Patients' prescribed drugs: 20 years of changes

Key Points

• In 2005 more patients presenting to dental practice were taking medications compared to 1984.

• There is an increasing trend toward polypharmacy.

• Patients receiving multiple medications have been reported to suffer more adverse effects of dental local anaesthesia.

• An increase in the number and range of medications taken by patients increases the risk of drug interactions with medication that dentists may prescribe.

• Maintaining a contemporaneous knowledge of pharmacology and drug interaction ensures the provision of safe dental care.

Abstract

Introduction

Drug therapy can influence treatment planning and provision of dental care by general dental practitioners. There is little published information regarding the types of drug therapy taken by patients presenting for dental treatment in the United Kingdom.

Objective

To record the drug therapy taken by patients presenting to general dental practice in 1995 and 2005 and compare to data reported in 1984.

Setting

General dental practice.

Study design

Prospective cross-sectional study.

Method

Patients presenting to general dental practices in 1995 and 2005 were questioned regarding their current drug therapy. Patients' general medical practitioners were contacted if their drug history was unclear.

Results

35%, 21.1% and 43.8% of patients were taking medications in 1984, 1995 and 2005 respectively. Statistically significant increases in the proportion taking three or more medications were evident in both 1995 and 2005.

Discussion

In 2005 more patients presenting to dental practice were taking medications compared to 1984. There is an increasing trend toward polypharmacy. Therefore it is important to maintain a contemporaneous knowledge of pharmacology and drug interactions to ensure the provision of safe dental care.

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