Determining the accuracy of open-access databases for identifying commonly prescribed oral medications

Open-access databases are available to help identify oral tablets and capsules and they have a relatively high success rate of identifying commonly prescribed medications. However no database is 100% accurate, which means that the risk involved with patients identifying their own medications is substantial. Patients should be highly encouraged by all health care practitioners to consult their pharmacist or primary health care provider to prevent misidentification and subsequent misadministration.