By selecting a single medicine to check, the Drug Interactions function will display all known interactions according to MIMS’ extensive, primary-literature based, independent research. Users can either browse through the list of possibilities or nominate to check specific drug-drug interactions by adding another medicine to the search matrix. An application of this may be a patient who is on multiple medications and a clinician is looking to add another medication. The Drug Interactions information will provide the clinician with information as to whether the new drug will interact with the existing medications the patient is on. It will also provide guidance on what course of action might be needed in order to ensure safe administration of the new drug if interactions exist.

It is important to note that the MIMS Drug Interactions information is based on clinical documented peer-reviewed evidence – not the interactions that are suggested as part of the drug’s product information.

For each result of the Drug Interactions function, there is an ‘at-a-glance’ summary of the interaction, including the interacting drug, a severity rating, the level of supporting documentation and a brief statement outlining the nature of the interaction. The result for each drug-drug interaction can be readily emailed or printed from a PDF for use by the clinician.

By clicking on the “Interaction Details” tab, for any highlighted interaction, much greater detail is provided– based on published evidence - including:

• Probable mechanism of action;
• Actions to take; and
• References/citations for the interaction

This extensive database of drug interactions is constantly reviewed and updated, and is an integrated element of all MIMS digital products.

• Data and information are obtained only from recognised published medical literature or internationally accepted drug references, and not from the manufacturer's prescribing information
  
  
• Monthly literature searches are done to ensure that the information is up to date
  
  
• Monthly updates are completed using leads from online tertiary references. New prescribing indications are reviewed for new information and drug classes also undergo periodic review
  
  
• Accounts for Route of Administration
  
  
• Customisable user and alert interface
  
  
• Uses generic names and is able to recognise brand names

MIMS, through its UBM Medica’s decision support editorial team comprising qualified pharmacists or doctors, brings trusted decision support tools to the Australian healthcare professional.

The editors research, review and collate the information to be included in the database, and ensure that the information is accurate and up-to-date. To ensure optimum objectivity, data from product information, commercial or non-authoritative references is never used. Instead, the information is researched and reviewed using only international references and sources. A second editor proofreads all information before it is included in the database to ensure that the information is consistent and accurate.

The Drug Interaction checker is available in the following digital products:

• MIMS Online
• eMIMS
• iMIMS
• MIMS Mobile
• MIMS Integrated

For more information on these modules please contact info@mims.com.au or 1800 800 629