10A-B show exemplary color-coded areas for a drug, epinephrine, at a concentration of 1 mg / ml. The color-coded area shown in Figure 10A can be used when the color-coded area is used to determine the dosage to be given to a patient (e.g., using Figure 5 and Figure 7 A). In these embodiments, the patient's height is used to determine the coding zone, and the color-coded zone determines the dose administered to the patient. In the disclosed typical embodiment, the professional medical staff administering the drug can inject the drug into the syringe so that it reaches the maximum dose level of the color-coded zone corresponding to the patient. For example, if the patient's height (or weight, etc.) falls within the white area, the medical professional will administer 0.15 ml of the drug. This may be a slight overdose for patients at the low end of the white coding zone, while it may be a slight overdose for patients at the high end of the white coding zone (of course, for patients falling in the white coding zone, a slight overdose / insufficient dose is within a safe dose range). In other embodiments, the dose corresponding to the color zone may be an accurate dose for patients at the low end of the respective color-coded zone, and may be a slight underdose for patients at the middle and high ends of the color zone.

[0114] FIG. 10B shows a diagram of a Figure 9A-9B The color coded areas can be used when the process is shown. Here, the calculation may be accurate and the color is used to double check that the dose is within the safe range. Since the dose is calculated and the color coded area is used to verify that the correct dose is administered, the color coded area may be more accurate. Figure 9A-9B As discussed, the professional administering personnel fills the syringe to a level corresponding to the exact dose calculated for the patient and then ensures that the calculated dose is included within the color-coded area corresponding to the patient.

[0115] In the embodiment of FIG10B , the color zones are not configured to slightly over / underdose patients on either side of each zone. Instead, each color zone extends only to the maximum acceptable dose for any patient within the zone (e.g., to the maximum acceptable dose for the lightest or shortest patient within the zone). Thus, the volume of the color-coded zones varies between FIG10A and FIG10B . For example, consider the case of a patient who weighs 14 kg and is therefore at the top of the "yellow" range. Figure 10A In an embodiment of the present invention, the patient will receive 0.12 ml of epinephrine. Figure 10B In the embodiment, the dose can be calculated as 0.14 ml of epinephrine. When the dose is in the drug dispensing device, the professional administering the drug sees that the dose fits into the yellow zone, double-checks that the patient is categorized as being in the yellow zone, and then administers the drug. Therefore, despite the Figure 10BIn this implementation, the patient received a higher dose, but this higher dose was accurate and safe. Conversely, if the physician calculated that the patient should receive 0.20 ml of medication, the pharmacist would see that this dose falls within the blue zone. The pharmacist, knowing that the patient is categorized within the yellow zone, would not administer the medication. This prevents overdose and ensures that the patient receives the correct amount of medication.

[0116] In one exemplary embodiment, if the physician calculates a dose for a patient of 0.15 ml, the administering medical professional will fill the syringe (whether dispensing the medication via a pre-filled device or drawing the medication into a device) to the 0.15 ml mark. Next, the medical professional will check the patient's color-coded area. If the patient is within the white area, the professional administers the medication; if the patient is in any other area, the medical professional does not administer the medication, but ensures that the dose is recalculated. In some embodiments, it may be particularly important for the medical professional to ensure that the patient does not overdose. Thus, if the patient is in a color area that is higher than the calculated dose, the administering medical professional can administer the medication and then ensure that the remaining dose is administered (e.g., a patient in the "blue" area can administer the dose in the "white" area, followed by the remaining dose. Thus, a dose of 0.15 ml can be given first, but if the appropriate dose should be 0.20 ml, the remaining 0.05 ml can be administered).

[0117] Now please note Figure 11 , which depicts an embodiment of a dosing system including a pre-labeled medication dispensing / dispensing device 1100 that is designed to facilitate the delivery of continuous doses of medication to a patient in a safe manner. As shown, the medication dispensing device 1100 is printed, labeled, or otherwise identified with a colored dose strip 1104 having four dose segments 1110. In one embodiment, the color of the colored dose strip 1104 (i.e., green) is associated with a parameter of the patient (e.g., the patient's weight or height). Each dose segment 1110 identifies a volume of medication corresponding to a particular dose of medication to be provided to the patient. For example, a first dose segment 1110a corresponds to a first dose to be provided to the patient, a second dose segment 1110b corresponds to a second dose to be provided to the patient, a third dose segment 1110c corresponds to a third dose to be provided to the patient, and a fourth dose segment 1110d corresponds to a fourth dose to be provided to the patient.

[0118] Figure 11Dispensing systems are particularly useful in certain medical settings where it is necessary to provide patients with consecutive doses of the same medication. This often occurs in emergency treatment situations where available resources and time may be limited. For example, in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest, a cardiac patient often must be given the same dose of a particular medication during each of multiple consecutive three-minute intervals. In some cases, up to 20 doses of medication must be administered sequentially before the patient can be safely transported to a hospital for further treatment. When using conventional medication dispensing devices in such emergency situations, critical time can be wasted calculating / measuring medication doses and preparing different medication formulations for the patient.

