search_fda
Search 21 OpenFDA datasets for specific records on adverse events, drug labels, device submissions, recalls, and more.
Instructions
Search any of the 21 OpenFDA datasets. Returns individual records.
When to use: Finding specific records — adverse events, drug labels, device submissions, recalls, etc. For aggregation/statistics, use count_records instead. If unsure which fields to search, call list_searchable_fields first.
Args: dataset: Which FDA dataset to search. Options by category:
Drug:
drug_adverse_events — FAERS adverse event reports
drug_labels — SPL drug labeling (package inserts)
drug_ndc — National Drug Code directory
drug_approvals — NDA/ANDA/BLA approval history (Drugs@FDA)
drug_recalls — Drug recall enforcement reports
drug_shortages — Drug shortage reports
Device:
device_adverse_events — MDR adverse event reports
device_510k — 510(k) clearances, De Novo grants, and HDE submissions
device_pma — PMA approvals and supplements
device_classification — Product code classification database
(submission_type_id: 1=510k, 2=PMA, 4=510k Exempt, 6=De Novo, 7=HDE)
device_recalls — Device recall enforcement reports
device_recall_details — Detailed device recall information
device_registration — Facility registrations and product listings
device_udi — Unique Device Identifier database
device_covid19_serology — COVID-19 serology test performance
Food:
food_adverse_events — CAERS adverse event reports
food_recalls — Food/cosmetic recall enforcement reports
Other:
historical_documents — FDA historical documents
substance_data — Substance data (GSRS)
unii — Unique Ingredient Identifier codes
nsde — NDC SPL Data Elements
search: OpenFDA query string. Quote string values and use + for spaces.
limit: Max results to return (default 10, max 100).
skip: Number of results to skip for pagination.
sort: Sort field and direction (e.g., "report_date:desc").Examples: Drug adverse events: dataset="drug_adverse_events", search='patient.drug.openfda.brand_name:"ASPIRIN"' Drug labels: dataset="drug_labels", search='openfda.brand_name:"LIPITOR"' Device 510(k) clearances: dataset="device_510k", search='device_name:"pulse+oximeter"' De Novo grants (also in device_510k): dataset="device_510k", search='decision_code:"DENG"+AND+advisory_committee:"DE"' Food recalls: dataset="food_recalls", search='classification:"Class I"' Device classification lookup: dataset="device_classification", search='device_name:"oximeter"+AND+device_class:2'
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| skip | No | ||
| sort | No | ||
| limit | No | ||
| search | Yes | ||
| dataset | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |