Internet as a Source of Drug Information
Internet is a great source of drug information. Best web sources for
pharmacy, pharmacological and pharmaceutical information on the Web
are drug-related databases, medication guides, government agencies,
industry and university sites, health associations. Other online sources
providing useful information on medications and diseases are
online pharmacies.
Drug databases are the best source of drug information. They provide
detailed information about the use and side effects of drugs. Bibliographic
databases serve to locate data published in scientific literature. Directories
contain carefully selected by human editor web sites, placed in different
categories. The indexes are alphabetical or systematic arrangement of
medications information resources. Additional sources of information are
search engines, medical or nursing textbooks, dictionaries or
encyclopedias, therapy handbooks.
Brand-Name Drugs and Generic Equivalents
The brand name drug is an original medication developed by an originator
pharmaceutical company. When the patent of a brand-name medication
expires, other companies can introduce generic versions. Generic
equivalents (generic drugs, generics) are considered identical, or
bioequivalent to the brand-name products. They contain the same active
ingredients and have the same efficacy and safety. They are less
expensive than brand alternatives, as generic manufacturers do not have
the costs for the development of an original product.
The rapid growth of the Internet in the recent years changed considerably
the way consumers purchase medications. Online shopping got easier
and the number of online pharmacies rapidly increased. The driving factor
to buy online is the price. Buying medications online provides benefits as
convenience, privacy, discounts, but is sometimes risky.
DrugInfo is a free guide to drug information sources intended to help
consumers find the most relevant information on medications on the
Web, identify the most trusted brand-name and generic drugs
pharmacies, and thus enable them make a proper decision when
purchasing medications online.