Although this Web site contains a wealth of medical information, half of all page views in 2002, were directed to the Drug Interaction Checker, an interactive tool that enables consumers to check interactions between two or more drugs, providing detailed information regarding possible hazards.

"With certain segments of the population, particularly those aged 65 years or older, using an average of 29 prescriptions a year, the possible harmful interactions between prescriptions is essential information for consumers," said Guy Jacobs, editorial director of DrugDigest®. "In our quest to make the use of prescription drugs safer and more affordable, the Drug Interaction Checker, as well as other interactive tools on DrugDigest®, empower consumers to make informed choices about drugs and treatment options by providing them with the tools they need to understand the wide variety of medicines on the market today."

The top ten drugs checked for interaction were: aspirin, warfarin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, phentermine, Prozac®, Xanax®, Zoloft®, digoxin, and furosemide. "This is thought to be the result of high consumer use of these medications, and from wide publicity regarding potential interactions with other medications," said Jacobs. For example, warfarin is a blood thinning agent that has the largest number and most severe drug interactions associated with its use. Patients are counseled heavily to always check for interactions when they use the medication.

DrugDigest® is a co-operative effort between the St. Louis College of Pharmacy and Express Scripts. This Web site is a comprehensive source of noncommercial, evidence-based, consumer-oriented drug information. Staff physicians, licensed doctors of pharmacy from leading academic institutions, and medical editors review DrugDigest® materials for accuracy and timeliness, with a commitment to maintain a Web-based resource that educates and empowers consumers to make informed choices about drug therapy.