Drug profile of adult patients attending five general dental practices in Merseyside: oral side-effects and potential interactions with dentally prescribed medication.
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.
Brindley
Maria J
MJ
Liverpool University Dental Hospital, Liverpool, UK.
Longman
Lesley P
LP
Randall
Christine
C
Field
E Anne
EA
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