A computer-implemented apparatus or method, or a software product, for
generating a composite quantitative comparison of drug products based on
multiple attributes of them. A set of name-attribute similarity scores
are generated based on similarities among the names of selected target
and reference drugs. A set of product-attribute similarity scores are
generated based on similarities among product attributes of the selected
target and reference drugs. A target drug confusability score is
generated based on the confusability of the target drug as compared to a
population of other drugs. The composite quantitative comparison is
generated based on a composite of the name-attribute and
product-attribute similarity scores, and the target confusability score.
A set of one or more severity of confusion scores may also be included in
the composite quantitative comparison. These scores are based on one or
more indicators of the severity of the consequences to a patient of
confusing the target and reference drugs so that, for example, the wrong
drug is administered to the patient, or the correct drug is incorrectly
administered. The name-attribute similarity scores may be generated based
on orthographic, phonetic, and/or phonological analysis. The
product-attribute similarity scores may be generated based on the
drugs'strengths, indications, dosages, administration routes,
manufacturers, pharmacological categories, storage requirements, colors,
shapes, legal standing, trademark description, and/or other attributes.
The composite quantitative comparison may include severity-weighted
similarity scores or both similarity scores and severity of confusion
scores. The severity of confusion indicators may include a therapeutic
index and/or a contraindication index.