[0119] The shortcomings of traditional drug delivery methods can be overcome by utilizing Figure 11 Specifically, the dosage segment 1110 enables the predetermined amount (in Figure 11 In one embodiment, the operator of the drug dispensing device 1100 does not need to perform any mathematical calculations to obtain the correct sequence of doses to be delivered to the patient. For example, once the patient's parameters (such as weight or height) are matched with a specific dispensing color (in Figure 11 If a dose bar 1104 is associated with a patient (green in this case), a dispensing device 1100 having a colored dose bar 1104 of the same color as the dose color associated with the patient is selected. The dose bar 1110 then effectively serves to inform the operator of the dispensing device of the appropriate volume of medication to administer in each successive dose, based on the patient's size, drug concentration, and desired drug dosage (e.g., mg / kg body weight), without requiring the operator to perform any calculations. This ability to deliver multiple, pre-prepared doses of medication sequentially through a single device, without requiring a healthcare professional to perform mathematical calculations or similar to determine dosage levels, is not possible using conventional syringes or other conventional drug delivery devices.

[0120] Reference Figure 11 According to one embodiment, a drug dispensing device 1100 is a syringe 1115 comprising a proximal end 1125 and a distal end 1120 opposite the proximal end. The syringe comprises a container, such as a syringe barrel 1130, for containing the drug to be dispensed therein, and a plunger 1150 extending from an opening at the proximal end 1135 of the syringe barrel to a proximal end of the plunger at the proximal end 1125. Both the syringe barrel 1130 and the plunger 1150 are made of a material such as plastic, glass, or any other suitable transparent medical grade material that is inert or does not disrupt the chemical balance of the internal fluid.

[0121] like Figure 11As shown, the syringe barrel 1130 is elongated and substantially cylindrical and includes a distal end 1131 and a proximal end 1135. The inner peripheral surface of the barrel 1130 between the distal and proximal ends 1131 and 1135 defines a chamber 1132 capable of receiving a plunger and retaining a liquid therein. A flange 1133, which can serve as a finger grip to make the syringe easier to operate, is integrally formed with the proximal end of the barrel and defines an opening for receiving the plunger 1150. A ridge (not shown) may be provided along the inner surface of the barrel adjacent to this opening to prevent the plunger from sliding out of the barrel after engagement with the barrel.

[0122] The opening defined by flange 1133 communicates with chamber 1132 and an orifice located at the distal end 1120 of the syringe barrel. A tip 1140 for connecting a needle, nozzle, or tube to discharge the liquid contained in the syringe barrel 1130 is integrally formed with the distal end 1120 of the barrel and communicates with the orifice. In some embodiments, the tip can be configured according to the type of medication to be delivered by the syringe. For example, an oral tip can be used on a syringe configured for oral medication, and in particular, the oral tip can be different from an intravenous tip ("IV") or an intramuscular ("IM") tip to ensure that the medication is delivered through the correct path. Similarly, syringes configured for intravenous and intramuscular injections of medication can be configured with an IV tip and an intramuscular tip, respectively, so that they can only be delivered through the correct path.

[0123] In one embodiment, the barrel 1130 is marked with a reference line 1160 (zero line). In the case where the syringe barrel 1130 is pre-filled with medication, the dose of the syringe can be calculated from the proximal end 1135 of the barrel 1130 or from the reference line 1160. Sequential doses can then be delivered to the patient, with each dose comprising a volume of medication corresponding to one of the dose segments 1110.

[0124] If the syringe 1115 is provided to the operator in an empty state, the syringe 1115 will be filled by the operator with medication from, for example, a medication bottle. In this case, the orientation of the marker 1104 will be the same as Figure 11. That is, the marking 1104 is oriented so that the dose segment 1110 corresponding to the first consecutive dose will be closer to the distal end 1120 of the barrel 1130, while the dose segment 1110 corresponding to the last dose will be relatively closer to the proximal end 1135. The medication in the vial can be drawn into the syringe 1115 immediately before the sequential doses are administered. In such an embodiment, the plunger rod 1150 can remain within the syringe barrel 1130 until the medication is drawn into the syringe 1115. Either approach saves the operator valuable time compared to using a single-dose syringe, which requires the operator to refill the syringe from the vial before administering each consecutive dose. Using the syringe 1115 also eliminates the need for the operator to externally track how many doses have actually been delivered to the patient, as the amount of medication remaining in the syringe clearly indicates how many doses remain in the barrel 1130 relative to the full state of the barrel 1130. That is, the dose segment 1110 corresponding to the first of multiple consecutive doses of the medication will be proximate the distal end 1120 of the barrel 1130 , while the dose segment 1110 corresponding to the last dose will be relatively close to the proximal end 1135 .

[0125] The disclosed sequential dispensing system is also suitable for situations where an ambulance or other mobile medical care system must stock a limited supply of medication to prepare for a large number of patients. These medications may have to meet the needs of different patients, and it may not be feasible or practical to have multiple formulations of the same medication (e.g., a cardiac arrest medication) on hand. One way to address these needs is to use color coding, for example, in the form of multiple color bars, to represent patients of different sizes on the same dispensing device, while retaining the sequential dosing function by dividing each color bar into multiple dosage segments.

