Use of computer drug-drug interaction program for detection of adverse drug reactions and related therapeutic problems.
Pharmacies currently using computers to detect drug-drug interactions may not be fully utilizing the computers' programs. Potential drug-disease interactions and some potential adverse drug reactions not traditionally defined as interactions can be detected by extending the basic concept of cross-referencing. For example, certain clinically important ADRs are readily detected by cross-referencing drugs which are often used to treat the results of specific ADRs with certain causative agents. The potential therapeutic implications of such a system when restricted to clinically significant ADRs can be readily appreciated, especially in situations where the pharmacist's time in patient-care areas is limited. This concept is currently being practiced at Bayfront Medical Center, and has added a new dimension to the clinical services provided by the pharmacy. It seems likely that detection of therapeutic situations in this manner may be appropriate in other hospital settings.
D004347:Drug Interactions; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005431:Florida; D006745:Hospital Bed Capacity, 300 to 499; D006801:Humans; D007256:Information Systems; D009862:Online Systems