Comparison

TOXBASE vs MDU

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

TOXBASE

This clinical toxicology database offers healthcare professionals comprehensive advice on poisoning features and management. It provides detailed information on various toxins and clear, evidence-based treatment guidance. The app is designed for quick reference and can be used offline.

Highlights
  • Detailed poisons information
  • Traffic light triaging system
  • Point-by-point treatment advice
  • Evidence-based and peer-reviewed
  • Offline database access
  • 24/7 updated information
Read full description

TOXBASE® is the clinical toxicology database of the UK National Poisons Information Service, providing advice on the features and management of poisoning. Monographs are designed to be used by healthcare professionals involved in the management of poisoned patients. TOXBASE is freely available for users who are able to register using an NHS, MOD, ac.uk or UKHSA domain email address. If your domain is not accepted contact mail@toxbase.org for assistance and information. Key application features * detailed poisons information on industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, household products, plants and animal toxins * easy to follow traffic light system for triaging poisoned patients * point by point treatment advice which is clear and concise, evidence-based, peer-reviewed and updated 24/7 * no internet connection is required to search the database (although internet connection may be required to access all information on some entries) How the app works After download, users complete a registration form and receive an email containing a verification link. Once verified users will be able to use their login for the TOXBASE app and also for TOXBASE online at www.toxbase.org Account renewal is required annually. Disclaimer The information on the TOXBASE App is designed for healthcare professionals and requires expert clinical interpretation. Users are strongly advised to always discuss cases with their local experts in poisons management and should not solely rely on the App to make medical decisions. Users are required to accept our End User License Agreement before using the app. All material on TOXBASE is subject to UK Crown copyright protection.

About

MDU

Access expert medico-legal advice for medical professionals. Find guidance on patient confidentiality, prescribing, complaints, and more through articles, case studies, and quick guides. Tailor your feed and access membership details offline.

Highlights
  • Expert medico-legal advice
  • Quick guides and case studies
  • Searchable articles
  • Tailorable news feed
  • Offline reading
  • Membership card access
Features
Read full description

As a medical professional, you can access expert advice from the Medical Defence Union (MDU). Read the latest medico-legal advice on patient confidentiality, consent, prescribing, police investigations, inquests, how to respond to patient complaints, and much more. Search our extensive range of quick guides, case studies, frequently asked questions and articles from our popular MDU Journal. You can tailor your news feed to show topics you’re interested in, read offline, get help with your membership, view your membership card and get proof of membership. Download the MDU app now for top medico-legal advice wherever you go.

Screenshots

TOXBASE4 screens
MDU4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: MDU at 4.0 against TOXBASE's 1.0. MDU also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 1) and iOS requirement (12.2 vs 15.5). On price, review sentiment, ratings volume and update cadence there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. TOXBASE sells 1 one-off in-app purchase. MDU asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

MDU holds the better App Store score, 4.0 against 1.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 1 and 1 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 21% of TOXBASE's written reviews are positive against 17% of MDU's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

TOXBASE ships an update every 6 months, MDU every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 26, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard3 real differences · 7 level
TOXBASE versus MDU: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTOXBASEMDU
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings)4.0 (1 ratings) — better
Positive reviews20.5% of reviews — better16.7% of reviews
Number of ratings11
Update frequencyEvery 6 monthsEvery 3 months — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFreeFree
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.512.2 — better
Further details — not scored
Size413 MB165 MB
Age rating17+4+
DeveloperNHS LothianThe Medical Defence Union

Customer experience

TOXBASE

All ratings1 ratings
Positive0.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative100.0%
Written reviews39 reviews
Positive20.5%
Neutral2.6%
Negative76.9%

MDU

All ratings1 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive16.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative83.3%

In-app purchases

1 purchases

TOXBASE

One-time1
  • 1 year subscription$6.99
None

MDU

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is TOXBASE free?
TOXBASE is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is MDU free?
MDU is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, TOXBASE or MDU?
MDU is rated higher. TOXBASE averages 1.0 out of 5 from 1 ratings, while MDU averages 4.0 from 1 ratings.
Do TOXBASE or MDU have ads?
Neither TOXBASE nor MDU shows ads.
Which is updated more often, TOXBASE or MDU?
TOXBASE ships an update every 6 months, and MDU every 3 months. Most recently, TOXBASE was updated on September 26, 2026 and MDU on September 13, 2026.

Other comparisons