Almost all general references are available in electronic format, with a few still available in hard copy. Electronic formats are usually updated more often than print versions.
Some resources are available as an app to download onto a smartphone or tablet. Access may vary between workplaces so find out which resources and formats are available to you.
For additional information see Tips and Tricks: Limitations of common resources in the About Medicines Information section of EMIT.
Australian product information
Product information (PI) is information about a medicine that is required to be provided by the manufacturer or sponsor of the product for registration in Australia.
See Module 18: Product availability, access and identification for more information.
The Australian PI is available on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website and in a range of electronic product packages provided by MIMS or AusDI. The TGA usually has the most recent version of the product information. MIMS is available in several formats – eMIMS and MIMSOnline are updated monthly and there is an annual printed edition.
MIMS and AusDI product packages may include a range of extra functions such as:
- Drug interaction checkers
- Disease management guides
- Tablet identification tools
- Consumer medicine information leaflets
- Calculators
- Search functions (e.g. gluten-free medicines, suitability of drugs in sport)
- Optional add on resources such as Don’t Rush to Crush, IM Gateway and Natural Medicines.
Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH)
Published annually in hard copy and electronic format (the eAMH is updated in July each year), the AMH is a concise source of independent information about medicines that are registered and marketed in Australia. It is based on best available evidence, expert opinion and consensus.
Each chapter provides therapeutic information, drug class information and individual drug monographs. Information about some unregistered medicines is also included.
The AMH Children’s Dosing Companion (AMH-CDC) provides dosing information for children from birth to 18 years. It includes some off-label uses, practical tips and useful information for paediatric prescribing. It does not comprehensively cover neonates – consult additional resources for neonates and premature neonates. This resource is available in electronic format and is also published annually in July in hard copy.
Therapeutic Guidelines
The Therapeutic Guidelines are a collection of independent, evidence-based, consensus treatment guidelines intended to assist Australian practitioners. The guidelines include practical advice, specific treatment and management instructions and may include off-label use of medicines and unregistered medicines. Available in electronic format only.
Australian Pharmaceutical Formulary and Handbook (APF)
Originally a small formulary, the APF has evolved into a reference relevant to broad aspects of pharmacy practice and academia. The formulary is still used for preparing extemporaneous products and for dispensing and advice to consumers (i.e. Cautionary and Advisory Labels).
The APF contains limited clinical and therapeutic information, counselling guides, health information, physicochemical data, and standards and guidelines.
It is published every 3 years and is available in hard copy and electronic formats, with the electronic version updated more frequently.
Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference
Published in the UK, Martindale is an evaluated source of drug and medicines information for practitioners. It includes drug monographs, brief drug treatment and disease reviews and a useful section to help you identify overseas products. It is a good place to start if you are looking for information about unregistered drugs or ‘off-label’ use of drugs.
Available by online subscription through Medicines Complete or Micromedex. The electronic version is regularly updated and the hard copy is published approximately every three years.
American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) Drug Information
A collection of detailed monographs about most drugs available in the US, the AHFS is particularly helpful for drugs that are used more frequently in the US than in the UK or Australia.
Published annually by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists it is available online as AHFS Clinical Drug Information. The online version includes more drugs than the book and is updated regularly. Remember to look up drugs under their American names.
Merck Manual
This is a small encyclopedia of medicine which is useful for refreshing your memory about common disease states, or finding out about the management of more unusual conditions.
Available free online at: https://www.msdmanuals.com/
British National Formulary (BNF) & British National Formulary for Children (BNF-C)
The BNF is a concise reference for the prescribing, dispensing and administration of drugs for UK health professionals. It may be helpful for new drugs, off-label uses and paediatrics. The BNF is published in hard copy twice a year. The BNF-C has a paediatric focus and is published in hard copy annually. Online subscriptions are available for both publications and are updated monthly.
The Women’s Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Medicines Guide
Compiled by medicines information pharmacists at The Royal Women’s Hospital in Victoria, this is an Australian, independent, evidence-based practical guide to treatment options during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Available in electronic format, it is updated continuously and includes concise patient information factsheets.
Neonatal Formulary
A handbook on drug use in the neonatal period, each monograph lists common indications and dosing information for term and pre-term infants. Data from published studies and neonatal pharmacokinetic parameters are included if available.
Drug use in the neonatal period is often off-label, because trials and licensing applications have not included this population.
There is an introductory section with valuable information about drug prescribing and administration, which includes topics such as intravascular line care, safety initiatives, excipients, adverse reactions, renal failure, body weight and surface area, and pharmacokinetics. This book assists with understanding why the practice of adult study dose extrapolation for premature and sick neonates may lead to errors.
Practical advice is also given on how to administer the very small volumes that are sometimes required. The Neonatal Formulary is available in hard copy or ebook.