[0126] Now please look Figure 12 , which provides an illustration of a dispensing system including a pre-labeled medication dispensing / dispensing device 1200 designed to facilitate the delivery of sequential doses of medication to any of a plurality of patients of varying size. As shown, dispensing device 1200 is printed, labeled, or otherwise identified with three colored dose strips 1204, 1206, and 1208, each of which is divided into two dose segments 1210, 1212, and 1214, respectively. In one embodiment, colored dose strips 1204, 1206, and 1208 are blue, gold, and orange, respectively, with each different color associated with a different patient size. Each dose segment 1210, 1212, and 1214 identifies the amount of medication corresponding to a given medication dose to be delivered to the patient associated with a respective one of the colored dose strips 1204, 1206, and 1208. For example, first dose segment 1210a of colored dose strip 1204 corresponds to a first dose to be delivered to a patient associated with the blue dosing color, while second dose segment 1210b corresponds to a second dose to be delivered to the same patient.

[0127] and Figure 11 Same system, Figure 12 Dispensing systems are particularly useful in certain medical settings where it is necessary to provide patients with consecutive doses of the same medication. This often occurs in emergency treatment situations where available resources and time may be limited. For example, in emergency situations involving cardiac arrest, a cardiac patient often must be given the same dose of a particular medication during each of multiple consecutive three-minute intervals. In some cases, up to 20 doses of medication must be administered sequentially before the patient can be safely transported to a hospital for further treatment. When using conventional medication dispensing devices in such emergency situations, critical time can be wasted calculating / measuring medication doses and preparing different medication formulations for the patient.

[0128] The shortcomings of traditional drug delivery methods can be overcome by utilizing Figure 12 Specifically, the dosage segments 1210, 1212, 1214 enable the predetermined amount (in Figure 12 In one embodiment, the operator of the drug dispensing device 1200 does not need to perform any mathematical calculations to obtain the correct sequence of doses to be delivered to the patient. For example, once the patient's parameters (such as weight or height) are matched with a specific dispensing color (in Figure 12 If a dispensing device 1200 is associated with a patient (blue, gold, or orange in the example), a colored dose bar 1204, 1206, 1208 having the same color as the dose color associated with the patient is selected. The dose segments 1210, 1212, 1214 of one of the colored dose bars 1204, 1206, 1208 associated with the patient are then effectively used to inform the operator of the dispensing device of the appropriate volume of drug to administer in each successive administration, based on the patient's size, drug concentration, and desired drug dose (e.g., mg / kg body weight), without requiring the operator to perform any calculations. This ability to deliver multiple, pre-prepared drug doses continuously through a single device, without requiring a healthcare professional to perform mathematical calculations or similar to determine dose levels, is not possible using conventional syringes or other conventional drug delivery devices.

[0129] Reference Figure 12According to one embodiment, a drug dispensing device 1200 is a syringe 1115 that includes a proximal end 1225 and a distal end 1220 opposite the proximal end. The syringe includes a container, such as a syringe barrel 1230, for containing the drug to be dispensed therein, and a plunger 1250 extending from an opening at the proximal end 1235 of the syringe barrel to a proximal end of the plunger at the proximal end 1225. Both the syringe barrel 1230 and the plunger 1250 are made of a material such as plastic, glass, or any other suitable transparent medical grade material that is inert or does not disrupt the chemical balance of the internal fluid.

[0130] like Figure 12 As shown, syringe barrel 1230 is elongated and substantially cylindrical, including a distal end 1231 and a proximal end 1235. The inner circumferential surface of barrel 1230 between distal and proximal ends 1231 and 1235 defines a chamber capable of receiving a plunger and retaining a liquid therein. A flange 1233, which can serve as a finger grip to make the syringe easier to operate, is integrally formed with the proximal end of the barrel and defines an opening for receiving plunger 1250. A ridge (not shown) may be provided along the inner surface of the barrel adjacent to this opening to prevent the plunger from sliding out of the barrel after engagement with the barrel.

[0131] The opening defined by flange 1233 communicates with the chamber of syringe 1215 and an orifice located at the distal end 1220 of the syringe barrel. A tip 1240, for connecting a needle, nozzle, or tube to discharge the liquid contained in the syringe barrel, is integrally formed with the distal end 1220 of the barrel and communicates with the orifice. In some embodiments, tip 1240 can be configured according to the type of medication that the syringe is used to deliver. For example, an oral tip can be used on a syringe configured for oral medication. In particular, the oral tip can be different from an intravenous ("IV") tip or an intramuscular ("IM") tip to ensure that the medication is delivered via the correct path. Similarly, syringes configured for intravenous and intramuscular injections of medication can be configured with an IV tip and an IM tip, respectively, so that they can only be delivered via the correct path.

[0132] In one embodiment, the barrel 1230 is marked with a reference line 1260 (zero line). In the case where the syringe barrel 1230 is pre-filled with medication, the dose of the syringe can be calculated from the proximal end 1235 of the barrel 1230 or from the reference line 1260. Sequential doses can then be delivered to the patient, with each dose comprising a volume of medication corresponding to the dose segments 1210, 1212, 1214.

