VCU Libraries

Research Guides

PHAR 509: Drug Information/Introduction to Pharmacy

VCU Libraries' Research Guide supporting PHAR 509

Resources for Providers

Full-text of the American Hospital Formulary Service® handbook of evidence-based drug information. In-depth drug information addressing pharmacology and use of drugs. Some information about compatibility and stability of injectable formulations. You can search using the eBook's table of contents by drug type, or you can use the search bar at the top to "search within this publication" for your drug.
NOTE: This STAT!Ref book allows only five (5) concurrent users per title.
Available in print: Tompkins-McCaw Library RS125 .A56

ClinicalKey's Gold Standard Drug Database is an integrated drug database and clinical support engine. Search for your drug using the link labeled Drug Monographs, which is located under the ClinicalKey search bar. You may search for your specific drug or you may browse by letter.

 
Facts & Comparisons lists both prescription and OTC drugs by therapeutic categories with concise information concerning pharmacology, dispensing information, and ingredients. Available online via the VCU School of Pharmacy website. 

DrugPoints System is a reference book that provides summary drug information on dosing, drug interactions, adverse effects, indications, pregnancy warnings, therapeutic uses, and brand names.  You can type in your specific drug and then select to "search within this publication," or you can browse for your drug using the table of contents.
NOTE: This STAT!Ref book allows only five (5) concurrent users per title.
The mobilePDR app is free to all health sciences libraries, students, and faculty.
mobilePDR® provides healthcare professionals with access to the current drug prescribing information available. It is a powerful search tool with access to thousands of drug summaries continually updated by PDR within a week. Under the purple header, see the section labeled "Drug Information" and select to Browse By Drug Name. You can then type your specific drug in the search box or select to browse for your drug alphabetically.
             Lexicomp Online lists both prescription and OTC drugs by therapeutic categories with concise information concerning pharmacology, dispensing information, ingredients.
Available in hard copy at Tompkins-McCaw Library RM300 .F332
Available online on the VCU School of Pharmacy website; see the Preceptors menu.

Review drug prescribing and safety information for thousands of brand, generic and OTC drugs. Check for potentially harmful drug-drug interactions. Identify a pill based on its imprint code and/or physical characteristics. You can search for your specific drug by clicking on the Drugs section in the top left corner.

Please sign up for an epocrates account before the Library Consultation meetings.

UpToDate is a clinical information tool providing reviewed clinical reference material. Includes pharmaceutical information, patient handouts, graphics. Available on- and off-campus. Provided by the VCU Health System.

To locate your drug, select Contents from the menu bar, then click on Drug Information. Select an option to browse (i.e. General drug information, Patient drug information, etc.), and then look for your drug.

Martindale provides reliable, unbiased and evaluated information on drugs and medicines used throughout the world.

Available in hard copy at the library's reference section or in the general collection:

General Collection:
RS141. 3 .M3 2017

RS141. 3 .M3 2011

Drugs@FDA

 The Drugs@FDA database allows you to search by drug name, active ingredient, or application number. 

Resources for Patient/Caregiver

Note: The following resources are also often used by health care providers. They are freely available and one does not need to be affiliated with VCU to use them.

Operated by the National Library of Medicine, search DailyMed for current FDA drug labels. 
 
MedlinePlus is the National Library of Medicine's web site for consumer health information. The site offers authoritative, up-to-date health information. To search for your drug, click on the Drugs & Supplements section on the left hand side, then browse by drug name.

WebMD provides valuable health information, tools for managing your health, and support to those who seek information.

To the right of the WebMD logo, you will see a section labeled "Drugs & Supplements." Once you've clicked on that, you may browse for your drug or search by the drug name.

Review drug prescribing and safety information for thousands of brand, generic and OTC drugs. Check for potentially harmful drug-drug interactions. Identify a pill based on its imprint code and/or physical characteristics. You can search for your specific drug by clicking on the Drugs section in the top left corner.

Please sign up for an epocrates account before the Library Consultation meetings.

A searchable database of clinically-oriented drug information. RxList Database consists of products currently on the US market or close to approval. It may be searched by either brand name or generic name and can be searched simultaneously for potential drug interactions, side effects and indications.

For groups with injectable drugs

Groups with injectable drugs should also visit and evaluate the following resource.  The 2009 edition is available electronically and the 2017 edition is available on the shelf in Tompkins-McCaw Library for the Health Sciences.