Looking for apps for your daily practice? In this post, I’ve curated a list of 9 apps that every pharmacist (and pharmacy student!) should have.
Pocket Pharmacist has an extensive database with over 1,800 drug summaries that cover about 95% of all prescribed drugs in the United States. Licensed pharmacists update the information regularly to ensure you get accurate and current data.
Key Features:
Detailed drug summaries in easy-to-understand language
Advanced interaction checker that spots overlapping precautions
Interactive Med Quiz to test drug knowledge
Each drug summary has detailed information about drug class, dosage, indications, interactions, and precautions.
Pharmacy students will find the app is a great way to get study help to prepare for exams and clinical rotations. The information doesn't use technical jargon, which makes complex pharmaceutical concepts easier to understand and remember.
You can quickly access the database without internet connection, perfect for learning on the go.
The CDC Vaccine Schedules app is a must-have tool for pharmacy students and healthcare professionals.
This free app gives you quick access to all CDC-recommended immunization schedules and footnotes.
Key Features:
Color-coded schedules that match printed versions
Hyperlinked vaccine names with detailed dosing information
Automatic updates with the latest recommendations
Offline access to all content
Built-in catch-up scheduling calculator
The app's layout matches printed schedules, which makes it easy to use if you're switching from paper references. You can find the right vaccine, dosage, and timing with just a few clicks. This saves precious time during clinical rotations or patient consultations.
The app helps you understand contraindications and precautions for different patient populations, too. This comes in handy especially when you have complex cases or patients with multiple health conditions.
Your app updates automatically with the latest information when connected to the internet. You can still use all features offline, though, which makes it reliable in any clinical setting.
MicroMedex is a household name when it come to clinical decision support, and their app is another top choice.
There are over 4,500 search terms about essential drug information. The platform delivers evidence-based content through an unbiased editorial process and updates daily to keep information current.
Key Features:
Drug interactions checker with clinical significance ratings
IV compatibility powered by Trissel's 2 Clinical Pharmaceutics Database
Drug identification tool with imprint codes and visual descriptions
Complete drug comparison functionality
Advanced toxicology and drug product lookup
Hundreds of clinical calculators
The platform's artificial intelligence-powered Micromedex Assistant helps with complex clinical scenarios by providing quick answers to drug reference questions. The system also has specialized databases like DRUGDEX for complete medication information and POISINDEX for toxicology management.
iPharmacy can identify more than 10,000 drugs based on imprint, color, and shape.
This versatile app works as a learning resource and practical tool.
Key Features:
Detailed medication profiles with FDA-approved information
Drug tablet/capsule analysis system
Medication reminder functionality
Immediate drug recall notifications
Pharmacy locator services
The drug recall function stands out as a unique feature that helps you stay on top of recalls. The drug monographs are decent quick-reference material for daily use, though they might not be as detailed as specialized clinical resources.
iPharmacy comes as a free download on both Android and iOS platforms. And pharmacy students will find iPharmacy useful among their core reference materials. Its mix of visual pill identification, complete drug information, and practical features makes it valuable for classroom learning and clinical rotations.
Medscape is one of the most well-known places for HCP’s of all flavors to stay current, but they happen to have a great app too.
Medscape's impressive database contains over 8,500 monographs about prescription medications, OTC drugs, herbals, and supplements. The platform updates new FDA approvals within 48 hours.
A free membership gives you access to professional tools like:
450+ medical calculators grouped by specialty
Drug interaction checker with live alerts
Pill identifier for quick reference
Step-by-step procedural videos
Latest FDA approvals and clinical guidelines
Medscape's has free medical education courses in 30+ specialties. You can earn CME/CE credits and track your progress through a customized activity tracker that simplifies your professional development.
MDCalc is a one-stop shop for clinical calculators. The tool combines evidence-based decision support features that will boost your clinical judgment and patient care abilities.
Here are some key features:
550+ clinical decision tools with risk scores and algorithms
Customizable lists for favorites and recently used calculators
Auto-syncing between website and mobile app
Toggle between US and SI units
The platform supports over 35 specialties like cardiology, critical care, endocrinology, and many more. You'll have access to relevant calculators whatever your rotation or specialization.
MDCalc also has an impressive variety of statistical tests, procedures, and graphs, like:
ROC curve analysis
Method comparison
Reference intervals
Meta-analysis
Even though it’s known more as a physician reference, Epocrates has become a go-to app for many pharmacists and other HCPs, too.
Key features include:
Detailed prescribing and safety information for thousands of medications
Adult and pediatric dosing guidelines
Detailed interaction profiles
Pill identification tools with visual matching
Regular updates on new FDA approvals
Premium access gives you these additional features:
In-depth disease information
Infectious disease treatment guidelines
Alternative medicine database
Laboratory test information
ICD-10 codes
LactRx is a free mobile app from Mother to Baby, one of the most widely used resources for drugs in pregnancy and lactation.
With it, you’ll always have current information about medications, vaccines, and diagnostic agents during breastfeeding.
Evidence-based information from the platform helps clear up common misconceptions about medication use during breastfeeding.
The traditional "pump and dump" practice often proves unnecessary because brief disruptions in breastfeeding can harm both infant health and maternal milk supply.
Professional judgment improves with access to:
Detailed drug monographs
Clinical significance ratings
Patient education materials
Evidence-based recommendations
Alternative therapy options
MotherToBaby's complete service network gives you access to even more support through:
No-cost helpline (866-626-6847)
Texting service (855-999-3525)
Live chat options
Email consultation with experts
The free CDC Opioid Prescribing Guideline App helps providers apply CDC's recommendations for chronic pain management with confidence.
This comprehensive mobile application places all guidelines, tools, and resources at your fingertips. You'll appreciate how the app makes complex prescribing decisions easier through its accessible interface and evidence-based recommendations.
Key Features:
Morphine Milligram Equivalent (MME) calculator
Interactive motivational interviewing tools
Summaries of key recommendations
Direct access to complete CDC guidelines
Immediate prescribing guidance
The interactive motivational interviewing feature is another great feature. It helps you:
Prepare for challenging patient conversations
Practice effective communication skills
Build confidence in prescribing decisions
Apply guidelines in real-life scenarios
The Bottom Line
No matter what your specialty is, there are lots of invaluable apps to aid both your learning and daily practice. This list is a great place to start and gives you access to thousands of drug monographs, clinical calculators, and more - right at your fingertips.
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