Dietary supplement interactions with medications used commonly in dentistry.

BACKGROUND

Because nearly 70 percent of prescription drug users do not discuss their dietary supplement use with their health care providers, clinicians must be proactive in questioning patients about their use of these agents. A complete and accurate pharmacological history will help clinicians avoid potential interactions between dietary supplements and drugs.

METHODS

The authors reviewed the literature regarding interactions between popular dietary supplements and medications used commonly in dentistry. They used clinical databases and decision support tools to classify interactions according to their level of risk for the patient. The authors address the interactions of greatest clinical concern with a high-quality evidence-based foundation in either randomized controlled clinical trials or meta-analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Provided that patients are not taking ginkgo, St. John's wort, evening primrose or valerian, oral health care providers can prescribe or administer any of the medications used commonly in dentistry without concern about possible dietary supplement-drug interactions.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Recognition and avoidance of potential interactions between dietary supplements and drugs will help clinicians optimize treatment while emphasizing patients' safety.