Frequency and characterization of potential drug interactions in dentistry-a cross-sectional study

Aim This study aimed to identify medications taken by patients before dental appointments and to simulate and characterize their interactions with medications often prescribed by dental surgeons. Materials and methods A retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 320 medical records, 118 from the Emergency Service (ES) archives, and 202 from elective appointments at the Dental Clinic (DC) of a university in southern Brazil. Drug interactions were identified and classified according to severity using the Medscape (R) application into four grades: (1) Minor, (2) Monitor closely, (3) Serious, or (4) Contraindicated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out (alpha = 5%). Results Preexisting systemic conditions were noted in 55.9% of the medical records from the ES and 64.35% from the DC. In the ES records, 47.45% contained information on continuous use medication for treatment of systemic conditions and 59.40% of DC records contained such information. A total of 359 potential interactions were found. Drug interactions with analgesics were most frequent, accounting for 50.41% of the sample. Conclusions The most prevalent drug interaction severity was grade 2: monitor or use with caution. Many patients take medications to treat systemic conditions and seek dental care, generating a significant possible source of drug interactions.