Wildcard Search Conditions

"Wildcard" searches allow you to search for an item name or number, even if you know only part of the name or number. Wildcard search conditions can also be used to retrieve different forms of a particular word, e.g., place and placing.

A wildcard is a character that is used to represent one or more alphanumeric characters in a search. The two most commonly used wildcards are * and ?.

  • The * wildcard can be used to represent one character, several characters, or no character at the given position in the word. For example, you may type asp*, if searching for the word aspartame. The * wildcard takes the place of all characters after "p".

    Wildcard search function is done with the top search bar using the "*"

  • The ? wildcard represents a single character at a given position in the word. For example, you may type asp? rtame, if unsure of the correct spelling of the word aspartame.


    Wildcard search function is done with the top search bar using the "?"

You can also use Wildcard search conditions in combination within the same word (e.g., c? tr*) or with a Boolean search condition (e.g., citric and ac*).

Using the Wildcard Conditions

In the Search box, type a search word or phrase. Place the wildcard condition (*, ?) in the appropriate position of the word (e.g., chlor*). Choose the result options from the drop-down box or press the <Enter> key to see results from all available USP—NF/PF versions. The search results are displayed.

 

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