We have developed a system for the automatic checking of drug interactions when physicians order drugs using prescriptions. This checking is based on drug interaction data obtained form the package insert, which includes not only contraindicated combinations but also cautions. As these data can be printed out, it is easy to pass on such drug information to patients.
The system also has a function whereby contraindications are always shown on the screen, whereas administration cautions and other information may be optionally omitted, or included where necessary. Therefore physicians can also order excess doses of some drugs or certain interacting drugs by prescribing them under special circumstances. These items of information are indicated with an asterisk in the prescription and are also provided to community pharmacies through legal prescriptions.
The system displays the referred data on an order screen without any reduction in the response time of the host computer. The average response time was 3 s for up to a total of 17 different prescription drugs, and 4 s for more than 17. The response time from 10 : 00 a.m. to 2 : 00 p.m., when the frequency of outpatient prescription orders is the highest, was about the same as during other periods.
These results suggest that this system is useful for checking of drug interactions on prescription in three hospitals affiliated with our medical college.