[0133] If the syringe 1215 is provided to the operator in an empty state, the syringe 1215 will be filled by the operator with medication from, for example, a medication vial. In this case, the orientation of the dose strips 1204, 1206, 1208 will be the same as Figure 12, which is the opposite of the orientation shown in . That is, the dose strips 1204, 1206, 1208 are oriented such that the dose segments 1210, 1212, 1214 corresponding to the first consecutive dose will be closer to the distal end 1220 of the barrel 1230, while the dose segments 1210, 1212, 1214 corresponding to the last dose will be relatively closer to the proximal end 1235. The medication in the vial can be drawn into the syringe immediately before administering the sequential doses. In such an embodiment, the plunger rod 1250 can remain within the syringe barrel 1230 until the medication is drawn into the syringe 1215. Either approach saves the operator valuable time compared to using a single-dose syringe, which requires the operator to refill the syringe from the vial before administering each consecutive dose. Using the syringe 1215 also eliminates the need for the operator to externally track how many doses have actually been delivered to the patient, as the amount of medication remaining in the syringe clearly indicates how many doses remain in the barrel 1230 relative to the full state of the barrel 1230.

[0134] Syringes with prophylactic and therapeutic dose markings

[0135] Now please note Figure 13 -17, which depicts a drug dispensing device in the form of a syringe 1300 configured to deliver either or both a therapeutic dose and a prophylactic dose of a particular drug. As shown, the syringe 1300 includes a first series of color-coded areas 1310 of varying widths corresponding to prophylactic doses, and a second series of color-coded areas 1320 of varying widths corresponding to therapeutic doses. Figure 13 In an embodiment, a first series of color-coded zones 1310 and a second series of color-coded zones 1320 are spaced approximately 180 degrees apart on the outer surface of the barrel 1330 of the syringe 1300. Each color-coded zone in the first series of zones 1310 and the second series of zones 1320 corresponds to a predetermined medication dose that is associated with one of the patient's physical characteristics. The first series of zones 1310 and the second series of zones 1320 are each identified such that the minimum dose of medication to be administered corresponds to a color-coded zone proximal to the opening 1340 through which the particular medication is dispensed.

[0136] The syringe 1300 conveniently allows both a prophylactic dose and a therapeutic dose of a drug to be administered from the same syringe. In this case, the concentration of the drug in the syringe 1300 is the same for both prophylactic and therapeutic applications, but different dosage levels are often prescribed for prophylaxis and treatment. The physician or healthcare provider will instruct the caregiver which dosage option is required (i.e., prophylaxis or treatment) and instruct the caregiver to identify the color zone associated with the patient. This enables the caregiver to view the dose of the drug by referring to the syringe 1300. Figure 18A and Figure 18BRefer to the dosage chart (for illustrative purposes only and not associated with a specific medication), inject the prophylactic or therapeutic dose corresponding to the patient's colored area into the syringe, and use the syringe to administer the corresponding dose to the patient.

[0137] Medication dispensing device with multi-colored ribbons

[0138] Now refer to Figures 19 and 20, which illustrate a syringe 1900 having a series of multiple color-coded segments 1902 of varying widths. As shown, the syringe 1900 includes a gray dosage segment 1904, a pink dosage segment 1908, a red dosage segment 1912, a purple dosage segment 1916, and a yellow dosage segment 1920. In one embodiment, certain dosage segments may be segmented into multiple parts. For example, the gray dosage segment 1904 may be divided into a first gray segment 1930, a second gray segment 1932, and a third gray segment 1934, each segment corresponding to a different range of patient weights or other physical characteristics of the patient. Figure 19A and Figure 20A In the embodiment of FIG, each of the first gray segment 1930, the second gray segment 1932, and the third gray segment 1934 has the same shade of gray. Figure 19B and Figure 20B In the embodiment of the present invention, the gray dosage segment 1904 includes a light gray segment 1930', a medium gray segment 1932', and a dark gray segment 1934'. Figure 19B and Figure 20B In the embodiment of the present invention, the pink dose segment 1908 includes a light pink segment 1940' and a dark pink segment 1942'. The red dose segment 1912 can be similarly divided into a light red segment 1950' and a dark red segment 1952'.

[0139] Syringe system with dosage instructions for a variety of situations

[0140] As is well known, in certain cases, drug manufacturers may only provide certain drugs in a single concentration. For example, it is not feasible for drug manufacturers to provide multiple concentrations of drugs for treating rare diseases. Similarly, a given drug (such as penicillin) can be used to treat relatively serious diseases (such as otitis media) in addition to being used to treat less serious diseases (such as pneumonia). Since more serious conditions may require larger doses than less serious conditions, color-coded syringes related to the patient's physical parameters, such as those described herein, may not be able to adapt to the dosing regimens of more serious and relatively less serious conditions at the same time.

[0141] For example, consider a scenario where penicillin is being used to treat two twin children, one diagnosed with an ear infection and the other with pneumonia. Assume that each of the twins weighs 10 kilograms and the pharmacy only has one concentration of pediatric penicillin (e.g., 100 mg per 5 ml). In this scenario, the doctor would prescribe 100 mg of penicillin per day to the twin with the ear infection ("Twin A") and 200 mg of penicillin per day to the twin diagnosed with pneumonia ("Twin B"). Therefore, Twin A would receive 5 ml of penicillin per day, and Twin B would receive 10 ml per day. Even though Twin A and Twin B weigh the same and each receives the same concentration of penicillin, each would receive a different dose (amount of medication) because the dose depends on the underlying diagnosis, not just the size of the child or the concentration of the medication.

