A simple, anonymous questionnaire was used to examine the depth of dru
g history taken from patients by a group of junior doctors. The result
s showed that most who replied restricted their history to prescriptio
n medicines and smoking. We feel that this is no longer sufficient and
that a drug history should be expanded to include substances such as
recreational drugs and over-the-counter preparations. If an allergy is
reported, detailed questioning about its nature is also important sin
ce the term is often used by patients when a true allergy does in fact
not exist. Wie present a mnemonic which can be used, as an aide memoi
re to the various areas of importance.