World Standard Drug Database

Searching the Database Browser

Search Options

This help page details the use of the search system for the browser.

The selection box contains the following options :-
 
Drug Search for a Drug Product using keyword or Read Code hierarchy
Ingredient Search for a Drug Ingredient using keyword or hierarchy
Indications Search for an Indication with display of associated ingredients
Contraindications Search for a Contraindication with display of associated ingredients
Side Effects Search for a Side Effect with display of associated ingredients

Drug Search

A Drug Product may be search for using a keyword or the Read Code hierarchy. To search using the hierarchy leave the keyword box blank and click on the "Find" button. This will place you at the top of the hierarchy.

To search based on the keywords enter the keywords in the box ( see keyword search below ) and click on the "Find" button.

Products preceded by are an asterisk were formerly on the market but are now discontinued.

In either case you will be placed on the appropriate drug menu page.

Ingredient Search

Ingredients may be searched for using a hierarchy or by using key words.

To search for an ingredient based on the keywords enter the keywords in the box ( see keyword search below ) and click on the "Find" button.

Attribute Search

This section covers all three properties that may be used for searching: Indications, Contraindications and Side Effects. Select the appropriate attribute and then enter the keywords in the box ( see keyword search below ). If the keyword is left blank then the top level attribute hierarchy will be shown. The attribute menu can be used to find ingredients containing the selected attribute. From there the ingredient display can be reached and hence on to the drugs containing the ingredient.

Keyword Searching

One or more keywords may be entered in the keyword box. Each keyword will match any word that starts with the specified letters; i.e. "asp" will match "aspirin", "aspartate" etc. The keyword need not appear in the actual name of the drug or ingredient being search - many keywords are associated with the drugs that are not in the drug name itself  - e.g misspelt words, foreign Drug Products containing an ingredient etc. If more than one keyword is specified the only items that match all the keywords are listed. Keywords must be at least 2 characters long, and have a space between each word.

Once the search criterion has been selected and keywords have been entered click on the find button and a list of matching items will be listed on the appropriate menu page.