Educational Content: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Definition of Physicians' Desk Reference
Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026
Physicians' Desk Reference: A thick volume that provides a guide to prescription drugs available in the United States. Although not exactly recommended fare for bedtime reading, the PDR is the most commonly used drug reference. The information is the same as the leaflet in the drug package, also known as the package insert. Drug companies pay to have their drug included, so many generic medicines will not be in the book.
Abbreviated PDR.