Drug References

Question 1

The Orange Book

Answer 1

Best resource for drugs products and their therapeutic equivalents
Includes information on discontinued drug products
Information can be searched using different means
The online version is free and is updated frequently

Question 2

The Red Book

Answer 2

Drug pricing information
Average and wholesale drug cost and price lists
Quick charts for information such as drugs that shouldn’t be crushed and sugar-free and alcohol-free drugs

Question 3

United States Pharmacists’ Pharmacopeia

Answer 3

Comprehensive information on compounding safety
Contains the most recent sterile preparation guidelines
Includes information on non-formulary products, veterinary compounding, and dietary supplements

Question 4

United States Pharmacopeia-National Formulary (USP-NF)

Answer 4

Publishes official FDA standards pertaining to manufacturing and quality control
Information regarding new product development and approvals

Question 5

American Drug Index

Answer 5

Manufacturer information on both prescription and OTC medications
Pronunciation of drug names
Ingredients, dosage forms, strengths, packaging, and uses
Information on drugs that shouldn’t be crushed or chewed

Question 6

Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)

Answer 6

Most beneficial in outpatient pharmacy
Includes package insert of FDA approved drugs with detailed prescribing information
Drugs are listed by manufacturer name
Brand and generic name listed in the index
Drug identification guide

Question 7

The Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs

Answer 7

Most helpful in outpatient pharmacies
Nonprescription medications information
Guide to nutritional supplements
Information on herbal, homeopathic, and other alternative therapies

Question 8

Drug Facts and Comparisons

Answer 8

Comprehensive drug information on prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medications; including dosage forms, manufacturer, strength, and package size
Drugs are listed by generic name
Brand names are listed in the index
Drug identification guide
Dosage calculators

Question 9

American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information (AHFS DI)

Answer 9

Details information on drug uses, doses, adverse effects, toxicity, mechanism of action, and dosage forms
Information is geared toward hospital pharmacies

Question 10

Trissel’s Handbook on Injectable Drugs

Answer 10

Mainly used in hospital pharmacies
Well-known reference for injectable drugs
Drug administration, stability, and compatibility information

Question 11

Micromedex Healthcare Series

Answer 11

Most comprehensive online resource
Widely used in pharmacies for all drug-related information such as proper drug usage and precautions, drug interactions, adverse effects, and dose calculators
Drug identification guide
Drug pricing information
Information on IV compatibility
Safety Data Sheets for hazardous drugs
Herbals, supplements, and alternative therapies information

Question 12

Clinical Pharmacology

Answer 12

Comprehensive drug detail resource
Complete drug details including off-label uses, which refers to taking a drug for an indication not approved by the FDA
Drug product comparison reports
Drug identification guide
Drug information for consumers
Information on IV compatibility
Herbal and dietary supplement information

Question 13

The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Answer 13

Mostly used as a textbook in pharmacy schools to teach basics of drug mechanisms in relation to various body systems
Details on pharmacokinetics, the study of the various reactions of a drug within the body and pharmacodynamics, the study of the biochemical and physiological effects of a drug within the body

Question 14

Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference

Answer 14

Great reference for wide range of clinical questions on various pharmacological agents
Includes information on vaccines, radiopharmaceuticals (group of pharmaceutical drugs which are radioactive, also known as medicinal radiocompounds), toxic substances, herbals, vitamins, investigational, veterinary drugs, and others

Question 15

Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy

Answer 15

Provides detailed information on pharmacy as a profession and defines pharmacy practices in relation to other aspects of healthcare
Covers pharmacy history, ethics, and other pharmaceutical principles
Disease information and disease state management
Pharmacy practice involvement in patient care and healthcare in general

Question 16

Pediatric and Neonatal Dosage Handbook

Answer 16

Good reference for questions related to neonates and pediatric patient population
Pediatric drug monographs, which contain comprehensive drug information including uses, ingredients, dosages, side effects, and how to take the medication
Drugs are alphabetically organized and cross-referenced by U.S. and Canadian brand names
Provides other supportive information related to pediatric patients

Question 17

Geriatric Dosage Handbook

Answer 17

Reference for questions related to geriatric patients
Information can be looked up by brand or generic name
Lists the latest Beers Criteria, which provides guidance on drugs to avoid or drugs to use with caution in older patient population