Tall Man letteringis amedication safety strategyrecommended by theFDA, ISMP (Institute for Safe Medication Practices), and The Joint Commissiontoprevent medication errorscaused bylook-alike, sound-alike (LASA) drug names.
Thedistinctive portionsof similar drug names are written inuppercase lettersto highlight differences.
Helps pharmacists, technicians, and healthcare professionals distinguish medications that areeasily confuseddue to similar names.
Reduces the risk ofprescription misinterpretationandmedication errorsin pharmacy settings.
How Tall Man Lettering Works:Examples of Tall Man Lettering (ISMP and FDA-Approved List):Regular Name
Tall Man Lettering Version
prednisone
predniSONE
prednisolone
prednisoLONE
hydroxyzine
hydrOXYzine
hydralazine
hydrALAzine
dobutamine
dobutAMINE
dopamine
dopaMINE
A. Highlights the similarities in drug names.→ Incorrect. Tall Man lettering highlightsdifferences, not similarities, toprevent confusion.
B. Ensures all trade names will be capitalized.→ Incorrect. Tall Man lettering applies toboth brand and generic names, but it is used specifically for drugs with look-alike names.
D. Keeps the pharmacy inventory in alphabetic order.→ Incorrect. Inventory order is based onstandard drug names, not Tall Man lettering.
Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) – Official Tall Man Lettering List.
FDA and The Joint Commission Medication Safety Guidelines.
PTCB PTCE Exam Content Outline – Medication Safety Strategies.
USP <797> and ISMP Guidelines on Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Medications.
Mosby’s Pharmacy Technician: Principles and Practice – Error Prevention Strategies.
Why the Other Answer Choices Are Incorrect:Pharmacy Technician References:Conclusion:Tall Man lettering is anessential tool for pharmacy techniciansto helpreduce medication errorsby drawing attention todifferencesbetweensimilar drug names, ensuringsafer dispensing and administrationof medications.
