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Epocrates Users Can Download Free OTC Drug Database for Smartphones
Point-of-Care Tool Is a Timesaver, Says FP
By Barbara Bein
Many studies in recent years have clearly demonstrated the potential adverse effects associated with polypharmacy, and research in this area is ongoing, especially among older patients with multiple comorbidities. Now, family physicians concerned about drug interactions in their patients who take numerous prescription and OTC medications can get help with a new drug reference tool for their smartphones.
Physicians already using mobile software made by Epocrates Inc. can access the latest information for hundreds of brand-name OTC drugs from their iPhone or iPodtouch, BlackBerry, Palm or Windows Mobile devices.
The OTC drug reference tool provides information on drug interactions, proper dosing, formulations, flavors and alternatives. In a YouTube video showcasing the new resource (2:46-minute MP4 file; About Downloading) a physician introduces the OTC tool and walks users through a patient vignette to show how it can be used. She describes a patient who is taking the arthritis medication Ultracet and presents with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
The physician in the video checks to see if the OTC cold remedy Alka Seltzer Plus Day Cold would be a good medication for this patient. When she runs an interaction check, she finds that both the Alka Seltzer product and the Ultracet contain acetaminophen. Using both medications could increase the patient's risk of liver toxicity, so she looks for a cold remedy that does not contain acetaminophen and eventually selects Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care.
AAFP member Dan Diamond, M.D., of Bremerton, Wash., who uses the software on his iPhone, said it saves him time when seeing patients in his office.
"If I have to leave the exam room to look up something about a medication, it costs me time. I need to access information at the point of care," he said.
In addition alerting physicians to possible drug interactions, the software also can be used to identify safe products for pregnant women and sugar-free products for patients with diabetes; products covered by health plans by state, as well as those covered by Medicare Part D; and medications by class, such as analgesics.
The drug database can be downloaded free with a subscription to any Epocrates premium product.
The OTC drug reference tool provides information on drug interactions, proper dosing, formulations, flavors and alternatives. In a YouTube video showcasing the new resource (2:46-minute MP4 file; About Downloading) a physician introduces the OTC tool and walks users through a patient vignette to show how it can be used. She describes a patient who is taking the arthritis medication Ultracet and presents with symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.
The physician in the video checks to see if the OTC cold remedy Alka Seltzer Plus Day Cold would be a good medication for this patient. When she runs an interaction check, she finds that both the Alka Seltzer product and the Ultracet contain acetaminophen. Using both medications could increase the patient's risk of liver toxicity, so she looks for a cold remedy that does not contain acetaminophen and eventually selects Vicks Formula 44 Custom Care.
AAFP member Dan Diamond, M.D., of Bremerton, Wash., who uses the software on his iPhone, said it saves him time when seeing patients in his office.
"If I have to leave the exam room to look up something about a medication, it costs me time. I need to access information at the point of care," he said.
In addition alerting physicians to possible drug interactions, the software also can be used to identify safe products for pregnant women and sugar-free products for patients with diabetes; products covered by health plans by state, as well as those covered by Medicare Part D; and medications by class, such as analgesics.
The drug database can be downloaded free with a subscription to any Epocrates premium product.
Related ANN Coverage
FDA Panel Recommends Acetaminophen Restrictions
Elimination of Some Prescription Drugs, Changes in OTC Products Possible
(7/2/2009)
FDA Warns Against Using OTC Cough, Cold Meds in Young Children
Side Effects Can Be Life-threatening
(1/17/2008)
Free Software Makes Medicare Part D Formularies Available
(1/6/2006)
More From AAFP
Family Practice Management: "The Top PDA Resources for Family Physicians"
(July/August 2006)
Family Practice Management: "Free Software for Your Practice"
(February 2006)
CME Monograph: "Appropriate Use of Common OTC Analgesics"
FDA Panel Recommends Acetaminophen Restrictions
Elimination of Some Prescription Drugs, Changes in OTC Products Possible
(7/2/2009)
FDA Warns Against Using OTC Cough, Cold Meds in Young Children
Side Effects Can Be Life-threatening
(1/17/2008)
Free Software Makes Medicare Part D Formularies Available
(1/6/2006)
More From AAFP
Family Practice Management: "The Top PDA Resources for Family Physicians"
(July/August 2006)
Family Practice Management: "Free Software for Your Practice"
(February 2006)
CME Monograph: "Appropriate Use of Common OTC Analgesics"
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Practice Management