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The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (aka Essential Medicines List or EML), published by the
World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution states its main objective as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level o ...
(WHO), contains the medications considered to be most effective and safe to meet the most important needs in a health system. The list is frequently used by countries to help develop their own local lists of
essential medicine Essential medicines, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are the medicines that "satisfy the priority health care needs of the population". These are the medications to which people should have access at all times in sufficient a ...
s. , more than 155 countries have created national lists of essential medicines based on the World Health Organization's model list. This includes both developed and developing countries. The list is divided into core items and complementary items. The core items are deemed to be the most cost-effective options for key health problems and are usable with little additional health care resources. The complementary items either require additional infrastructure such as specially trained health care providers or
diagnostic equipment A medical device is any device intended to be used for medical purposes. Significant potential for hazards are inherent when using a device for medical purposes and thus medical devices must be proved safe and effective with reasonable assura ...
or have a lower cost–benefit ratio. About 25% of items are in the complementary list. Some medications are listed as both core and complementary. While most medications on the list are available as generic products, being under
patent A patent is a type of intellectual property that gives its owner the legal right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention for a limited period of time in exchange for publishing an enabling disclosure of the invention."A ...
does not preclude inclusion. The first list was published in 1977 and included 208 medications. The WHO updates the list every two years. There are 306 medications in the 14th list in 2005, 410 in the 19th list in 2015, 433 in the 20th list in 2017, 460 in the 21st list in 2019, and 479 in the 22nd list in 2021. Various national lists contain between 334 and 580 medications. A separate list for children up to 12 years of age, known as the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (EMLc), was created in 2007 and is in its 8th edition. It was created to make sure that the needs of children were systematically considered such as availability of proper formulations. Everything in the children's list is also included in the main list. The list and notes are based on the 19th to 22nd edition of the main list. An α indicates a medicine is on the complementary list. Therapeutic alternatives with similar clinical performance are listed for some medicines and they may be considered for national essential medicines lists.


Anaesthetics, preoperative medicines and medical gases


General anaesthetics and oxygen


Inhalational medicines

* Halothane *
Isoflurane Isoflurane, sold under the brand name Forane among others, is a general anesthetic. It can be used to start or maintain anesthesia; however, other medications are often used to start anesthesia rather than isoflurane, due to airway irritation ...
*
Nitrous oxide Nitrous oxide (dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide), commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous, or nos, is a chemical compound, an oxide of nitrogen with the formula . At room temperature, it is a colourless non-flammable gas, and ha ...
*
Oxygen Oxygen is the chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group in the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements ...


Injectable medicines

*
Ketamine Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used medically for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. It is also used as a recreational drug. It is one of the safest anesthetics, as, in contrast with opiates, ether, and propofol, it suppress ...
*
Propofol Propofol, marketed as Diprivan, among other names, is a short-acting medication that results in a decreased level of consciousness and a lack of memory for events. Its uses include the starting and maintenance of general anesthesia, sedation f ...
Thiopental Sodium thiopental, also known as Sodium Pentothal (a trademark of Abbott Laboratories), thiopental, thiopentone, or Trapanal (also a trademark), is a rapid-onset short-acting barbiturate general anesthetic. It is the thiobarbiturate analog of ...
may be used as an alternative depending on local availability and cost.


Local anaesthetics

* Bupivacaine * Lidocaine *
Lidocaine/epinephrine Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine and sold under the brand name Xylocaine among others, is a local anesthetic of the amino amide type. It is also used to treat ventricular tachycardia. When used for local anaesthesia or in nerve blocks, lidoc ...
( lidocaine + epinephrine) * Ephedrine α(For use in spinal anaesthesia during delivery, to prevent hypotension).


Preoperative medication and sedation for short-term procedures

* Atropine * Midazolam *
Morphine Morphine is a strong opiate that is found naturally in opium, a dark brown resin in poppies ('' Papaver somniferum''). It is mainly used as a pain medication, and is also commonly used recreationally, or to make other illicit opioids. T ...


Medical gases

*
Oxygen Oxygen is the chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group in the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements ...
No more than 30% oxygen should be used to initiate resuscitation of neonates less than or equal to 32 weeks of gestation.


