openFDA API - ingredient and product name queries give bad results - is it me?

Question

Try running this query: https://api.fda.gov/drug/label.json?&search=generic_name=hydrocodone - returns Oxycontin, not Norco or other hydrocodone containing drugs https://api.fda.gov/drug/label.json?&search=brand_name=norco - returns inhaled nitrogen product

I've tried a number of variations here, but all name/ingredient queries return strange and unintended results. Am I writing my queries incorrectly?

Answer 1

I think you might be using the wrong query syntax for the openFDA API.

Try: https://api.fda.gov/drug/label.json?&search=generic_name:hydrocodone

Note the : instead of the = in the search value. More details are provided at https://open.fda.gov/api/#query-syntax