A Drug Information Center (DIC) is a specialized facility that provides accurate, unbiased, and timely information about drugs and medications to healthcare professionals, patients, and the general public. The primary aim of a DIC is to promote the rational use of medicines by supporting evidence-based decision-making in clinical practice.
DICs serve as a reliable source for drug-related inquiries, including information about drug dosage, interactions, adverse effects, therapeutic uses, and recent advances in pharmacotherapy. They play a critical role in improving patient safety, enhancing the quality of healthcare, and supporting pharmacovigilance activities.
Objectives of the DIC
- To provide accurate, unbiased, and evidence-based drug information to healthcare professionals, students, and patients.
- To promote rational drug use through evaluation of prescriptions and therapeutic interventions.
- To monitor and improve drug safety, including adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and medication errors.
- To act as a resource for clinical research, education, and professional development.
Drug Monograph
A drug monograph is a comprehensive document providing detailed information on a particular drug, including:
- Chemical name & structure
- Pharmacology & mechanism of action
- Indications & contraindications
- Dosage & administration
- Adverse effects & toxicity
- Drug interactions
- Special precautions
Example: Monograph for Metformin:
- Indication: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Contraindication: Renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
- Adverse effects: GI upset, lactic acidosis (rare)
Rx Express Intro
RxExpress is a newsletter published by the Drug Information Center to provide timely updates on drugs, therapies, regulatory changes, safety alerts, and recent research findings. It serves as a knowledge-sharing platform for students, healthcare professionals, and faculty.
Objectives:
- Keep healthcare professionals informed about new drug approvals, recalls, and safety alerts.
- Promote awareness of latest clinical guidelines and treatment protocols.
- Disseminate research highlights, case studies, and innovations in pharmacotherapy.
- Support rational prescribing and evidence-based practice.
Content Included in RxExpress:
- New Drug Approvals: FDA/CDSCO-approved medications, biosimilar, generics
- Example: Announcement of a new oral anticoagulant for atrial fibrillation.
- Safety Alerts & Recalls: Adverse drug reactions, black-box warnings, product recalls
- Example: Recall of a batch of metformin due to impurity detection.
- Clinical Research Updates: Key findings from recent studies or clinical trials
- Example: Evidence supporting reduced dose of statins in elderly patients to minimize myopathy.
- Regulatory News: Changes in drug schedules, prescription regulations, or licensing
- Example: New government guidelines for antibiotic stewardship in hospitals.
- Educational Articles: Case studies, drug interaction highlights, or dosing strategies
- Example: Case report on drug-induced liver injury due to herbal supplements.
Will include “New Approvals,” “Safety Alerts,” “Research Highlights,” “Regulatory News”
Example Entry in RxExpress.
Title: “FDA Approves Oral Antiviral for COVID-19”
Summary: Newly approved drug X reduces hospitalization risk by 50% in mild to moderate COVID-19 patients. Recommended dose: 300 mg twice daily for 5 days. Check for interactions with anticoagulants.
References & Sources
DIC queries should be answered using reliable and updated sources:
- Primary literature: PubMed, clinical trials
- Secondary literature: Review articles, guidelines
- Tertiary sources: Lexicomp, Micromedex, Martindale, British National Formulary (BNF)
- Official resources: WHO, FDA, CDSCO
Types of Cases Handled
The DIC handles a wide variety of queries, including:
- Dosage Check
- Example: Calculating pediatric dose of amoxicillin for a 20 kg child.
- Drug Interactions
- Example: Checking interaction between fluconazole and warfarin.
- Contraindications
- Example: Advising against NSAIDs in a patient with peptic ulcer disease.
- Drug Safety Profile
- Example: Evaluating long-term safety of statins in elderly patients.
- Prescription Audit
- Example: Reviewing prescriptions in the hospital for polypharmacy risks.
- Medication Errors
- Example: Identifying wrong dose prescriptions and suggesting correction.
- Bioavailability or Alternative Drug
- Example: Suggesting IV paracetamol instead of oral for patients unable to swallow.
- Dose Calculation
- Example: Calculating creatinine clearance to adjust digoxin dose.
Process for Responding to Queries
Query Reception: Queries received via email, phone, or in-person.
Data Collection: Collect patient-specific details (age, weight, comorbidities, lab results).
Literature Search: Review primary, secondary, and tertiary sources for accurate information.
Analysis & Recommendation: Evaluate risk-benefit and provide evidence-based advice.
Documentation: Record the query, references used, and advice given.
Feedback: Follow-up to assess outcome or clarify further doubts.
Example: A doctor requests information on anticoagulant dosing in renal impairment. The DIC reviews guidelines, calculates dose adjustments, and documents the advice.
Collaboration and Networking
The DIC collaborates with:
- Hospital pharmacists and clinicians for patient care
- Other DICs and academic institutions for knowledge exchange
- Regulatory authorities (CDSCO, FDA, WHO) for drug safety updates
- Professional bodies (IPA, AICTE) for continuing education programs.
Example: Collaboration with Ruby Hall Clinic to provide workshops on adverse drug reaction reporting.
References
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. ASHP Guidelines on Pharmacy-Based Drug Information Services. 2018.
- WHO. Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Setting Up a Drug Information Center. 2020.
- Lexicomp Online, Wolters Kluwer.
- Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference, 41st Edition.
- British National Formulary (BNF) 2025.
- . FDA Drug Safety Communications: www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability
- CDSCO Updates: www.cdsco.gov.in