Tips for using the BNF and BNFC effectively - e-newsletter March 2009

What is the best way to search for interactions between several drugs at the same time?

• The drug interactions search facility on the digital versions of BNF and BNFC allows you to search for interactions between several drugs at the same time.
  
  Just type in the drug names separated by a space in the search box at the top of the page and then click on ‘Interactions’
• The search result displays:
  • an explanation of what has been searched
  • the number of matching documents
  • the list of known interactions between pairs of drugs
  • whether an interaction is potentially hazardous.
  
• You can obtain further information about a specific interaction by clicking on the link to the pair of interacting drugs. In the digital versions, potentially hazardous drug interactions are shown in bold on a pink background. You should avoid combined administration of these drugs (or only undertake them with caution and appropriate monitoring). Drug interactions that are shown on a beige background, do not usually have serious consequences.
  
  
• Try the drug interactions search facility by clicking on: drug interactions.