Rx

Introduction

In August 2018, I started a self-initiated drug database project, called "Rx".

• My motivation stemmed from not finding a database that met my needs at work and desiring a more organized way to record my reading material.
• Additionally, the existing unofficial MOH Formulary mobile applications are often infrequently updated and require users to pay a fee to remove advertisements.

About the Project

In my role as a full-time pharmacist at a government hospital in Malaysia, the Malaysia Ministry of Health Medicines Formulary (MOHMF) has served as the foundation for my self-initiated drug database.

• At work, we frequently consult MOHMF for information such as prescriber categories, approved indications and purchase methods.

To improve the comprehensiveness of the database,

• Brand name search has been prioritized to include both original brand and local generic brands for oral medications.
• The prescription of medications by doctors frequently involves the use of proprietary brand names.
• Also, many customers at community pharmacy primarily recognize their medications by brand names.
• Additionally, many registered products, including over-the-counter medications, supplements and drugs not listed in the MOHMF, are included.
• Each product entry concludes with a handy "Notes" section with appropriate citations, organized as follows (when applicable).
• Uses and off-label uses (with recommended dosage)
• Oral medication administration
• Advice to patients
• Essential points, including adverse drug reactions and role in therapy.
• Storage requirements (e.g., cold-chain item)
• To enhance drug identification, a Drug Album section has been incorporated into the database.

Despite ongoing efforts, the information provided does not encompass all aspects of drug information, such as pediatric dosage, pregnancy and breastfeeding safety, storage and stability, drug interactions, and renal or hepatic dosage adjustment.

Now Available!

After months of dedicated work, my self-initiated drug database is finally live on two platforms:

• Rx - AppSheet (preferred)
• Rx - Caspio
  

The AppSheet Publisher Pro app, which allows unlimited users, incur a monthly cost of USD 50 per app.

• Given the minimal profitability of this blog, this additional expense makes it unsustainable to distribute the app on the Google Play Store.

NOTE: To ensure users have access to the most up-to-date and accurate information, the offline "Rx" database provided through Mdict will no longer be available. Maintaining this offline database also requires significant ongoing effort, and usage data reveals that relatively few users actively utilize it.

Summary

The "Rx" drug database project is a personal initiative, reflecting my interest in compiling and organizing drug information.

• While I strive for accuracy and completeness through careful verification, my clinical insights may limit the database's comprehensiveness.
• Additionally, due to work and family commitments, timely updates cannot be guaranteed.

This database is intended as a quick reference tool and should not replace the need for further research or professional clinical judgment.

• When in doubt, always consult reliable sources for definitive information, such as UpToDate Lexidrug, Micromedex, Medscape, British National Formulary and others.