openFDA at https://api.fda.gov publishes FDA data on drugs, devices, and food: labels, adverse event reports, and recalls. Queries use a Lucene-style search parameter.
None for light use. A free key from open.fda.gov raises the daily limit; pass it as api_key.
Full reference: https://open.fda.gov/apis/
curl "https://api.fda.gov/drug/label.json?search=openfda.brand_name:advil&limit=1"{
"meta": {
"disclaimer": "Do not rely on openFDA to make decisions regarding medical care. While we make every effort to ensure that data is accurate, you should assume all results are unvalidated. We may limit or otherwise restrict your access to the API in line with our Terms of Service.",
"terms": "https://open.fda.gov/terms/",
"license": "https://open.fda.gov/license/",
"last_updated": "2026-09-23",
"results": {
"skip": 0,
"limit": 1,
"total": 39
}
},
"results": [
{
"spl_product_data_elements": [],
"spl_unclassified_section": [
"Drug Facts Drug Facts",
"Other information Other information read all warnings and directions before use. Keep carton. store at 20-25°C (68-77°F) avoid excessive heat above 40°C (104°F)"
],
"active_ingredient": [
"Active ingredients Active ingredients Acetaminophen 250 mg Ibuprofen 125 mg (NSAID*) *nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug"
],
"purpose": [
"Purposes Purposes Pain reliever Pain reliever"
],
"indications_and_usage": [
"Uses Uses temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to: headache toothache backache menstrual cramps muscular aches minor pain of arthritis"
],
"warnings": [],
"do_not_use": [],
"ask_doctor": [],
"ask_doctor_or_pharmacist": [
"Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are Ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you are under a doctor’s care for any serious condition taking aspirin for heart attack or stroke, because ibuprofen may decrease this benefit of aspirin taking any other drug"
],
"when_using": [
"When using this product When using this product take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs"
],
"stop_use": [],
"pregnancy_or_breast_feeding": [],
"keep_out_of_reach_of_children": [
"Keep out of reach of children Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Prompt medical attention is critical for adults as well as for children even if you do not notice any signs or symptoms."
],
"dosage_and_administration": [
"Directions Directions Do not take more than directed adults and children 12 years and over take 2 caplets every 8 hours while symptoms persist children under 12 years ask a doctor do not take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours, unless directed by a doctor"
],
"dosage_and_administration_table": []
}
]
}count returns a top-N tally instead of records.
curl "https://api.fda.gov/drug/event.json?search=patient.drug.openfda.brand_name:advil&count=patient.reaction.reactionmeddrapt.exact&limit=5"{
"meta": {
"disclaimer": "Do not rely on openFDA to make decisions regarding medical care. While we make every effort to ensure that data is accurate, you should assume all results are unvalidated. We may limit or otherwise restrict your access to the API in line with our Terms of Service.",
"terms": "https://open.fda.gov/terms/",
"license": "https://open.fda.gov/license/",
"last_updated": "2026-07-30"
},
"results": [
{
"term": "DRUG INEFFECTIVE",
"count": 25291
},
{
"term": "PAIN",
"count": 17664
}
]
}curl "https://api.fda.gov/food/enforcement.json?limit=2&sort=report_date:desc"{
"meta": {
"disclaimer": "Do not rely on openFDA to make decisions regarding medical care. While we make every effort to ensure that data is accurate, you should assume all results are unvalidated. We may limit or otherwise restrict your access to the API in line with our Terms of Service.",
"terms": "https://open.fda.gov/terms/",
"license": "https://open.fda.gov/license/",
"last_updated": "2026-09-16",
"results": {
"skip": 0,
"limit": 2,
"total": 29415
}
},
"results": [
{
"status": "Ongoing",
"city": "Totowa",
"state": "NJ",
"country": "United States",
"classification": "Class I",
"openfda": {},
"product_type": "Food",
"event_id": "99684",
"recalling_firm": "EURO FOODS GROUP USA NJ INC",
"address_1": "20 W End Rd",
"address_2": "",
"postal_code": "07512-1406",
"voluntary_mandated": "Voluntary: Firm initiated",
"initial_firm_notification": "E-Mail",
"distribution_pattern": "The adulterated product was distributed to the following states: VA, NY, NJ, MI"
},
{
"status": "Ongoing",
"city": "Los Angeles",
"state": "CA",
"country": "United States",
"classification": "Class II",
"openfda": {},
"product_type": "Food",
"event_id": "99675",
"recalling_firm": "L-Nutra Inc",
"address_1": "600 Corporate Pointe Ste 1200",
"address_2": "",
"postal_code": "90230-7626",
"voluntary_mandated": "Voluntary: Firm initiated",
"initial_firm_notification": "E-Mail",
"distribution_pattern": "Product is sold exclusively from the recalling firm's online website nationwide."
}
]
}