Often described as point-of-care solutions or clinical decision support solutions, there are several database that provide a combination of drug and disease information databases through a single interface. Healthcare organisations usually subscribe to one or more of these products. It is important to know where the information is sourced. Most are referenced and reviewed regularly.
When using these databases it is important to understand the individual source of the information. Some resources are available in several databases. Think of the database (or interface) as a library, and the resources are the books on the shelf. You need to know which book (not which library) is providing your answer.
For example Trissel’s 2 Clinical Pharmaceutics Database (Parenteral Compatibility) may be available in Micromedex and Lexicomp, depending on your subscription. If you found compatibility information by searching both databases, you might be looking at the same information. (i.e. borrowing the same book from two different libraries).
IBM Micromedex®
Micromedex is an American integrated electronic suite of databases that, depending on the subscription, may include DRUGDEX, DISEASEDEX, POISINDEX, REPRORISK, Alternative Medicine, IV Compatibility and Martindale. The databases can be searched individually or all together.
DRUGDEX is a collection of comprehensive drug monographs called ‘drug evaluations’. The evaluations include full text information on doses, unlicensed indications, adverse effects and drug interactions. They are structured similarly to a monograph in Martindale with references given at the end of each monograph.
Alternative Medicine is a similar format to DRUGDEX for complementary medicines.
Micromedex is focused on drug therapy and is easy to use. However it is an American product and information about indications and doses may not reflect Australian practice. Drug names and formulations may be different to those used and available in Australia and references may include out-dated US Prescribing Information. Always check the full-text primary literature to make sure the information is accurate and appropriate.
UpToDate®
UpToDate is an American online resource that provides evidence-based and peer-reviewed information about a wide range of medical conditions. It is popular amongst medical staff for the breadth and depth of content. Therapeutic recommendations may be different to Australian practice and may include drug treatments that are not available in Australia. It is useful for conditions that are not covered by the Therapeutic Guidelines and as an additional resource for checking the accuracy and appropriateness of information.
DynaMed®
DynaMed is similar to UpToDate in that it provides information about a range of medical conditions. DynaMed is available for free through EBSCOhost to SHPA members.
Lexicomp® Online
Lexicomp online is an American integrated electronic suite of databases that, depending on the subscription, may include Lexi-Drugs Multinational, Lexi-Interact, AHFS Drug Information, Briggs Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation, Facts & Comparisons, Martindale and IV Compatibility. Lexicomp drug information is included in UpToDate.
Clinical pharmacology
Clinical pharmacology is an American medicines information resource. It is evidence-based and peer-reviewed and has advanced search capability. Access is limited to only a few hospitals in Australia. Resources include Clinical Calculators, Drug Class Overviews, Disease Summary information, Drug Identifier search, Harriet Lane Handbook, ToxED and IV Compatibility.
Medicines Complete
Medicines Complete is a product of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. It is a collection of resources mostly from the United Kingdom and depending on the subscription may include Martindale, BNF, BNF-C, Stockley’s Drug Interactions, Palliative Care Formulary, AHFS Drug Information and ASHP Injectable Drug Information, Pharmaceutical Excipients, Drug Administration via Enteral Feeding Tubes, Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation, Injectable Drugs Guide, Pediatric Injectable Drugs and Kucers’ The Use of Antibiotics.