OBJECTIVE To provide reference for improving the dispensing accuracy of similar drugs and reducing dispensing error risk through exploring the dispensing mode of similar drugs. METHODS The effectiveness and feasibility of the similar drug dispensing management mode was explored through adjusting the traditional horizontal or vertical sorting method to a “Z” shaped cargo location sorting, implementing similar drug in different zones dispensed by different people, and combining measures such as adjusting the format of drug dispensing documents and improving inventory methods. The role of similar drug dispensing mode in drug dispensing management was evaluated comprehensively from two aspects: work quality and work efficiency. RESULTS After the implementation of similar drug dispensing mode, total number of monthly dispensing errors (18.42±8.79 vs. 28.50±6.87,P= 0.005) and the proportion of monthly dispensing errors of similar drugs ([ 4.17±5.71)% vs. (10.96±7.05)%,P=0.017] were significantly lower than before the implementation; the monthly consistency rate between accounts and materials ([ 98.46±0.73)% vs. (97.61±0.57)%, P=0.004] was significantly higher than before implementation; completion time of dispensing in each batch was not significantly affected, and daily work was carried out smoothly and orderly. CONCLUSIONS The similar drug dispensing mode has a significant effect in improving the accuracy of dispensing similar drugs, reducing the risk of dispensing errors, and does not affect the efficiency of dispensing work.