Drug Information Web Sites
In an effort to help consumers identify reliable
web sites, the Health Sciences and Human Services Library (HS/HSL) is releasing
Drug Information Web Sites for Consumers. The list
was compiled by information specialists at the HS/HSL. We encourage you to look
over the list and annotations, and then use the links to get to the sites.
Evaluating information found on the web is very important. The criteria used to
choose the following sites may also be of use to you when evaluating any web site.
However, you should consult with your physician or pharmacist regarding any
drug information obtained from the web.
Selection Criteria:
- Sponsorship. The sponsorship
of the site should be easily identified and be a credible source such as a
government agency (.gov), educational institution (.edu) or medical center
or hospital.
- Currency. The site should be
updated frequently with the date of the update clearly posted.
- Factual information. Information
should be factual and verifiable. If the information represents an opinion,
the source should be easily identified.
- Audience. There should be a
clear statement of the intended audience (consumer, medical professional).
- Ease of Use. The site should
be easy to navigate and be logically organized.
If you have any comments or suggestions,
please send an email message to hshsl@umaryland.edu.
Health Sciences and Human Services Library, University of Maryland
Drug Information Web Sites
(in alphabetical order)
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American
Association of Poison Centers
This site provides general information regarding poison centers, a directory
of poison centers nationwide, and poison prevention and education materials.
Also included are responses to poisoning rumors/urban legends and poison
related games.
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Center
for Drug Evaluation and Research Drug Information
Provided by the Food and Drug Administration, this page includes information
on new prescription drug approvals, prescription drug information, over-the-counter
drugs, and drug safety and side effects. Links to consumer drug information
and public health alerts are also included.
- Partnership for Prescription Assistance
This site was designed to help patients find assistance
programs for purchasing prescription drugs. The free service includes governmental
and privately sponsored programs for which patients may qualify.
- IBIDS Database
The International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements database
provides access to over 730,000 scientific citations on dietary supplements,
including vitamins, minerals, and botanicals. Abstracts to some citations
are provided. The site also provides a consumer information database and
links to the Dietary Supplements Resource List from the USDA Food
and Nutrition Information Center. IBIDS is produced by the Office of Dietary
Supplements at the National Institutes of Health in collaboration with other government agencies.
- Maryland
Poison Center
The Maryland Poison Center is a regional center providing poisoning triage,
treatment, education, and prevention services to Marylanders. The web site
provides contact information and links to the Center's information, news,
educational materials, and publications.
- MEDLINEplus: Medicines
Compiled by the National Library of Medicine, this site links to information
about medication use. Sections include news, NIH links, general information/overviews,
specific conditions/aspects,
and journals/newsletters. Headings on law and policy, organizations, children,
and seniors are also provided. The site also includes links to Spanish language
materials.
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MEDLINEplus: Drugs, Supplements, and Herbal Information
The site provides information on prescription and over-the-counter medications
through two drug resources -- MedMaster™, a product of the American
Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) , and the USP DI® Advice
for the Patient®, a product of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
- RxHope
This site provides a mechanism for physicians to apply for and track requests
for no cost medications for their patients who would not otherwise be able
to afford them. Patients can search the site to find information regarding
medication availability and lists of governmental assistance programs. This
is an independent site sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers
Association.
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