PTCB - Chapter 12 - Information - Key Concepts

Information
- Primary literature provides direct access to the most current contemporary research. Secondary literature primarily consists of general reference works based upon primary literature sources. Tertiary literature sources contain condensed information based on primary literature.
- OSHA requires pharmacies to have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all their hazardous chemicals.
- The USP-NF Chapters < 1 > through < 999 > are enforced by the FDA.
- State laws and State Board of Pharmacy rules and regulations require pharmacies to maintain specific professional literature references.

Common References
- Drug Facts and Comparisons (DFC) is a preferred reference for comprehensive and timely drug information, containing information about prescription and OTC products.
- Martindale, The Complete Drug Reference provides the best source of information about drugs in clinical use internationally.
- AHFS is accepted as the authority for drug information questions. It groups drug monographs by therapeutic use and provides off label medication uses.
- The "Orange Book" is the common name for the FDA publication titled "Approved Drug Products with Therapeutic Equivalence Evaluations".
- The Handbook on Injectable Drugs is a collection of monographs on commercially available parenteral drugs that include concentration, stability, dosage, and compatibility information.
- The Red Book: Pharmacy's Fundamental Reference is the pharmacist's guide to products and prices and provides annual price lists of drug products, as well as manufacturer, package size, strength, and wholesale and retail prices.
- PDR provides FDA regulation information about prescription drugs similar to the manufacturer's drug package inserts.

Other References
- Today's Technician, a professional practice journal, is the official publication of the NPTA.
- The Pharmacist's Letter provides recommendations on new developments in drug therapy.

Technician References
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB website at www.ptcb.org provides information regarding exam application and preparation.
- Once certified as a pharmacy technician, the PTCB requires you to obtain 20 hours of continuing education credit every two years to maintain your certification. At least one of the 20 hours must be in pharmacy law.

The Internet
- The Internet is a super network, with many networks from around the world all connected to each other and all using a common language.
- A search engine such as Google will search the web for specific information you enter.
- A browser such as Internet Explorer, allows you to view websites.