Reference Sources
This book provides drug pricing, do-not-crush lists, and alcohol-free medication info.
Drug Topics Red Book
This section of a package insert lists reasons a drug should not be used.
Contraindications section
The Orange Book shows this type of equivalence between brand and generic drugs.
therapeutic equivalence
This online reference is trusted by Medicare & Medicaid and includes MedCounselor Sheets
Clinical Pharmacology
This book is used to find manufacturer contact information and provides full package inserts.
Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)
This reference contains side-by-side comparisons of drugs, dosage forms, and manufacturers.
Drug Facts and Comparisons
This portion tells how the drug works in the body
Clinical Pharmacology section
A rating of “AB” in the Orange Book means this.
generic is therapeutically equivalent to the brand name
This digital tool includes DRUGDEX and Index Nominum.
Micromedex
This reference sets official quality standards and drug manufacturing criteria in the U.S.
USP–NF
This book helps identify pills based on imprint, shape, and color.
Ident-A-Drug
This part outlines common side effects reported in trials and after the drug was on the market.
Adverse Reactions section
The second letter in the TE code tells you this.
route of administration (e.g., A = oral, T = topical)
These devices allow pharmacy staff to carry digital references in their pockets.
handheld devices or smartphones
This reference focuses on injectable drug compatibility and is heavily used in hospitals.
Trissel’s Handbook on Injectable Drugs
This global reference provides details on international drugs, natural products, and additives.
Martindale’s The Complete Drug Reference
The "Highlights" section may include this serious alert about life-threatening risks.
Boxed Warning
These 3 characteristics must match between brand and generic drugs for therapeutic equivalence.
active ingredient, dosage form, and strength
A downside to pocket-sized reference books.
needing annual updates or small hard-to-read print
This reference covers OTC products, herbal remedies, and non-drug treatment options.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs
This hospital-focused resource includes off-label drug uses and formulary details.
American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS)
This section tells you how to treat signs and symptoms of an overdose.
Overdosage section
This is the official name of the Orange Book
“Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations”
This app or website provides free drug reference info to technicians and students.
Medscape or Fingertip Formulary
This association is free for students and offers CE for techs
SEPhT (Society for the Education of Pharmacy Technicians)