What is a contingency drug?

• A. Drug in centralized pharmacy stockroom
• B. Drug in automated dispensing cabinet (pyxis, omnicell)
• C. Drug not stocked anywhere in hospital
• D. Drug used in research trials

Answer: (B)

A contingency drug is a medication kept in automated dispensing cabinets (like Pyxis or Omnicell) in the patient care areas so it’s readily available if the usual unit-dose supply isn’t on hand. This setup ensures rapid access for emergencies or when a drug isn’t immediately stocked in the unit’s normal inventory. Central pharmacy stockrooms are slower to access, and drugs not stocked anywhere or those used only in research trials don’t represent this practical backup approach.