title: Drug profile of adult patients attending five general dental practices in Merseyside: oral side-effects and potential interactions with dentally prescribed medication.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the drug profile of patients attending general dental practice and to assess the significance of this for the provision of dental care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study of adult patients attending five general dental practices in Merseyside.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were questioned about prescribed medication. The data were analysed to assess any potential oral side-effects, pertinent drug interactions, or potential complications of dental treatment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1103 patients were recruited; of these, 287 (26%) were taking systemic medication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Approximately a quarter of dental patients attending for routine dental care were taking prescribed medication. The majority of these drugs have significant implications for the general dental practitioner.
authors: Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
authors: Maria J
authors: MJ
authors: Brindley
authors: Lesley P
authors: LP
authors: Longman
authors: Christine
authors: C
authors: Randall
authors: E Anne
authors: EA
authors: Field
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004363:Drug Utilization; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009055:Mouth / Q000187:drug effects*; D019338:Polypharmacy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced