Drug information references are some of the most widely used clinical applications for PDAs. These resources allow clinicians of all types to access drug information at the point of care. There are many different drug resources available. When deciding which will be best for you, keep the following considerations in mind:
- Currency: How frequently is the information updated? Are updates automatic? Are they free?
- Comprehensiveness: Drug references vary in the amount of information they include. Make sure that all the information you will need are included. Some examples are: ophthalmic, herbal or over the counter agents, drug interactions, adverse effects, indications index, off-label uses, pregnancy category, pediatric dosing, pharmacology, kinetics and primary literature notes.
- Flexibility: How much can you personalize the software? Can you add notes? Can you change defaults?
- Cost-effectiveness: Is the value of the resource worth the cost?
- Memory Requirements: Does it require more memory than you can spare on your PDA? Can you use an expansion card to store it?
- Accuracy: The information should be free or errors.
- User friendliness: Is the software is easy to use and understand? How much training will the user need? Is it easy to install and receive updates?
- Verifiability: Do other sources support the information?
Some of the most commonly used drug references are ePocrates, Lexi-Select, and Thomson Clinical Xpert (formally know as Mobile Micromedex). Instructions for downloading mobileMICROMEDEX through the HS/HSL can be found on the HS/HSL's PDA page. The following chart compares their basic functions.
| ePocrates Rx | Lexi-Select | Thomson Clinical Xpert (formally know as Mobile Micromedex) | |
| Price | Free* | $165.00* | Free for all UMB faculty, students, and staff* |
| Platform Compatibility | Palm OS®, Pocket PC's, Smartphone, Blackberry (not compatible with Apple iPhone) | Palm OS® and Pocket PC's, Blackberry (not compatible with Apple iPhone or Smartphone) | Palm OS® and Pocket PC's (not compatible with Apple iPhone, Blackberry, or Smartphone) |
| RAM (free memory) Requirements | 3.5 MB – 9.0 MB depending on which platform, + 20K per free health plan formulary selected | 40 MB -55MB | N/A |
| Update Frequency | Daily | Daily | Daily |
| Content: | |||
| Drug Descriptions |  | | |
| Drug-Drug Interaction checker | | | |
| Drug calculator | | | |
| Health Insurance and Medicare Part D formularies | |  | |
| Drug Identification | | | |
| Patient Care Handouts | | | |
| Medical News Alerts | | | |
| Pregnancy and Lactation Information | | | |
| Specific Dental and Nursing Information | | | |
| IV Compatibility Information | | | |
*ePocrates Rx
The ePocrates Rx software is available as a free download. To install, visit http://www.epocrates.com/products/rx/ . ePorcrates also has additional drug information resources for the PDA available for purchase, which include additional features for the program.
*Lexi-Select
Lexi-Comp PDA software packages are available to all students and faculty at a special discounted price through the University of Maryland Lexi-Comp® ONLINE™ site.
| Lexi-SELECT™: | $165.00 |
| Lexi-COMPLETE™: | $230.00 |
To order Lexi-Comp PDA software, go to the HS/HSL database page, type in “Lexi-Comp”, and click on the link. Once in the database, click on the order form for PDA software.
Thomson Clinical Xpert software is available free to all UMB students, faculty, and staff. To download the software onto your PDA, visit the HS/HSL website, click on databases button, type in Micromedex, and click on the Micromedex link. Once in the database click on the "Handheld PDA" tab.
