MedicineWorks.com Launches New Web Application, InteractionsGuide(TM)

BEAVERTON, Ore., March 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Oregon-based MedicineWorks™ has announced the launch of InteractionsGuide.com, a user-friendly web application and online database designed to support physicians and pharmacists in evaluating and managing interactions between prescription drugs and herbs, vitamins, minerals and other supplements. Through powerful search and analysis functions InteractionsGuide™ enables electronic access to the content of Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, a collaborative effort, and highly praised landmark publication by Mitchell Bebel Stargrove, ND, LAc, Dwight McKee, MD and Jonathan Treasure, MA, MNIMH, RH.

The study of "interactions between herbs, nutrients and drugs is a complex and constantly evolving field," commented co-author Dwight McKee, MD. "It is filled with case reports of poor or questionable quality and unfounded speculation drawn from in vitro studies and animal models, which many secondary and tertiary sources uncritically repeat. These speculative data often end up not 'holding water' when actually tested in well-designed clinical studies, of which there are far too few. Our team has established a new standard by approaching these issues from an integrative perspective rather than a 'pharmacocentric' one. We review adverse interactions and research beneficial interactions, evaluating potential risks as well as possible clinical benefits when nutrients and herbs are combined with conventional drug therapy. It has been an exciting journey, and one that continues, with this electronic version."

With half the U.S. population using herbs and nutritional supplements, InteractionsGuide™ is an essential tool for safe and effective care in contemporary medicine. This innovative database aids healthcare professionals in coordinating treatments by providing summary tables, a review of source, usage, dosing and safety information, therapeutic strategy considerations, in-depth evaluation of known and potential interactions, and instant access to original abstracts. Incorporating developments in pharmacology, nutrition, herbalism, biochemistry, genomics, oncology, hematology, naturopathic medicine, Chinese medicine, and other disciplines, InteractionsGuide™ provides a comprehensive and balanced overview and enables professionals to craft an integrative treatment plan, incorporate patient choices, and collaborate in providing care.

"Patients often feel confused and frustrated by conflicting recommendations from their healthcare providers, especially when it comes to combining conventional medications with herbs and nutrients," said clinician and author Mitchell Bebel Stargrove, ND, LAc. "We are seeing InteractionsGuide™ help doctors expand upon their training and methods and work together, resulting in the best possible outcome for each patient."

About MedicineWorks™:

MedicineWorks™, a division of Health Resources Unlimited, Inc., produces medical reference and health education tools for professionals and the public. InteractionsGuide™ builds on work begun twenty years ago with the development of IBIS: Integrative BodyMind Information System™, the pioneering multi-disciplinary electronic encyclopedia of nutrition, botanical medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy and other therapeutic approaches. As a leader in innovative electronic media and educational resources, MedicineWorks™ offers a growing suite of tools empowering individual choices for health and enabling professionals to provide the best that medicine has to offer.

SOURCE MedicineWorks