Pharmacy References Review

Flashcards for reviewing key pharmacy references and resources discussed in the lecture.

Primary References

Original research, often published in peer-reviewed journals. Includes conference proceedings and technical reports; considered the latest and most current information.

Secondary References

Works that build upon original research. Includes databases, meta-analyses, and practice guidelines that analyze, interpret, or summarize primary information (e.g., Medline, PubMed).

Tertiary References

Distillation and collection of primary and secondary sources. Examples include textbooks, CPS, UpToDate, and LexiDrug. May contain some bias due to summarized information.

Randomized Control Trial (RCT)

An example of primary research that when conducted includes methods, conclusions, and abstracts, all considered raw, firsthand information and if published in a peer-reviewed journal such as the New England Journal of Medicine.

Minimum Library Requirements (Ontario)

A set of requirements that every pharmacy in Ontario must have in their library, including a Canadian drug reference, a drug interaction publication, a drug therapy publication, a patient counseling guide, setting-specific references, and legislation, policies, and guidelines.

RxTx

Former name of an online resource that contained information from three print publications: Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS), Compendium of Therapeutic Choices (CTC), and Compendium of Therapeutics for Minor Ailments (CTMA). Now renamed to CPS.

Medline

National Library of Medicine database with millions of references to scholarly journals, categorized by Medical Subject Headings (MeSH).

PubMed

A website that provides access to Medline plus additional references such as unapproved or uncategorized articles. Secondary resource used to search for primary literature.

CPS (Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties)

A Canadian online resource for drug monographs. Includes product monographs (provided by manufacturers and approved by Health Canada) and CPHA monographs (peer-reviewed by Canadian experts, evidence-based recommendations).

Health Canada Drug Product Database

A Canadian resource to look for drug monographs and drug availability for Canadian products, managed by Health Canada. Provides drug-specific information on approved drugs but not medical advice.

LexiDrug (formerly Lexicomp)

An American resource that serves as an alternative to CPS, providing general drug information, a drug interactions tool, and a drug identification tool.

UpToDate

An American resource that provides evidence-informed information on disease states and drug information, including LexiDrug drug monographs.

Merck Manual

An American resource that provides evidence-informed information on disease states and drug information, with professional, consumer, and veterinary versions.

Handbook of Clinical Drug Data

A non-Canadian resource used for pharmacokinetic information or lab parameters monitoring information.

Martindale

A non-Canadian resource (UK publication) for information regarding foreign drugs or any drug product from around the world.

Remington

A non-Canadian resource providing basic information in terms of compounding.

Merck Index

A non-Canadian reference that gives more comprehensive, detailed chemical and pharmacologic information about a variety of compounding products.

AHFS Drug Information

An American resource for monographs of American FDA-approved and off-label medications.

Drug Facts and Comparisons

An American resource for off-label uses and general drug information.

Trissel's Handbook on Injectable Drugs

An American resource that provides more specific information on IV prep stability, and compatibility of parenteral medications. Useful within hospital settings.

King Guide to Parenteral Drug Admixtures

An American resource that provides more specific information on IV prep stability, and compatibility of parenteral medications. Useful within hospital settings.

Rx Files

A Canadian resource that provides comprehensive summaries of each disease state and is a preferred source for drug comparisons; however, it does not contain any drug monographs.

CPS Therapeutic Choices (formerly CTC)

A Canadian resource that provides evidence-based therapeutic information, including disease states, algorithms, drug tables, and drug comparisons. Does not always contain the most up-to-date information.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

A Canadian resource that provides the most up-to-date therapeutic information and recommendations for clinical topics.

CPS Minor Ailments (formerly CTMA)

A Canadian resource that focuses on self-care or minor ailments.

NatMed Database

An American resource containing information on Natural Health Products (NHP) and medications; user can search by disease or product

Licensed Natural Health Product Database

A Canadian resource for licensed Natural Health Products (NHPs) within Canada, including information on availability and brief drug monographs.

Briggs: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation

An American resource and the most comprehensive resource for drug information in pregnancy and breastfeeding; provides information on drug safety during these times.

LactMed (Lactation and Medications)

An American resource that provides information on drug use during breastfeeding only; not a comprehensive resource.

Pediatric and Neonatal Dosage Handbook & Adult Drug Information Handbook

American resources published by UpToDate and LexiDrug, that provide information on drug use in pediatrics and geriatrics.

NAPRA (National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities)

The association of pharmacy regulatory bodies that harmonize regulations through recommended standards and publish entry-to-practice competencies.

CPHA (Canadian Pharmacists Association)

The national organization responsible for advocating on behalf of pharmacists, publishing references such as CPS, and offering continuing education programs.

ISMP Canada

Important for reporting medication incidents through the CMIRPS system, it also has safety alerts and promotes safe medication practices.

MedEffect Canada

Where healthcare professionals or patients can submit adverse reaction reports.

Canada Vigilance Program

Health Canada's post-market surveillance program and database in which you can search for adverse effects.