Key References for Pharmacy Practice

Importance of References and Resources in Pharmacy

  • Access to references and resources is crucial for the Pharmacy Department.

  • Each State Board of Pharmacy (BOP) mandates a minimum reference library for pharmacies.

  • States have the authority to specify certain references to be available in print or online.

Types of References Available

  • References can be found in different formats:

    • Printed editions

    • Mobile applications

    • Online databases (often subscription-based)

Useful References and Their Information

  • Clinical Pharmacology's Drug Identifier:

    • Available for institutional and community settings.

    • Used to identify various drugs.

  • Drug Facts and Comparisons:

    • Available as print or online resource.

    • Contains medication monographs including interactions.

  • IdentiDrug Online:

    • Lists tablet and capsule identifications.

    • Includes over 38,000 listings for identification.

  • Geriatric Dosage Handbook:

    • Provides current suggested dosages for older adult patients.

  • Martindale. The Complete Drug Reference:

    • Information on medications used clinically worldwide.

  • Micromedex's Identidex:

    • Identifies medications based on physical characteristics (shape, color, imprint).

    • Useful for law enforcement in medication identification.

  • ISMP Medication Safety Alert:

    • A bi-monthly newsletter focused on medication error prevention and incidents of near misses.

  • The Merck Manual:

    • Provides information for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.

  • Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations (Orange Book):

    • Comprehensive list of approved medications with therapeutic equivalence by the FDA.

    • Updated annually and accessible for free.

  • Pediatric and Neonatal Dosage Handbook:

    • Contains suggested current dosages for pediatric patients.

  • Physicians' Desk Reference:

    • Annual reprint of product package inserts with medication information.

  • Red Book, Pharmacy's Fundamental Reference:

    • Offers pricing information for prescription and non-prescription medications (average and wholesale costs).

  • Safety Data Sheets:

    • Detail dangers of hazardous chemicals and appropriate exposure response actions.

  • Handbook on Injectable Drugs:

    • Resource for compatibility and stability of parenteral medications, useful in inpatient pharmacy settings.

  • CDC Health Information for International Travel:

    • Provides health recommendations for international travelers, updated biennially.

  • United States Pharmacopoeia and the National Formulary (USPNF):

    • Access to official FDA standards, including new product development and approvals.