Dentistry adverse drug reactions and drug interactions

Objectives. Aim of this paper is to offer to the dental practitioner an easy reference guide concerning the possible adverse drug reactions affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. In addition the authors report the most employed drugs in Italy and their potential interactions with the medications commonly prescribed by dentists i.e. antibiotics and NSAIDs. Material and methods. Scientific databases, formularies and pharmacological text-books have been investigated. Results and conclusions. Adverse drug reactions and interactions between drugs should be really considered to drive a safe and helpful management of patients, also by dental practitioners. All the most prescribed medications in Italy can cause oral adverse reactions or their effect may be modified by the concomitant use of antibiotics and NSAIDs. The clinicians must collect a complete patients' medical history before planning any pharmacological treatment and be careful in case of not well diagnosable oral conditions.