[0142] According to one aspect of the present invention, one way a pharmaceutical company or other drug provider can address this situation is to provide a syringe with dual dose markings or scales on the same syringe. Each dose marking on the syringe is associated with a specific medical condition or diagnosis and has its own legend (e.g., color coding or identification scheme). In this type of system, the colors in each dose marking scheme can still match the standard system of weights, but hash marks or other markings can be used to distinguish the scales.

[0143] Now please note Figure 21-22 , which depicts a medication dispensing device in the form of a syringe 2100 that is configured with dosage markings associated with different medical conditions. In this way, the same syringe 2100 can be used to deliver specific medications to treat different medical conditions. As shown, the syringe 2100 includes: a first series of color-coded areas 2110 of varying widths corresponding to dosages for a first medical condition; and a second series of color-coded areas 2120 of varying widths corresponding to dosages for a second medical condition. Figure 21-22 In one embodiment, a first series of color-coded zones 2110 and a second series of color-coded zones 2120 are spaced approximately 180 degrees apart on the outer surface of the barrel 2130 of the syringe 2100. Each color-coded zone within the first series of zones 2110 and the second series of zones 2120 corresponds to a predetermined medication dose that is associated with one of the patient's physical characteristics. The first series of zones 2110 and the second series of zones 2120 are each identified such that the minimum dose of medication to be administered corresponds to a color-coded zone proximal to the opening 2140 through which the particular medication is dispensed.

[0144] from Figure 23A and Figure 23BAs can be appreciated from the exemplary dosage chart described in the accompanying drawings, the dual markings on the syringe 2100 facilitate the ability of the same syringe 2100 to deliver the same medication for different medical conditions with different dosage requirements. In a typical usage scenario, a caregiver will identify the color zone associated with the patient and, by consulting the color zone, determine the color zone associated with the patient. Figure 23A and Figure 23B Use one of the tables in the table that applies to the patient's medical condition to determine the appropriate dose to be dispensed ( Figure 23A and 23B The values ​​within the table are for illustrative purposes only and are not associated with a specific medication.) This enables a caregiver to fill a syringe with a dose corresponding to the patient's color zone and medical condition or diagnosis and administer the corresponding dose to the patient using syringe 2100.

[0145] Figure 24 - Figure 25 shows another method of using a single syringe to deliver the same medication dose for different medical conditions or diagnoses. Specifically, Figure 24 A syringe 2400 is shown having a single color-coded dose scale 2410 . Figure 25A and Figure 25B There are different dosage forms 2502 and 2504, respectively, for specific medications that are used with syringe 2400 for dosages for different medical conditions. Figure 25A and 25B The colors in the dosage tables 2502, 2504 correspond to the colors in the color-coded dosage table 2410. Thus, Figure 25A and 25B The doses in the dose tables 2502, 2504 are matched to the corresponding color-coded doses on the scale 2410. Figure 24 In the embodiment of 25, the scale 2410 and Figure 25A and 25B The color-coded areas of the dosage chart 2502, 2504 may be independent of the patient's weight. Figure 25A and 25B The dosage scales 2502, 2504 can be simply used to map the administered volume to the different color-coded volume zones included within the scale 2410 on the syringe 2400. In one embodiment, a physician, pharmacist, nurse, or other authorized medical personnel will determine the zone corresponding to the patient's size or weight and communicate this zone information or color to the patient or caregiver responsible for delivering the medication dispensed by the syringe 2400.

[0146] Alternatively, the scale 2410 may correspond to a color-coded dosage scale based on a weight characteristic of a particular medication. In this case, Figure 25A and 25BThe table can be used to determine dosages for different medical conditions, provided that the color-coded areas within scale 2410 corresponding to the patient's size or weight are known.

[0147] Now please look Figure 26A -C and Figure 27A -C, which shows another embodiment of the dosing system, where color is used to represent dose volume for various scenarios in a manner that has no clear correlation to patient weight. Figure 26A -C and Figure 27A The embodiment of -C can be applied, for example, in situations where it is desired to provide volumetric dosage indications for multiple conditions or scenarios (eg, prevention and treatment), and to prescribe the same dosage volume for patients of different heights in different scenarios.

[0148] Reference Figures 26A-26C Dosage system, Figure 26A Shown with Figure 26B The color-coded marking 2612 attached to the outer surface of the barrel of the syringe 2610 is used in conjunction with the dosage form 2600 of the color-coded syringe 2610. Figure 26C Although dosage chart 2600 only explicitly mentions the volume associated with the color-coded area, each color-coded area is implicitly associated with the weight of a patient with a specific medical condition. In this embodiment, a physician, pharmacist, or other medical professional will assign a specific dosage (i.e., color and / or volume) to a specific patient for a specific condition (e.g., to prevent or treat a specific disease or condition). For example, consider a situation where a 14 kg child is given a therapeutic dose of 1.4 ml (1 mg / kg dose) and a 28 kg child is given a prophylactic dose of 1.4 ml (0.5 mg / kg). As shown, this is consistent with Figure 26A The patient or caregiver will then use Figure 26B Use the syringe to inject your child with the dose of medicine corresponding to the purple area (1.4 ml).

