Abstract: A method for optimizing pharmaceutical prescribing is disclosed. In accordance with the principles of the invention, a medical practitioner is alerted to current information regarding up-to-date and cost-effective alternatives to a medical prescription. A proposed prescription is compared to a database of prescriptions and possible alternative prescriptions which could be efficacious. If there is a suitable alternative or alternatives corresponding to the prescription, it is shown to the practitioner. The practitioner may then choose between his proposed prescription and the alternative or alternatives presented to him. The practitioner may then enter either the proposed or an alternative prescription into a system adapted to process and print out prescriptions.