Unit 9
Safety and Drug Administration
– Drug Resources Information

Objectives
1. Identify names of resources for drug information.
2. Demonstrate ability to use drug resources to obtain drug information.
3. See Appendix - Medication Classification
4. See Performance Evaluation - Drug Card – Sample  Refer to your textbook pg 8

Refer to your textbook Ch. 1

Medications should not be given until medication aide knows the expected effects and the adverse effects.
Many sources of information are available to obtain such information about a drug, but not all of these may be available in the work setting for the medication aide.
Drug references-usually books-help medication aide understand why a particular drug is being given.

Refer to your textbook pg 6

• Drug references are used by everyone, doctors, nurses, consumers, etc.
• References usually include the following information.
• Names of the drug: generic and trade names.
• Description of what the drug is made of-its chemical formula.
• Action-how the drug works.
• Indications-what medical conditions are treated by the drug.
• Contraindication-conditions under which the drug should not be used.
• Precautions-special conditions that might alter the effects of the drug.
• Adverse reactions-unpleasant or dangerous effects of the drug, other than the desired effects.
• Dosage and administration-how the drug is given.
• How supplied-how the drug is packaged and storage instructions.

Generally Available Drug References

• Package insert (brochure}--prepared by the manufacturer to accompany every packaged unit Available only with prepackaged drugs.
• Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR)  Refer to your textbook pg 7-8
• Contains information from the drug manufacturer.
• Most descriptions are simply reprints of the package inserts.
• Convenient to use, and since it is republished every year, it usually contains up-to-date information.
• Usually also contains much technical information.
• Does not give information on ALL drugs.
• Pharmacist-the consulting pharmacist, or the pharmacist that filled the resident's prescription can be a valuable source of information.
• Other resources-may have excellent, easy-to-read information, but not always available in the work setting.
• USP, Drug Information for the Health Care Professional (USP DI).
• Three volumes, lA, IB, II and III.
• Written in everyday language.
• Volume II-Advice for the Patient-is very helpful.
• Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs
• PDR for Non-Prescription Drugs
• PDR Definition and more: Click Here
• Pharmacology textbooks
• Articles in nursing journals
• Nursing Drug Handbook (Nursing Drug Handbook) Click Here
• Mosby's Nursing Drug Reference and Mosby's Drug Guide for Nurses Click Here
• Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide (Lippincott's Nursing Drug Guide) Click Here
• Springhouse Nurse's Drug Guide <Book with CD-ROM for Windows) ClickHere
• Prentice Hall Nursing Drug Guide <Book with Mini CD-ROM) Click Here
• Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses (Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses)
• Davis Drug Guide.com: Click Here
• Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses 11th Edition Click Here
• Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook Click Here
• Nursing-oriented drug reference books
• Written with nursing staff in mind.
• Indexed in the back, usually by both generic and trade name.
• Information includes "Nursing Implications"-what the medication aide must do to give the drug safely and correctly.
• RX LIST Internet Drug Index: Click Here

Changes in drug information

• Drug information changes rapidly as new drugs are discovered.
• Drug reference books become outdated quickly.
• Medication aides are always responsible to know what they are giving to residents.
• Refer to your textbook pg 8

MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program Click Here
FDA Drugs guide: Click Here 

Refer to your textbook pg 11

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