[0149] Figure 26A The dosing system of the α-C, whose correlation to weight or patient height is implicit rather than explicit, offers advantageous flexibility from a manufacturing and medical indication perspective. Furthermore, the system improves dosing accuracy by limiting the number of possible doses on a standard-scale syringe to those frequently used for one or more indications and associating these doses with a color. This is a cognitive forcing strategy designed to reduce dosing errors in a manner consistent with that advocated by organizations such as the Institute for Safe Medical Practices (ISMP).

[0150] Now refer to Figures 27A-27C Dosage system, Figure 27A Shown with Figure 26BThe dose table 2700 described above is used in conjunction with the color-coded syringe 2710. The color-coded indicia 2712 affixed to the outer surface of the barrel of the syringe 2710 is in the Figure 27C is flat. Figures 27A-27C The dose system of Figures 26A-26C is substantially similar to the dose system of Figures 27A-27C In the dose system of

[0151] Figure 28A and Figure 28B An embodiment of a drug dispensing device 2800 according to the present application is shown. The drug dispensing device 2800 has a single color-coded scale 2810 on a first side 2805 and a linear volumetric scale 2820 on a second side 2815. The single color-coded scale 2810 can include one or more regions corresponding to one or more dose tables. In an embodiment, the single color-coded scale 2810 can correspond to two dose tables, each specifically adapted for a medical condition treated by the same drug, and the color of each of the two dose tables can be interleaved along the single color-coded scale.

[0152] As shown, the drug dispensing device 2800 is transparent except for the single color-coded scale 2810, the scale lines 2825 of the linear volumetric scale 2810, and the numerical indicia 2830 and 2835 along the single color-coded scale 2810 and the linear volumetric scale 2810, respectively. The numerical indicia 2830 and 2835 include black text on an opaque white background to provide improved visual contrast of the numbers compared to black text on a translucent background. The design of the drug dispensing device 2800 allows the person administering the dose to easily see the drug within the device relative to the color code and the numerical value.

[0153] Figure 29A -C shows a flat indicia 2900 that can be printed and affixed to the transparent container of a drug dispensing device to make a drug dispensing device according to the present application (e.g., the drug dispensing device 2800). Figure 29A The view is shown with a white background for clarity, but in an embodiment, the manufacturing process can include printing the indicia with white blocks 2910 on a transparent material, as shown in Figure 29BThe white block 2910 is then printed with color-coded scale 2930 and numbers 2940, and the transparent material 2950 is printed with linear volumetric scale 2950. This method can easily produce similar sized drug dispensing devices with different color-coded scale for different drugs, different scenarios, different conditions, etc.

[0154] Each of the methods described above for printing the dose indicia can be applied to the manufacture of a drug dispensing device with the stepped dose indicia described below with reference to Figure 30-34G the manufacture of a drug dispensing device with the stepped dose indicia described below with reference to

[0155] To summarize the overall features and functions of the drug dispensing system previously described in Figure 21-29C , the dispensing system consists of A) a color pattern on the device (e.g. syringe) with bands of different widths correlating to doses, B) one or more tables with the same color chart in the same order (in one table) or broken up (into one or more tables) matching the colors on the syringe and correlating to specific volumes on the syringe, and C) the volumes identified by color can be matched to doses selected for specific conditions.

[0156] Dispensing devices with stepped dispensing indicia

[0157] Another aspect of the present invention provides a drug dispensing device having two or more "stepped" dose indicia on its surface. The term "stepped" is a visual representation of two or more linear modules of different heights adjacent to each other, similar to a staircase. These linear modules can be represented by wide or thin rectangular blocks, lines or similar shapes. Each linear module can be referred to as a dose indicium (or dose indicia, in the plural) and corresponds to a height that a liquid drug within the drug dispensing device can be filled to. In several embodiments shown herein, each stepped dose indicium corresponds to a different dose of liquid drug and does not overlap with each other. In many embodiments, the color of each of the two or more stepped dose indicia is different from another of the two or more stepped dose indicia.

[0158] Any of the methods described in the present invention that associate a specific color with any numerical value can be applied to associating a numerical value with a specific color of a stepped dose indicium of a drug dispensing device described herein. That is, the color of a stepped dose indicium can be used to correlate patient characteristics (such as height, weight, surface area, etc.), drug concentration, volume capacity of the dispensing device, drug indication or condition, drug type and / or scenario according to the various methods described in the present invention. For example, Figures 25A-27CIt can be used to determine what color is associated with a particular dose for a patient of a given size and condition, and the color of a particular one of the stepped dose markings corresponds to that particular dose.All or some of the stepped dose markings on a given drug dispensing device may correspond to a given dosage form.

[0159] One advantage of the disclosed layout of stepped dose indicators is that each color is easily distinguishable from the others because it comprises its own linear module. This layout allows some users to more clearly distinguish doses that are close together and may have only a small volume difference; for example, it may be beneficial for users with imperfect vision. In embodiments, each stepped dose indicator may also have a visible, numerical volume indicator.

[0160] Figure 30 A medication dispensing device in the form of a syringe 3000 is shown having two visually visible stepped markings 3010 and 3020. As shown, the lower dose stepped marking 3010 indicates the distance liquid medication can be drawn into the syringe 3000 and has a numerical volume marking of 5 milliliters. The higher dose stepped marking 3020 indicates the greater distance liquid medication can be drawn into the syringe 3000 and has a numerical volume marking of 7.5 milliliters. Each of the stepped markings 3010, 3020 is a different color and has a space between them. The syringe 3000 itself is translucent, while the stepped markings 3010, 3020 can be opaque or translucent. In either case, the liquid medication can be visually aligned with the top of the desired dose marking to measure and / or visually confirm the proper dosage.

