Researching Your Health

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2005-03-01 00:00:00-05:00

Session 5 - Using Medline Plus

Use this site:

If you prefer detailed drug information combined with easy links to health news and National Institutes of Health resources.

Special features:

When you look up a drug, you can choose either a brief article about it or a much more detailed one. Start with one, and then use the other to focus on possible side effects and harmful interactions.

Many of the health topics include an easy-to-read article, or a slide show with sound. Links to recent research articles from the National Library of Medicine’s MEDLINE service let you extend your research.

What you’ll find:

From the Medline Plus main page, focus on the left-hand column. From here, click first on Health Topics. Find the condition you want to research. One of the categories under each condition is Treatment. Clicking on that link brings you a list of fact sheets, from both federal and private health agencies, about prescription drugs and other treatments for your condition.

For example, the Treatment link for the Arthritis topic brings you the Arthritis Foundation’s review of all the drugs used to treat arthritis.

For many health conditions, an interactive tutorial, plain-language article, or voice narration make it easier to learn about drug and other treatments.

Next, look at Drug Information. For each over-the-counter or prescription drug you research here, you have a choice of two articles. An easy-to read summary (MedMaster) answers questions about why the medication is prescribed, how to use it, and what to watch out for when you use it. A longer description (USP DI) gives more details about dosages for people of different ages, precautions to follow, and potential side effects. The longer article also lists all the brand names of products that include the drug.

The Medline Plus main page makes it easy to use a medical dictionary and encyclopedia in your research.

Practice Question

You’ve been taking a prescription drug called metoprolol. You got it six months ago, when you were having chest pains. But you haven’t noticed many pains lately. And you’re tired of taking so many medications. You say you may stop taking it. A friend convinces you to look up metoprolol on Medline Plus.

Is it dangerous to stop taking metoprolol all of a sudden?

Find the answer at: Medline Plus. Use the ‘Back’ button to return to this page.

In Session 6 - you'll find additional tips and resources.

All material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or instruction. Consult your health care professional for advice relating to treatment of a medical problem or condition.