title: Dental considerations for patients taking weight-loss medications.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In this article, the authors examine prescription weight-loss medications and related dental considerations for oral health care professionals (OHCPs). The authors focus on the most common prescription weight-loss drugs and their potential interactions with medications frequently used in dental practice, and they include recommendations for modification in patient care.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors reviewed the literature regarding interactions between weight-loss drugs and medications commonly used in dentistry, including patient-treatment considerations. They also address the interactions of greatest clinical concern that have a high-quality evidence-based foundation in either randomized controlled clinical trials or meta-analyses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dental treatment can be performed and medications commonly used in dentistry can be administered safely to patients taking orlistat, an inhibitor of fat absorption. The same may not be true, however, for other weight-loss medications that modify the central nervous system neurotransmission of norepinephrine, dopamine or serotonin. OHCPs should be aware of the potential theoretical and pharmacokinetic risks relative to the actual clinical and reported risks for hypertension and cardiotoxicity in particular.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recognition and avoidance of potential weight-loss drug interactions, especially those with medications commonly used in dentistry, can help clinicians optimize patient treatment while emphasizing patient safety.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Donaldson is director of pharmacy services, Kalispell Regional Medical Center, Mont.; a clinical professor, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, University of Montana, Missoula; and a clinical assistant professor, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland. Address correspondence to Dr. Donaldson at 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, Mont. 59901, mdonaldson@krmc.org.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Donaldson
authors.forename: Jason H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Goodchild
authors.forename: Jane
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ziegler
mesh_terms: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003729:Dental Care; D004347:Drug Interactions; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy; D061214:Patient Safety
chemical_list: D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents
keywords: Obesity; dentistry; drugs; weight-loss medications