Levels of Drug Interaction

Level 2 matches do not guarantee an allergic reaction will occur, however, they indicate a strong possibility for such. Level 3 matches present a less frequent reaction than those in Level 2.

The medication interaction process displays drug interactions according to the display levels set for the system and a specific user.

There are four levels of the Drug Utilization Review (DUR) interactions:

• Level 1: Most Significant. One of the prescribed medications contains an ingredient that matches an ingredient stored in the patient's medication allergy list.
• Level 2: Significant. One of the prescribed medications contains an ingredient that has an identical "Specific Group Allergy Code" as an ingredient in the patient's medication allergy list.

In this case, a patient has identified either an ingredient or allergen class that matches the allergen group of an ingredient in one of the prescribed medications.

For instance, a patient was prescribed ampicillin, subsequently the patient complains of a reaction that is caused by an active ingredient in penicillin. If the ingredient is identical to one contained in ampicillin, you are prompted with a Level 1 Interaction.

• Level 3: Possibly Significant. One of the prescribed medications contains an ingredient that has an identical "Cross Sensitive Allergy Group Code" to that of an ingredient in the patient's medication allergy list.

This is similar to Level 2, except an overlap occurs based on a cross sensitivity link and not to the specific allergy group.

• Level 9: Undetermined Severity. One of the prescribed medications contains an ingredient that creates a drug type interaction associated with an herbal or alternative medicine type drug, such as Gingko Biloba or St. John's Wort. Level 9 interaction implies you must assess the risk to the patient and take all necessary actions.