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Drug interactions

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When a healthcare professional is considering prescribing for an acute dental problem, they must be aware of the patient’s medical history and consider any potential drug interactions. Some drug interactions could have serious consequences. In the management of dental conditions, the more common of these include:

  • interaction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), azole antifungals and antibiotics with warfarin
  • myopathy after prescribing azoles, erythromycin and clarithromycin in those taking statins
  • asthma symptoms exacerbated following the use of NSAIDs

Therefore, when prescribing drugs, please refer to the British National Formulary or Stockley’s Drug Interactions for comprehensive information on drug interactions or if in doubt seek the advice of a pharmacist. Advice on prescribing relevant to dental health care is provided in the SDCEP Drug Prescribing for Dentistry guidance.