Preventing drug interactions in the home: a five-step approach for client teaching.

An important area of pharmacologic concern, particularly in the home setting, is that of drug interactions. The 1997 action by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to remove fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine, causing the weight-control phen-fen scare, is a high-profile example of an issue that occurs every day with little fanfare. In drug administration and supervision, there are many factors of concern. This article illustrates five basic factors to consider to prevent drug interactions in the home setting.