[0161] Figure 31A A syringe 3100 is shown having visible digital volume markings 3102, 3104, 3106, and 3108 on a first side. Figure 31B The syringe 3100 is shown having a plurality of stepped markings 3112, 3114, 3116, and 3118. In embodiments, the drug dispensing device may have more or fewer stepped markings, which may be arranged at different intervals on the surface of the syringe barrel.

[0162] Figure 32One embodiment of a medication dispensing device in the form of a spoon 3200 is shown. The spoon 3200 has a hollow barrel portion 3210 that is configured to receive and hold a volume of liquid medication through a cylindrical opening 3220 adjacent to the spoon head 3230. The hollow barrel portion 3210 also serves as a handle for the spoon 3200 when administering medication. The hollow barrel 3210 can be transparent or translucent and can include one or more stepped markings. In the illustrated embodiment, there are two stepped dosage markings 3240 and 3250. The hollow barrel 3210 also includes digital volume markings 3260 and 3270. One advantage of the medication dispensing spoon 3200 is that it allows for accurate dosing of medication administered via the spoon and visual confirmation of the accurate dosage, which can make correct medication administration particularly difficult due to the dimensional variations and lack of markings on conventional spoons.

[0163] Now please note Figure 33A -G, which describes a first embodiment of a drug dispensing device 3300 for administering a liquid drug. Figure 33A FIG3 is a front perspective view of a medication dispensing device 3300, which includes a cup 3310 configured to contain liquid medication to be dispensed to a patient. The cup includes a sidewall, a rounded bottom element, and an open top. Figure 33A As shown, a plurality of stepped dose markings 3320 are spaced apart around the periphery of the sidewall surface of the cup. Each dose marking 3320 has a different height relative to a reference level and corresponds to a different dose of the liquid medicine.

[0164] Figure 33B is a front side view of the drug dispensing device 3300; Figure 33C is a rear elevational view of the drug dispensing device 3300; Figure 33D is a right side view of the drug dispensing device 3300; Figure 33E is a left side view of the drug dispensing device 3300; Figure 33F is a top view of drug dispensing device 3300; Figure 33G is a bottom view of the drug dispensing device 3300 .

[0165] exist Figures 33A-33G In the embodiment shown, there are five groups of stepped dose markings. In other embodiments, there may be more or fewer groups, and they may be spaced farther or closer to each other.

[0166] In one embodiment, a plurality of dose markings 3320 present on the cup 3310 are associated with a plurality of numerical values ​​of a patient's physical characteristic. In any of the methods described herein, each of the plurality of stepped dose markings 3320 has a different color. Furthermore, each of the plurality of dose markings includes a first portion of a first transparency 3320' and a second portion of a second transparency 3320" that is different from the first transparency. The first portion of the first transparency 3320' is opaque and comprises a first color, while the second portion of the second transparency 3320" is translucent and comprises a lighter version of the first color. As shown, a first dose marking 3320 and a second dose marking 3320 are spaced approximately 180 degrees apart on the sidewall surface of the cup 3310, or alternatively, may be spaced 90 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees, or any number of degrees between 0 and 360 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the medication dispensing device 3200 has a frustoconical shape, but in other embodiments, it may have a different shape, such as a rectangle, a cone, or a cylinder. Each of the plurality of dose identifiers 3320 also includes a volume identifier 3330 .

[0167] In the illustrated embodiment of the medication dispensing device 3300, the relatively more transparent portion 3320 of a given dose marker 3320 allows the user to observe the level of liquid medication within the cup 3310 based on the line at the top of the marker 3320. Often, from the perspective of preventing overdose, any level of liquid medication below the line at the top of the given dose marker 3320 is acceptable. When the liquid medication within the cup 3310 has a color that may confuse the user (e.g., grape or cherry), the less transparent portion 3320' of the given dose marker 3320 helps maintain visibility of the colored area. In an alternative embodiment, each dose marker has a substantially transparent and a substantially opaque portion (e.g., Figures 34A-34G ), may have only opaque portions, or may have only transparent portions.

[0168] Figures 34A-34G A drug dispensing device 3400 for administering liquid medication is illustrated that utilizes another set of stepped dose markings 3420. Figure 34A As shown in a first front perspective view of the device 3400, the device 3400 includes a cup 3410 configured to contain liquid medication to be administered to a patient. The cup includes a sidewall, a circular bottom element, and an open top. Figure 34A As shown, a plurality of dose markings 3420 are arranged at intervals around the circumference of the side wall surface of the cup 3410. Each dose marking 3420 has a different height relative to the reference level and corresponds to a different dose of the liquid medicine. In the embodiment shown, each stepped dose marking has a different color. However, Figures 33A-33GUnlike the embodiment in , there is no second corresponding part with different transparency.

[0169] Figure 34B is a front side view of the drug dispensing device 3400; Figure 34C is a rear elevational view of the drug dispensing device 3400; Figure 34D is a right side view of the drug dispensing device 3400; Figure 34E is a left side view of the drug dispensing device 3400; Figure 34F is a top view of drug dispensing device 3400; Figure 34G is a bottom view of the drug dispensing device 3400 .

