Explanation of severity levels and documentation levels

Explanation of severity levels

Severe - The interaction between these medications may be life-threatening or may cause permanent damage. These medications are not usually used concurrently; medical intervention may be required.

Moderate - These medications may interact resulting in the potential deterioration of the patient's condition. The patient should be monitored for the possible manifestations of the interaction. Medical intervention or a change in therapy may be required.

Minor - Clinical effects of the interaction are limited and may be bothersome but would not usually require a major change to therapy. The patient should be monitored for the possible manifestations of the interaction.

Caution - The interaction may occur based on the mechanism of action of the co-administered medicines. Be alert for increased or decreased effect, depending on the combination of medicines.

Not clinically significant - The interaction may occur, but the outcome is not clinically significant.

Not established - The interaction may theoretically occur due to its pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. There have not been any established reports of the interaction.

Explanation of documentation levels

Well established - There have been several reports of this interaction. The pharmacological explanation of why the interaction occurs is well documented and understood. There are usually controlled studies that have established that the interaction exists.

Good - Although controlled studies may not have been performed, several case reports have been documented and other data strongly suggests this interaction exists.

Limited - Few reports of this interaction exist. These few reports usually consist of limited case reports where clinically sound justification of the interaction is found.

Not established - The interaction may have occurred with other medicines within the same class, or there is a theoretical possibility that the interaction exists.