New comedication classes

Following the introduction of the “look for alternatives” feature on the interaction checker (click here for details), we have reviewed the “Other” drug class and moved several comedications into new or existing classes.

Five new classes have been created and various comedications have been moved into the new classes:

• Bisphosphonates - Alendronic acid (Alendronate), Risedronic acid (Risedronate), Zoledronic acid (Zoledronate)
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Therapies – Alfuzosin, Dutasteride, Silodosin, Tamsulosin
• Cough and Cold Preparations – Benzonatate, Carbocisteine, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine
• Dementia Therapies -Donepezil, Memantine, Rivastigmine
• Ophthalmological Agents – Brimonidine, Brinzolamide, Brolucizumab, Ranibizumab, Travoprost

In addition, the following comedications have been moved to existing classes:

• Amantadine and Benzatropine (Benztropine) moved to Parkinsonism Agents
• Colesevelam and Colestyramine (Cholestyramine) moved to Lipid Lowering Agents

We hope that these changes will help to improve the functionality of the “look for alternatives” feature.