[0170] In one embodiment, multiple dose markings 3420 on the cup 3410 are associated with multiple physical characteristics of the patient. Each of the multiple dose markings 3420 can be a different color. A first dose in the multiple dose markings 3420 and a second dose in the multiple dose markings are approximately 180 degrees apart on a surface of a sidewall of the cup 3410. In one embodiment, the sidewall is frusto-conical. Each of the multiple dose markings 3420 also includes a volume marking 3430.

[0171] Exemplary embodiments of devices, systems, and methods have been described above. As noted elsewhere, these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting. It will be apparent from the description of the present invention that other embodiments encompassed by the present invention are possible. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the embodiments described above, but rather should be defined solely by the claims supported by the present invention and its equivalents. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein may include methods, systems, and devices that also include any and all elements / features from any other disclosed methods, systems, and devices, including any and all features corresponding to scientific data exchange. Furthermore, one or more features / elements of a disclosed embodiment may be removed and still result in patentable subject matter (and thus, further embodiments disclosed herein). Furthermore, some embodiments are distinguishable from the prior art because they specifically lack one or more features found in the prior art. In other words, the claims to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more negative limitations to explicitly indicate that the claimed embodiment lacks at least one structure, element, and / or feature disclosed in the prior art.

Claims

1. A drug dispensing device comprising: a cup configured to contain a liquid medicament dispensed by the medicament dispensing device, the cup comprising a sidewall, a circular bottom element, and an open top; as well as a plurality of dose markings spaced about and relative to a periphery of the sidewall surface, each dose marking having a different height relative to a reference level and corresponding to a different dose of the liquid medicament; Each of the plurality of dose markings includes a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency, wherein the first transparency is opaque and the second transparency is semi-transparent.

2. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of dose identifications are associated with a plurality of values ​​of a physical characteristic of a patient.

3. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose markings has a different color.

4. The drug dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein: A first dose marking of the plurality of dose markings and a second dose marking of the plurality of dose markings are approximately 180 degrees apart on the side wall surface.

5. The drug dispensing device of claim 1, wherein: The side walls are frustoconical.

6. The drug dispensing device of claim 1, wherein: The reference level is close to the upper surface of the circular bottom element.

7. The drug dispensing device of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose indicia further includes a volume indicia.

8. The drug dispensing device of claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose markings is generally rectangular and has a different color than any of the other dose markings in the plurality of dose markings.

9. A drug dispensing device comprising: a frustoconical cup configured to contain a liquid medication dispensed by the medication dispensing device; and a plurality of color-coded dose markings surrounding and spaced relative to a periphery of the side surface of the frustoconical cup, each dose marking having a different height relative to a reference level and corresponding to a different dose of the liquid medication; Each of the plurality of dose markings includes a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency, wherein the first transparency is opaque and the second transparency is semi-transparent.

10. The drug dispensing device of claim 9, wherein: Each dose indicator also includes a volume indicator.

11. The drug dispensing device of claim 9, wherein: The reference level is proximate the interior bottom surface of the frustoconical cup.

12. A drug dispensing device comprising: a syringe having a barrel configured to contain a liquid drug to be dispensed by the drug dispensing device; and a plurality of color-coded dose markings spaced about and relative to a circumference of a surface of the barrel, each dose marking having a different height relative to a reference level and corresponding to a different dose of the liquid medication; Each of the plurality of dose markings includes a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency, wherein the first transparency is opaque and the second transparency is semi-transparent.

13. A drug dispensing device according to claim 12, wherein: The plurality of dose identifications are associated with a plurality of values ​​of a physical characteristic of a patient.

14. The drug dispensing device of claim 12, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose markings has a different color.

15. The drug dispensing device of claim 12, wherein: A first dose marking of the plurality of dose markings is approximately 180 degrees apart from a second dose marking of the plurality of dose markings on the surface of the barrel.

16. The drug dispensing device of claim 12, wherein: The reference level is near the end of the barrel.

17. The drug dispensing device of claim 12, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose indicia further includes a volume indicia.

18. The drug dispensing device of claim 12, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose indicia is generally rectangular and has a different color.

19. A drug dispensing device comprising: A spoon comprising: a spoon head portion having a concave surface, the concave surface being configured to receive and contain liquid medicine dispensed by the medicine dispensing device; and a handle portion comprising a hollow barrel configured to contain a volume of liquid medication, the hollow barrel having a plurality of color-coded dose markings around and spaced relative to a periphery of the hollow barrel, each dose marking having a different length relative to a reference and corresponding to a different dose of the liquid medication; Each of the plurality of dose markings includes a first portion having a first transparency and a second portion having a second transparency, wherein the first transparency is opaque and the second transparency is semi-transparent.

20. The drug dispensing device of claim 19, wherein: The plurality of dose identifications are associated with a plurality of values ​​of a physical characteristic of a patient.

21. The drug dispensing device of claim 19, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose markings has a different color.

22. The drug dispensing device of claim 19, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose indicia further includes a volume indicia.

23. The drug dispensing device of claim 19, wherein: Each of the plurality of dose indicia is generally rectangular and has a different color.

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