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Medication & Drug Information

Look up any medication, understand generics, check interactions, and get help paying — using free, reliable tools.

Look up any drug

Plain English

MedlinePlus Drug Info

Government-maintained guides for thousands of medications: uses, side effects, and what to avoid — no ads.

medlineplus.gov →
Comprehensive

Drugs.com

Detailed drug database with an interaction checker and a pill identifier (search by imprint, color, shape).

drugs.com →
Official labels

DailyMed (FDA/NLM)

The official, current FDA label for every marketed drug — the source of truth for prescribing information.

dailymed.nlm.nih.gov →

Generic drugs, explained

A generic drug contains the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route as its brand-name original, and the FDA requires it to be bioequivalent — it must deliver the same amount of medicine to your bloodstream within tight limits. Inactive ingredients (fillers, dyes) may differ, which is why a generic can look different.

  • They work the same. FDA approval standards for generics require the same quality and performance.
  • They cost dramatically less — typically 80–85% below brand price, because generic makers don't repeat the original clinical trials.
  • ~9 in 10 U.S. prescriptions are already filled with generics.
  • Ask two questions at the pharmacy: "Is there a generic?" and "Is the cash/discount price lower than my copay?" (Sometimes it is.)
  • Narrow-therapeutic-index drugs (e.g., warfarin, levothyroxine, some seizure meds): switching manufacturers is still generally fine, but tell your doctor so levels can be checked if needed.

FDA generic drug facts →

Pay less for prescriptions

GoodRx

Free coupons and pharmacy price comparison — prices for the same drug can vary several-fold between pharmacies in the same town.

goodrx.com →

Cost Plus Drugs

Mail-order pharmacy selling hundreds of generics at cost plus a flat 15% markup — often the cheapest option, no insurance needed.

costplusdrugs.com →

NeedyMeds & RxAssist

Directories of patient-assistance programs — many manufacturers provide brand-name drugs free or nearly free to qualifying patients.

needymeds.org →

Medication safety basics

Keep one current list

Every prescription, over-the-counter drug, and supplement, with doses — on paper in your wallet and in your phone. Bring it to every appointment; it's the single best defense against dangerous interactions.

Use one pharmacy when possible

Pharmacists catch interactions your doctors may miss — but only if they can see everything you take. Your pharmacist will also answer questions free, no appointment needed.

Check interactions yourself too

Free checkers on Drugs.com and Medscape flag drug-drug and drug-food conflicts (grapefruit is a real one for several common medications).

Store and dispose properly

Cool, dry, out of reach of kids — not the steamy bathroom cabinet. Take back unused meds at pharmacy drop boxes or DEA Take Back events. Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222.

Never start, stop, or change a prescription based on something you read online — including here. Use these tools to have better conversations with your prescriber and pharmacist.