Drug Databases

Tertiary databases

Databases that summarize primary and secondary resources, such as drug databases.

Primary resources

Original research of others, including review articles and textbooks.

Secondary resources

Summary of primary and secondary resources.

Clinical Pharmacology

A peer-reviewed database providing drug information, interactions, IV compatibility, and drug identification.

LexiDrug

Database that includes American Hospital Formulary Services (AHFS) and provides drug information, interactions, IV compatibility, and drug identification.

Micromedex

Database containing multiple drug resources, providing drug information, interactions, IV compatibility, and patient education materials.

Drug information

Details about medications including uses, side effects, and interactions.

Drug interactions

Information on how different medications may affect each other when taken together.

IV compatibility

Information on whether different medications can be safely mixed in intravenous solutions.

Drug identification

The process of identifying a medication based on its appearance or other characteristics.

Patient education materials

Resources provided to patients to help them understand their medications and health conditions.

Overdose management

Guidelines and information on how to treat cases of medication overdose.

Tertiary Prescription Drug Databases

Databases specifically focused on prescription medications and their information.

American Hospital Formulary Services (AHFS)

A comprehensive resource for drug information used by healthcare professionals.

Pediatric medications

Medications specifically formulated or dosed for children.

Natural products

Medications derived from natural sources, such as plants or minerals.

Geriatrics drugs

Medications specifically formulated or dosed for elderly patients.

Patient counseling

Advice and information provided to patients regarding their medications and health.

Quick info

Rapid access to essential drug information.

Pictures of medications

Visual representations of medications to aid in identification.

Formulations off the market

Medications or formulations that are no longer available for sale.

Natural Medicines

Database that provides guidance on safety and efficacy of herbal or natural product medications.

Purple Book

Determines ability to substitute brand name for biosimilar infusion medications.

Orange Book

Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations.

What is a drawback of the “Adverse events” section in Clinical Pharmacology?

Could be more detailed.

Drug price information

Included in LexiDrug.

Drug monographs

Referenced in Clinical Pharmacology and LexiDrug.

OTC information

Limited in LexiDrug.

Drug formulations

Available in Clinical Pharmacology.

Drug controlled substance schedule

Provided by Micromedex.

Common Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Available in Micromedex.

Interchange

Used to minimize drug cost by substituting from brand to generic.

FDA therapeutic equivalence

Drugs that the FDA considers to be therapeutically equivalent: Anything that starts with 'A' in the TE code section of the orangebook.

FDA non-equivalence

Drugs that the FDA considers not to be therapeutically equivalent: Anything that starts with B in the TE code section of the orangebook.

Drug class comparison

Available in Clinical Pharmacology and Micromedex.

IV drug diluents/compounding

Provided by LexiDrug.

Guidelines related to medication

Indexed in LexiDrug.

Audio pronunciation

Available for names in LexiDrug.

Updated daily

Frequency of updates for LexiDrug and Clinical Pharmacology.

Updated weekly

Frequency of updates for Micromedex.

Pharmacists

The medication experts

Why are Patient Questions important?

Pharmacists may only have one chance and limited time to answer patient questions

What does knowing the top 200 do?

Expand pharmacist scope of practice

What are Drug Databases used for?

Used for supplemental assistance

Generic Name of Norvasc

Amlodipine; lower case, 4 or more syllables, emphasis usually on second to last syllable

Trade Name

Norvasc®; upper case, 2-3 syllables, hints at drug function (Normal vasculature)

Suffix -statin

Cholesterol lowering agent (HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitor); Example: atorvastatin (Lipitor)

Suffix -razole

Proton Pump Inhibitor

Suffix -pril

ACE Inhibitor

Suffix -artan

ARB (angiotensin 2 receptor blocker)

Suffix -pam

Benzodiazepines

Suffix -azosin

Alpha Blockers

Suffix -olol

Beta Blockers

Suffix -itidine

H2 Histamine Blockers

Calcium Channel Blockers

Examples: diltiazem (Cardizem), nifedipine (Procardia), verapamil (Calan)

Suffix -cillin

Penicillin antibiotics

Suffix -floxacin

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

Suffix -cycline

Tetracycline antibiotics

Suffix -romycine

Macrolide antibiotics

Studying Tips

1. Find connections between brand name and function; generic suffix and drug class. 2. Utilize already created resources - AccessPharmacy, ClinCalc, DenaliRx. 3. Create your own resources/study materials based on how you learn best!

Acetaminophen & Codeine Phosphate

Controlled substance for pain

Allopurinol

Antigout

Butalbital, Acetaminophen & Caffeine

Headache relief

Celecoxib

NSAID

Diclofenac

NSAID

Fentanyl Hydrochloride

Controlled substance for pain

Hydrocodone Bitartrate & Acetaminophen

Controlled substance for pain

Hydromorphone HCl

Controlled substance for pain

Ibuprofen

NSAID

Meloxicam

NSAID

Methadone Hydrochloride

Controlled substance for pain

Morphine Sulfate

Controlled substance for pain

Naproxen

NSAID

Oxycodone Hydrochloride

Controlled substance for pain

Oxycodone Hydrochloride & Acetaminophen

Controlled substance for pain

Sumatriptan Succinate

Headache relief

Tramadol Hydrochloride

Controlled substance for pain

What is a side effect of a Controlled substance for pain?

Constipation

What is a counseling point for an NSAID?

Stomach upset; take with food

Schedule for the drug tramadol

IV

Indications for metformin

LexiDrug: antipsychotic-induced weight gain, PCOS

Recommended renal dose adjustment for metformin when eGFR is between 30 -45 mL/min

LexiDrug: 500 mg PO BID

Differences between the three databases for Bactrim and Warfarin interaction

LexiDrug: Bactrim/warfarin listed as 'D' interaction with recommendation on dose reduction of warfarin

Input capabilities of Micromedex

Allows you to input medication list AND allergies

Input capabilities of LexiDrug

Allows you to input medication list AND allergies

Input capabilities of Clinical Pharmacology

Allows you to input medication list AND other considerations such as: Alcohol, Caffeine, Enteral feedings, Food, Grapefruit juice, Tobacco

Can you get patient counseling points from LexiDrug?

Not available in drug search, have to go to Patient Education

Does lexidrug provide patient parameters

Yes, it provides detailed monitoring parameters and frequency