Medical Information on the Internet

Module 9: Searching for Drug Information

Module Objectives

Understand some basic terminology used in relation to drugs
Locate and search reliable drug information databases
Know when drug company pages are useful resources

Summary

First determine the kind of information you need.

Do you need patient-level information?
The kind of fact sheet that pharmacies distribute when you purchase a drug?
Do you need professional information such as the detailed chemical information that physicians use in determining the use of the medication?

Myths/Common Mistakes

Information from other countries is valid worldwide.
Drug companies are NEVER reliable sources of information.
Drug companies are ALWAYS reliable sources of information.
Even if I spell the drug name incorrectly, I can find it.
Myths About pharmacists: from the American Pharmaceutical Association (new window)

Factoids/Popular Statistics
(NOTE: Links open new windows)

Therapeutic Drug Use: from the National Center for Health Statistics
Facts About Patients: from the American Pharmaceutical Association

When to Hit the Books

The greater majority of professional level drug information is not on the Web. The chemical composition of drugs is also not on the Web. For that kind of information, a trip to the library to use the Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR), Drug Facts and Comparisons, and the United States Pharmacopeia is essential.