What is MedlinePlus?
MedlinePlus is an online health information resource for patients, families and friends. It is run by the National Library of Medicine, part of the US National Institutes of Health, and aims to present trusted information in plain language, without advertising, in English and Spanish.
The site is organised around health topics, drugs and supplements, genetics, medical tests and a medical encyclopedia with articles and images. It also includes healthy recipes. It is a reference for reading up on a topic, and does not replace a doctor or give personal medical advice.
Main Features
- Health topics on conditions, disorders and wellness
- Drugs and supplements reference, including herbs and over the counter medicines
- Medical encyclopedia with articles and images
- Explanations of medical tests and what results may mean
- Genetics section on conditions and genes
- Healthy recipes
- English and Spanish content
- Web service and data files for developers
How to Get Started with MedlinePlus
- Open medlineplus.gov in your browser.
- Search for a condition, drug or test.
- Or browse Health Topics, Drugs and Supplements or the Medical Encyclopedia.
- Read the summary and follow the linked sources.
- Take your questions to a healthcare professional.
MedlinePlus Pricing
MedlinePlus is entirely free and has no advertising, no paid plan and no sign-up. It is a public service of the US government.
Who Should Use It?
- Patients reading up on a diagnosis
- Family members and carers looking for plain explanations
- People checking what a medicine or test is for
- Spanish speakers looking for health information
- Developers using its health data services
MedlinePlus Alternatives
- Anatomy Atelier is a learning site for human anatomy.
- Ada AI is an AI symptom checker.
- Ubie is an AI symptom checker that suggests possible causes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MedlinePlus free?
Yes. It is a free public service with no paid plan, no advertising and no account needed.
Who runs MedlinePlus?
The US National Library of Medicine, which is part of the National Institutes of Health.
Is MedlinePlus available in Spanish?
Yes. The site offers its health information in both English and Spanish.
Can MedlinePlus diagnose me?
No. It is a reference for general health information. Talk to a healthcare professional about your own symptoms or treatment.