Lexi-Comp, Inc., one of the nation’s major publishers of reference and custom-written products for the healthcare industry, has recently released the 9th Edition of its dental reference library, the Drug Information Handbook for Dentistry, introducing new FDA-approved drugs, updated tables for infectious disease vaccines, vitamin products, and an expanded nonviral infectious disease section. The handbook, which is available in print, online, on CD-ROM, and via palm pilot, is a comprehensive guide to more than 9,000 drugs, including U.S., Canadian, and Mexican brand names, in addition to generic drug names and selected natural products. The handbook was written by dentists, for dentists, and only includes pertinent information to the dental professional. The authors, Richard L. Wynn, BSPharm, PhD; Timothy F. Meiller, DDS, PhD; and Harold L. Crossley, DDS, PhD; are well-known experts in dentistry and pharmacology. According to Lexi-Comp’s Director, Dentistry, Brad Bolinski, “This handbook is useful to all dental professionals requiring quick access to concisely-stated drug information pertaining to medications commonly prescribed by dentists and physicians. It is easy to use, with nine unique tabbed sections, organized alphabetically like a dictionary; and cross-referenced by page number.” Each drug monograph gives “Effects on Dental Treatment” and “Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions.” In addition, each herb monograph gives “Effects on Bleeding” and “Local Anesthetic/Vasoconstrictor Precautions.”
“While many people purchase the print and CD-ROM versions of the Handbook, our P.D.A. version is becoming increasingly popular, because it provides the most up-to-date information available,” continued Brad Bolinski. “When the latest drug information is released, we are able to upload that to our online database. Individuals with an online subscription to this database can access updated information everyday, while users of our PDA software can update their database at least twice a month.”
Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the Handbook is the ability for dental professionals to determine drug interactions when they are treating patients. What is especially valuable in the online and PDA versions of the Handbook, is that dentists can simply enter the combination of drugs, and our Lexi-Interact database will simply retrieve the information for the user. Bolinski said, “Our president and publisher, Robert Kerscher, was a true visionary. When he saw the popularity of PDAs, and their advanced technology, he saw endless possibilities. Our interactive software is a tool which provides unique knowledge to improve the quality of patient care.”
With its easy-to-use format and comprehensive listing of prescription drugs, herbs and vitamins, Lexi-Comp’s Drug Information Handbook for Dentistry earned the highest rating from Clinical Research Associates (CRA) Dental Product Buying Guide. The PDA software also recently received an outstanding review in Mouth, and also was featured in ASDA News, the nation’s two dental student publications.
“Newly uncovered warnings and precautions, drug interaction information, and approval for new medications are becoming so common that it provides our customers with a challenge to stay up-to-date on the latest changes,” said Brad Bolinski. “Lexi-Comp is dedicated to providing our customers with this new information as quickly as possible. Our Lexi-Comp Online software is updated as often as daily.”
Lexi-Comp, Inc., founded in 1978, is located in Hudson, Ohio. The company was originally established to create custom reference books for clinical laboratories. Lexi-Comp has since evolved into a major reference and custom publisher with a suite of products available on many platforms, including web-based, handheld/PDA, CD-ROM, and print. Primary areas of focus for health information content include pharmacology, diagnostic procedures and laboratory tests, natural products, dentistry, infectious diseases, and patient education. For more information, call (800) 837-5394, (330) 650-6506, or visit www.lexi.com.