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rxnorm_search

Read-onlyIdempotent

Search for drug concepts by brand or generic name to find RxNorm identifiers and term types.

Instructions

Search for drugs in RxNorm (Normalized names for clinical drugs).

Use this tool to:

  • Find drug concepts by brand or generic name

  • Look up medications for prescribing

  • Search for drug formulations

Returns matching drugs with RxCUI identifiers, names, and term types.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queryYesDrug name to search (brand or generic)
max_resultsNoMaximum number of results (1-100). Default: 25

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
queryYes
total_countYes
drugsYes
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, destructiveHint, idempotentHint, and openWorldHint. The description adds value by specifying the return structure (RxCUI identifiers, names, term types), which is not in annotations. No contradictions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise (two paragraphs) with a front-loaded purpose sentence. Bullet points efficiently list use cases without fluff. Every sentence earns its place.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness5/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a simple search tool with 2 parameters and an existing output schema, the description covers the essential behavior (returns matching drugs with identifiers, names, term types). No critical gaps.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100% (both 'query' and 'max_results' have descriptions). The description does not add parameter semantics beyond what the schema already provides, so baseline 3 is appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool searches RxNorm for drugs, with specific use cases: find drug concepts by brand/generic name, look up medications, search formulations. Verb and resource are specific, and the domain (RxNorm) distinguishes it from other search tools like ICD-11 or LOINC.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context by listing three common usage scenarios via bullet points. However, it does not explicitly state when NOT to use this tool or mention alternatives (e.g., rxnorm_concept for exact lookups).

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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