Drug reference: ePocrates Rx

OB/GYN News, Nov 15, 2002 by Thomas G. McLeod, Jon O. Ebbert

Overview: ePocrates Rx is a comprehensive yet concise drug reference program available for Palm OS handheld computers. Easy access to drug dosing, interactions, and medication cost and packaging information is included. Formulary configuration allows customization for many regional health plans.

Background: Drug reference programs for handheld computers are increasing in number and functionality. Early releases include applications adapted from traditional textbook references (PDR, the Physician's Drug Handbook, and Davis's Drug Guide for Nurses). Recent applications have been formatted exclusively for the handheld platform.

Description: ePocrates Rx was one of the earliest drug reference resources available in a dedicated handheld format. Originally released in October 1999, this software currently has over 250,000 physician subscribers. The program is available only for the Palm OS platform and is free for download from the ePocrates Web site (www.epocrates.com). ePocrates Rx includes information on more than 2,700 prescription and nonprescription medications. The database may be searched and displayed alphabetically or by drug class. Content for each entry is concisely organized into dosing, contraindications/cautions, drug interactions, adverse reactions, cost/packaging, and other categories. Each of these sections is conveniently accessed from a pop-up listing in the lower left-hand corner of the screen. Personal notes may be added to each drug entry (and are beamable to other handhelds). Users may further customize the program by defining "favorite" categories (upper right drop-down on main page), assigning drugs as they se e fit.

Though the basic drug database is impressive in its own right, other features of the program merit special consideration. First, the Auto Update option configures the program to automatically update the 'database with each HotSync, insuring a current reference. Similarly, DocAlerts are brief messages acquired during the HotSync process that inform users of recent Food and Drug Administration or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alerts, drug recalls, and research news. MultiCheck expands upon the program's basic "interactions" information by allowing users to select up to 30 medications (such as a patient's particular drug regimen) and check for specific interactions.

Formulary information for regional health plans may be configured from the company's Web site, allowing users to easily establish their own profile of relevant formularies for download during HotSync. In this way, current health plan-specific formulary information (including approved drugs, copays, and quantity limits) is immediately at hand.

Finally a greatly enhanced version of the original program has recently been released. Entitled ePocrates Rx Pro, this edition is actually a suite of applications, including the core drug database, a compendium of alternative medicine monographs, ePocrates ID (infectious disease recommendations), and a medical calculator. Though no longer free of charge ($49.99), the tremendous functionality of the new version easily justifies the added expense.

Final Notes: ePocrates Rx is a complete, concise, well-organized drug reference that is perfectly adapted to on-the-fly use by busy, handheld-enabled practitioners. MultiCheck, DocAlerts, and a formulary-adapted version are thoughtful enhancements that greatly increase the utility of the program. Web site-directed installation is straightforward, and customer support is excellent. The recently released ePocrates Rx Pro suite will likely be met with the same enthusiasm enjoyed by the original database.

Contact/Download Information:

Title: ePocrates Rx (version 6.0) and ePocrates Rx Pro

Developer: ePocrates Inc. (San Carlos, Calif.)

Web site: www.epocrates.com

Platform: Palm OS (version 3.0 and higher)

Memory: ePocrates Rx: 2.5 MB; ePocrates Rx Pro: 3 MB

Cost: ePocrates Rx: free (available from developer Web site); ePocrates Ru Pro: $49.99

Next month: Patient trackers

Dr. Thomas G. McLeod and Dr. Jon O. Ebbert are with the division of community internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Their reviews are independent evaluations, and they receive no compensation from and do not consult with the manufacturers of the products evaluated in their column.