Medication Interactions

The IC2 Interactions Check is designed as a learning system and is only fully functional as an intregal part of the prescription service. The collective prescribing behaviour of EPha.ch and the reports generated by the pharmacovigilance and the drug information service of the Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zurich were used, to identify clinically relevant interactions and the information represented is derived from a collaboration of doctors.
In order to ensure the transparency of this process, the author of each interaction is explicitly referenced and the project status is published regularly. This service cannot replace medical action, particularly as a detailed knowledge of the individual patient is lacking. We strive to optimize prescribing behaviour through the use of targeted, visualized information and to assist the scientific comprehension of drug therapies. As of this time, this interaction check does not claim to be complete.

Visualization
Unique to this concept, is that every interaction has a direction. Thus there is usually a perpretator (cause of the interaction) and a victim (unwanted effects of this substance are more likely). However some substances interact mutually. In such cases, the interaction is represented by overlapping arrows, giving the impression of one bi-directional arrow.

Alternatives
By clicking on an arrow within the 3D display, the matrix of alternatives is opened. All existing interactions, of the clicked substance with the other substances on the prescription are displayed.

The known interactions between all substances in the same therapeutic group as the selected substance and the other substances on the prescription, are displayed in the lower half of the window. This matrix visualizes the information, as to whether a suitable alternative substance exists. The original sustance can be substituted with an alternative by clicking on the option "Substitute..". The original substance is then removed from the prescription and the user is redirected to the selection of products available for the chosen alternative substance.

Project Status
Date: 1. June 2011

The interactions of EPha.ch are suject to a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.