Resource Spotlight: DailyMed

Posted by liaison on July 31st, 2025 Posted in: All Members

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In the ever-evolving world of healthcare and medical research, access to accurate, up-to-date drug information is essential. For librarians and health professionals, DailyMed, a free resource provided by the National Library of Medicine (NLM), offers a trusted solution for navigating the complexities of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

What Is DailyMed?

DailyMed is the official provider of FDA label information (package inserts) for over 154,000 drugs marketed in the United States, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs for human or animal use, certain medical devices, and more. It delivers high-quality, standardized data directly from the FDA and manufacturers, ensuring that users have access to the most current and authoritative drug labeling.

Why DailyMed Matters for Librarians and Health Professionals

1. Reliable Reference for Clinical Decision-Making – DailyMed provides detailed drug information including indications, dosage, contraindications, side effects, and pharmacological properties. This makes it an indispensable tool for librarians supporting evidence-based practice and health professionals verifying drug interactions and usage.
2. Streamlined Access to FDA-Approved Labels – Unlike many commercial drug databases, DailyMed is free and publicly accessible. It offers searchable drug listings by name, active ingredient, or National Drug Code as well as structured product labeling (SPL) available for download.
3. Support for Health Literacy and Patient Education – Librarians in consumer health roles can use DailyMed to guide patients and caregivers to trustworthy medication information. The site’s clear layout and direct links to FDA resources help demystify complex drug data.

Want to learn more? NNLM offers an on-demand course that covers the differences between prescription and over the counter medications, data regarding use in the United States, and three free resources from the National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health: DailyMed, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), and LactMed.