SOURCES OF

DRUG
INFORMATION
DRUG LABEL
 PACKAGE INSERTS
✔ It contains all of the chemical and
study information that led to the
drug’s approval.
✔ It is diffi cult to understand and are
almost always in very small print,
making them difficult to read.
 REFERENCE BOOKS
❖ The Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) is
a compilation of the package insert
information from drugs along with some drug
advertising.
✔ Information is not refereed and is not the
best source of information about a drug.
✔ This information is heavily cross-referenced.
✔ The book may be difficult to use.
❖ The Drug Facts and Comparisons
✔ It provides a wide range of drug information,
including comparisons of drug costs, patient
information sections, and preparation and
administration guidelines.
✔ This book is organized by drug class and can
be more user-friendly than the PDR.
✔ However, it is cumbersome and very
expensive.
❖ The AMA Drug Evaluations
✔ It contains detailed monographs in an
unbiased format and includes many new
drugs and drugs still in the research stage.
❖ The Lippincot's Nursing Drug Guide
✔ It has drug monographs organized
alphabetically and includes nursing
implications and patient teaching points.
 JOURNALS
❖ The Medical Letter is a monthly
review of new drugs, drug classes, and
specific treatment protocols.
❖ The American Journal of Nursing
offers information on new drugs,drug
errors, and nursing implications.
ONLINE SOURCES
 OTHER SOURCES
✔ The American Hospital Formulary Service
Dug Information
✔ Drug Interaction Facts
✔ Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs
✔ Natural Medications Comprehensive
Database
 SAMPLE
DRUG
MONOGRAPH
GLOSSARY OF TERMS