Frequency and characterization of potential drug interactions in dentistry—a cross-sectional study

Aim: This study aimed to identify medications taken by patients before dental appointments and to simulate and characterize their interactions with medications often prescribed by dental surgeons. Materials and methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated 320 medical records, 118 from the Emergency Service (ES) archives, and 202 from elective appointments at the Dental Clinic (DC) of a university in southern Brazil. Drug interactions were identified and classified according to severity using the Medscape® application into four grades: (1) Minor, (2) Monitor closely, (3) Serious, or (4) Contraindicated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were carried out (α = 5%). Results: Preexisting systemic conditions were noted in 55.9% of the medical records from the ES and 64.35% from the DC. In the ES records, 47.45% contained information on continuous use medication for treatment of systemic conditions and 59.40% of DC records contained such information. A total of 359 potential interactions were found. Drug interactions with analgesics were most frequent, accounting for 50.41% of the sample. Conclusions: The most prevalent drug interaction severity was grade 2: monitor or use with caution. Many patients take medications to treat systemic conditions and seek dental care, generating a significant possible source of drug interactions. Clinical relevance: Prescribers must carefully analyze the patients’ medical histories and obtain accurate data regarding their use of medications to be able to assess the risk–benefit relationships of possible combinations.