Library and Academic Services: Pharmacology and Drug Information: Drug Monographs

Drug Monographs

A Product (or Drug) Monograph is a factual, scientific document on a drug product that, devoid of promotional material, describes the properties, claims, indications, and conditions of use of the drug and contains any other information that may be required for optimal, safe and effective use of the drug. (Health Canada)

This guide will provide you with a variety of sources (books, databases, and websites) to find information on drugs.

image source: Pastillas-adelgazar

Featured Books and eBooks

The APRN's Complete Guide to Prescribing Drug Therapy 2018 by Mari J. Wirfs
Location: ebook
Publication Date: 2017
Organized alphabetically by clinical diagnosis for quick access in all clinical settings, the guide encompasses CDC- and FDA-approved pharmacotherapy regimens for more than 500 clinical diagnoses along with clinically useful information in a convenient, quick-access format.
The APRN's Complete Guide to Prescribing Pediatric Drug Therapy, 2018 by Mari J. Wirfs
Location: ebook
Publication Date: 2017
This prescribing guide, organized uniquely by diagnosis, facilitates speedy drug information retrieval for advanced health care providers in all settings involved in the primary care management of newborns through adolescents. Delivered in a concise, easy-to-read format, the guide encompasses pharmacotherapy regimens for more than 450 clinical diagnoses and includes cross-referenced generic and trade names for ease of use.
CPS: Compendium of Pharmaceuticals & Specialties by Canadian Pharmacists Association
Location: Reference RS 141.23 (Located at NDC)
The Compendium of Pharmaceuticals and Specialties (CPS) is the Canadian standard for drug monographs, developed by manufacturers, approved by Health Canada and optimized by CPhA editors. The CPS contains thousands of product monographs for drugs, vaccines and natural health products, including 65 NEW products for the Canadian market. This definitive resource also includes monographs written by Canadian Pharmacists Association's editorial staff, based on the best available evidence and reviewed by expert physicians and pharmacists. Clinical tools, product images (exclusive to CPS online) and directories of drug and health care information are included.
Lippincott Nursing Drug Guide by Amy M. Karch
Location: ebook
Publication Date: 2014
The book provides complete monographs for 725 common drugs, including generic and trade names, pronunciations, pregnancy risk category, controlled substance schedule (if appropriate), drug classes, therapeutic actions, indications, contraindications and cautions, available forms, dosages, pharmacokinetics, IV facts (if appropriate), adverse effects, interactions, and nursing considerations organized by nursing process steps (assessment, interventions, and teaching points).
Nursing 2020 Drug Handbook by Lippincott
Location: Reference RM 125 .N87 (Located at NDC)
Drug monograph handbook.
Pediatric and Neonatal Dosage Handbook by Carol K. Taketomo
Location: NDC RJ 560 .P387 (Located at NDC)
The Pediatric & Neonatal Dosing Handbook includes more than 1,100 drug monographs featuring concise fields of information specific to neonates and children. It follows a convenient, dictionary-like format, with drug products alphabetically organized and cross-referenced by U.S. and Canadian brand names.
Pharmacology Case Studies for Nurse Prescribers by Donna Scholefield
Location: ebook
Publication Date: 2021
nursing and midwifery, both in the community and the hospital setting. This much-needed book is aimed particularly at students on a non-medical prescribing (NMP) course as well as those nurses who are studying for their community practitioner non-medical prescribing qualification as part of the specialist practice programme. The book is also a useful resource for nursing students and registered nurses who administer and/or prescribe medicines.

Featured Databases

These 'independent' databases are NOT included in OneSearch and must be searched individually. They tend to be more specialized so review the summary for a better understanding of what each entails.

CPS Full Access This link opens in a new window
Includes the most current, evidence-based therapeutic information and non-prescription therapy for most common conditions, with cross-referenced drug tables and algorithms. Includes CPS Drug Information, critical updates such as warnings, advisories, and drug shortages; and useful tools such as medical calculators, Clin-Info, Pill Identifier and Lexi-Interact drug interaction checker.
Nursing Reference Center Plus This link opens in a new window
Use the Nursing Reference Center to access the Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses and AHFS Drug Information Essentials. See the NRC page in this guide for more about how to use this tool.
UpToDate This link opens in a new window
Access the LexiComp Drug analyzer on UpToDate.

For the complete list of databases RRC subscribes to, check out A-Z List of Databases.

Suggested Websites

Adverse Reaction Reporting and Health Product Safety Information - Guide for Health Professionals
MedEffect™ Canada provides a simple and efficient means for health professionals to report an adverse reaction to the Canada Vigilance Program. It also serves as a centralized point to access the latest health product safety information such as advisories and recalls.
Health Canada : Drug Products
The federal governing body regulating drugs and health products to support public safety.
Medscape : Drug interaction checker
US based. Use the search to look up prescription or OTC drugs, and herbal supplements
Add a full drug regimen and view interactions
MedScape : Drugs, OTCs and Herbals
US based. More than 7100 monographs are provided for prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as for corresponding brand-name drugs, herbals, and supplements. Drug images are also included.
Medscape : Pill Identifier
US based. Medscape's Pill Identifier helps you to ID generic and brand name prescription drugs, OTCs, and supplements. Search from over 10,000 tablets and capsules by imprint, color, shape, form, and scoring.
National Drug Schedules (NAPRA)
National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is an alliance of the provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory authorities across Canada as well as the Pharmacy Services Division of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Non-Insured Health Benefits: Drug benefit list
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program of Indigenous Services Canada provides clients (registered First Nations and recognized Inuit) with coverage for a range of health benefits, including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications.
Product monographs: Frequently asked questions (Health Canada)
This Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document is intended to create a centralized location for Canadians and drug sponsors to find information about Health Canada-authorized Product Monographs.
Report a side effect
Anyone can report a side effect to a health or cannabis product. Your report can help make these products safer for all Canadians.

Report the issue as soon as possible after the reaction or problem occurred. You should do this even if you are not sure if a particular health or cannabis product was the cause.
User Guide for Completion and Submission of Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) Reports
This User Guide is intended to be used as a reference mainly by providers of immunization in the Province of Manitoba who may need to report an Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI), that is, by users of the form for reporting AEFI. The form refers to both the pdf form found in the Manitoba Health, Seniors and Active Living (MHSAL) website as well as the form in Panorama.

Make a recommendation

Do you have a title to recommend for our collection? Use the Suggest a Purchase form to suggest a book, video or journal.

Are you an RRC Polytech staff or student with suggestions or feedback that can help improve this guide? Please contact this guide's author on the "Getting Started" page.