Drug Resources From the National Library of Medicine

Although PubMed is the most popular and heavily used database from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), it is by no means the only NLM resource. NLM produces a huge number of databases on a variety of topics (nlm.nih.gov/databases), including drug information sources, some of which are listed below.

• Drug Information Portal (druginfo.nlm.nih.gov): Start here. This is the largest, most complete gateway to current, accurate drug information from NLM and other government agencies. Search everything at once by drug name or category, or limit by audience or class.
• Pillbox (pillbox.nlm.nih.gov): This beta site allows you to rapidly identify unknown tablets and capsules based on physical characteristics (e.g., shape, color, imprint), and provides high-resolution images and links to drug information and FDA-approved drug labels.
• LactMed — Drugs and Lactation Database (toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT): The LactMed database includes drugs that breastfeeding mothers may be exposed to. Among the data included are maternal and infant levels of drugs, possible effects on breastfed infants and on lactation, and alternate drugs to consider.
• Household Products Database (hpd.nlm.nih.gov): The Household Products Database addresses the potential health effects of more than 9,000 common household products (i.e., auto, pesticide, personal care, home and yard maintenance, arts and crafts, pet care, and home-office products). Information from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) and manufacturer contact information is provided.
• Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET) (toxnet.nlm.nih.gov): TOXNET is a collection of databases on toxicology, hazardous chemicals, and environmental health, including information about specific chemicals, mixtures, and products, unknown chemicals, and special toxic effects of chemicals in humans and/or animals. Use the “multi-database” option to search all the TOXNET databases at once.
• Poison Control Information (sis.nlm.nih.gov/enviro/poisoninginformation.html): For nonemergency situations, this page links to several poisoning resources including TOXNET, Pillbox, LactMed, and the Household Products Database. For poisoning emergencies, call your local Poison Center at (800) 222-1222, or call 911 if the victim has collapsed or is unconscious.
• Drug Information for the Public (druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/jsp/drugportal/consumerDrugs.jsp): Patients and other laypeople may be referred to this site as a portal to several reputable drug resources. Authoritative information about herbs and supplements is also included.

This is just a sampling of the NLM drug databases, all freely available. If you need help finding drug information and are not finding what you need, contact the UC San Diego Biomedical Library at biomed.ucsd.edu/ask or (858) 534-1201.