Med-psych drug-drug interactions update

Keeping abreast of the wealth of information regarding drug interactions poses significant challenges for the physician: new medications are rapidly introduced, and drug-drug interactions are reported in a variety of forums. Unfortunately, legal journals, pharmacy journals, and pharmacological research references are not those to which clinicians frequently refer. Nonetheless, the law has established standards that necessitate assimilating this information into therapeutic decisions. Attention to reports in the medical literature, participation in relevant CME, and use of drug interaction programs and the Internet as aids in identifying potential interactions will reduce negligent practices. Respecting the patient's need to be aware of material risks when consenting to treatment is another way the physician may reduce the risk of drug interaction-related liability.