One of the hardest things pharmacists and physicians have to do is to explain the various drugs that they prescribe. Perhaps if there were only a handful of these in the market then it would be easier for them to manage. But the fact remains that with the various health issues that a person incurs, corresponding drug/s and medications exist. In fact, there is no clear number since they are quite many, making it close to impossible to remember all of them.

But now, help is on the way with this OTC Drug Module released by Epocrates Inc. The availability of this new reference is especially timely given the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s recent review of a potential overdose risk for patients combining multiple OTC products with the same active ingredients, such as acetaminophen.

Among the various uses of this new software compatible with iPhones, Blackberries, Palms and Windows Mobile include:

• Drug interactions between OTC and prescription medications
• Safe products for pregnant women and sugar-free products for patients with diabetes
• Products covered by Medicaid and select health plans for eligible patients
• Medications by class such as analgesics or expectorants (cough syrups)

(Source) Press