Our Methodology
How we source, validate, and review supplement interaction information
PharmaGuide is built on a foundation of transparency and accountability. This page explains how we gather information, ensure accuracy, and maintain the educational integrity of our platform.
Why Methodology Matters
Health-related information carries significant responsibility. When people make decisions about supplements—whether to take them, combine them, or discuss them with their healthcare providers—they deserve to know where that information comes from and how it was verified.
PharmaGuide exists to organize publicly available scientific and regulatory information into a clear, accessible format. We do not generate original research or make clinical recommendations. Instead, we synthesize existing knowledge and present it in a way that supports informed conversations between consumers and their healthcare providers. Learn more about our mission on our About Us page.
Traceability
Interaction and safety information is traceable to authoritative regulatory or scientific sources.
Accuracy
Content is verified against primary sources and reviewed by licensed professionals.
Accountability
We clearly state what we do and do not do, and who is responsible for our content.
Where Our Data Comes From
PharmaGuide draws exclusively from publicly available, authoritative sources.
FDA Resources
U.S. Food and Drug Administration databases and regulatory documents.
- Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)
- Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS)
- Warning Letters and Safety Alerts
- Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) records
Use: Product identification, safety alerts, manufacturing disclosures
NIH Resources
National Institutes of Health scientific databases and fact sheets.
- Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
- DailyMed (drug labeling information)
- Dietary Supplement Ingredient Database
Use: Ingredient information, efficacy research, safety profiles
Clinical Literature
Peer-reviewed journals and systematic reviews indexed in major databases.
- PubMed / MEDLINE
- Cochrane Library systematic reviews
- Journal of Dietary Supplements
- Drug-nutrient interaction studies
Use: Interaction mechanisms, clinical evidence, contraindications
Professional Resources
Established references used by healthcare professionals.
- Natural Medicines Database
- Clinical pharmacology references
- Drug interaction databases
- Professional society guidelines
Use: Cross-referencing interactions, clinical context
Our 5-Step Process
From source identification to ongoing monitoring, every piece of information follows a structured review pathway.
Source Identification
We identify relevant information from authoritative databases including FDA registries, NIH resources, PubMed-indexed literature, and established clinical references. Sources are evaluated for credibility, recency, and relevance before inclusion.
Data Extraction & Analysis
Information is systematically extracted and organized by ingredient, interaction type, and evidence level. We document the mechanism of interaction (pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic) when supported by published research.
Pharmacist Verification
A licensed clinical pharmacist reviews extracted data for accuracy, clinical relevance, and appropriate context. This step ensures that interaction information is consistent with current pharmaceutical knowledge.
Clinical Advisory Review
Content undergoes secondary review focused on clarity, accessibility, and appropriate educational framing. This step ensures information is presented in a way that supports—rather than replaces—professional healthcare guidance.
Publication & Ongoing Monitoring
Approved content is published with clear source attribution and date stamps. Our team monitors FDA safety alerts, new research publications, and regulatory changes to identify content requiring updates.
Review focuses on information accuracy and clarity, not clinical decision-making.
Medical Advisory Team
AI-generated content published as educational material is reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals before release.
Pham L., PharmD
Clinical Pharmacist
Focus: Drug-supplement interactions, pharmacovigilance, medication safety
Licensed clinical pharmacist with expertise in identifying and evaluating potential interactions between dietary supplements and prescription medications. Responsible for verifying accuracy of interaction data and ensuring clinical relevance.
Miriam D., NP
Nurse Practitioner
Focus: Patient education, integrative health, content accessibility
Licensed nurse practitioner specializing in patient education and integrative health approaches. Reviews content for clarity, appropriate educational framing, and alignment with patient-centered communication best practices.
Our medical advisors review content for accuracy and clarity—not to provide clinical recommendations or diagnoses. Their role is to ensure that information is presented accurately and in appropriate educational context.
AI Transparency
How we use artificial intelligence—and its limitations.
How AI Assists PharmaGuide
PharmaGuide uses AI technology to help organize and present information from our source databases. AI assists with:
- Processing and structuring data from multiple sources
- Identifying potential interactions documented in literature
- Generating initial drafts of educational content
- Powering the AI Guidance Chat for user questions
What AI Does NOT Do
In line with widely accepted principles for responsible health information systems, our AI systems do not:
- Generate original research or clinical recommendations
- Diagnose medical conditions or symptoms
- Recommend specific treatments or dosages
- Access personal health records or medical history
- Replace the judgment of licensed healthcare professionals
Human Review Required
AI-generated content published as educational material is reviewed and approved by licensed healthcare professionals before release. AI output that cannot be verified against authoritative sources is not published. For more about how the AI Guidance Chat works, see How It Works.
Quality Standards
Source Citation
Interaction and safety information is linked to its original source. Users can trace claims back to published research or regulatory data.
Date Transparency
Content includes publication dates and last-reviewed dates. Users always know when information was last verified.
Feedback Channel
Users and healthcare professionals can report concerns or suggest corrections at feedback@pharmaguide.io. We investigate and respond to all substantive feedback.
No Conflicts
PharmaGuide does not, at this time, accept advertising from supplement manufacturers or receive compensation for product recommendations.
Content Update Policy
Review Schedule
Core educational content and high-traffic interaction categories are reviewed for accuracy and updated to reflect new research.
FDA safety alerts, significant research findings, or regulatory changes trigger immediate review.
We continuously monitor FDA alerts, PubMed publications, and professional databases for new information.
Limitations & Scope
Understanding what PharmaGuide is—and is not—designed to do is essential for appropriate use of our platform.
PharmaGuide Is
- An educational information platform
- A tool to support informed conversations with healthcare providers
- A resource for understanding documented interactions
- Reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals
PharmaGuide Is NOT
- A medical device or diagnostic tool
- A replacement for professional medical advice
- A source of treatment recommendations
- A guarantee of supplement safety or efficacy
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication regimen—especially if you have existing health conditions or take prescription medications.
Methodology FAQ
Where does PharmaGuide get its supplement interaction data?
PharmaGuide sources data from publicly available regulatory and scientific databases including the FDA Dietary Supplement Label Database, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, National Library of Medicine (PubMed), and peer-reviewed clinical literature. See Section 3 for the complete list.
Who reviews PharmaGuide's content?
AI-generated content published as educational material is reviewed by licensed healthcare professionals including clinical pharmacists and nurse practitioners before release. Our medical advisory team includes Pham L., PharmD (Clinical Pharmacist) and Miriam D., NP (Nurse Practitioner).
How often is PharmaGuide's information updated?
Core educational content and high-traffic interaction categories are reviewed quarterly by our clinical team. When significant new research emerges or regulatory changes occur, relevant content is prioritized for immediate review and update.
Does PharmaGuide provide medical advice?
No. PharmaGuide is an educational platform that organizes publicly available information to help users understand documented supplement interactions. It does not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, or replace consultation with licensed healthcare professionals. See our HIPAA Statement for more about our regulatory position.
Learn More About PharmaGuide
Have questions about our methodology or want to learn more about how PharmaGuide works?