Medicines for pain and palliative care


Non-opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIMs)

* Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) * IbuprofenNot in children less than 3 months. * ParacetamolNot recommended for anti‐inflammatory use due to lack of proven benefit to that effect. (acetaminophen)


Opioid analgesics

*
Codeine Codeine is an opiate and prodrug of morphine mainly used to treat pain, coughing, and diarrhea. It is also commonly used as a recreational drug. It is found naturally in the sap of the opium poppy, ''Papaver somniferum''. It is typically ...
*
Fentanyl Fentanyl, also spelled fentanil, is a very potent synthetic opioid used as a pain medication. Together with other drugs, fentanyl is used for anesthesia. It is also used illicitly as a recreational drug, sometimes mixed with heroin, cocain ...
For the management of cancer pain *
Morphine Morphine is a strong opiate that is found naturally in opium, a dark brown resin in poppies ('' Papaver somniferum''). It is mainly used as a pain medication, and is also commonly used recreationally, or to make other illicit opioids. T ...
Alternatives limited to hydromorphone and oxycodone * Methadone αFor the management of cancer pain.


Medicines for other common symptoms in palliative care

* Amitriptyline * Cyclizine *
Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena ...
* Diazepam *
Docusate sodium Docusate is the common chemical and pharmaceutical name of the anion bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate, also commonly called dioctyl sulfosuccinate (DOSS). It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Salts of this anion ...
* Fluoxetine * Haloperidol * Hyoscine butylbromide *
Hyoscine hydrobromide Scopolamine, also known as hyoscine, or Devil's Breath, is a natural or synthetically produced tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic drug that is formally used as a medication for treating motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomi ...
* Lactulose * Loperamide * Metoclopramide * Midazolam * OndansetronAlternatives limited to dolasetron, granisetron, palonosetron, and tropisetron * Senna


Antiallergics and medicines used in anaphylaxis

*
Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena ...
* Epinephrine (adrenaline) * Hydrocortisone * LoratadineAlternatives limited to cetirizine and fexofenadineThere may be a role for sedating antihistamines for limited indications (EMLc). *
Prednisolone Prednisolone is a steroid medication used to treat certain types of allergies, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Some of these conditions include adrenocortical insufficiency, high blood calcium, rheumatoid arth ...
Alternatives limited to prednisone


Antidotes and other substances used in poisonings


Non-specific

* Charcoal, activated


Specific

* Acetylcysteine * Atropine * Calcium gluconate *
Methylthioninium chloride Methylthioninium chloride, commonly called methylene blue, is a salt used as a dye and as a medication. Methylene blue is a thiazine dye. As a medication, it is mainly used to treat methemoglobinemia by converting the ferric iron in hemoglobin ...
(methylene blue) *
Naloxone Naloxone, sold under the brand names Narcan (4 mg) and Kloxxado (8 mg) among others, is a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids. It is commonly used to counter decreased breathing in opioid overdose. Effects begin withi ...
* Penicillamine * Prussian blue *
Sodium nitrite Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO2. It is a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is very soluble in water and is hygroscopic. From an industrial perspective, it is the most important nitrite ...
*
Sodium thiosulfate Sodium thiosulfate (sodium thiosulphate) is an inorganic compound with the formula . Typically it is available as the white or colorless pentahydrate, . The solid is an efflorescent (loses water readily) crystalline substance that dissolves well ...
*
Deferoxamine Deferoxamine (DFOA), also known as desferrioxamine and sold under the brand name Desferal, is a medication that binds iron and aluminium. It is specifically used in iron overdose, hemochromatosis either due to multiple blood transfusions or an ...
α *
Dimercaprol Dimercaprol, also called British anti-Lewisite (BAL), is a medication used to treat acute poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead. It may also be used for antimony, thallium, or bismuth poisoning, although the evidence for those uses is ...
α * Fomepizole α *
Sodium calcium edetate Sodium calcium edetate (sodium calcium EDTA), also known as edetate calcium disodium among other names, is a medication primarily used to treat lead poisoning, including both short-term and long-term lead poisoning. Sodium calcium edetate came in ...
α * Succimer α


Anticonvulsants/antiepileptics

* Carbamazepine * Diazepam * LamotrigineFor use as adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant partial or generalized seizures. *
Lorazepam Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, trouble sleeping, severe agitation, active seizures including status epilepticus, alcohol withdrawal, and che ...
Alternatives limited to diazepam and midazolam * Magnesium sulfateFor use in eclampsia and severe pre‐eclampsia and not for other convulsant disorders. * MidazolamFor buccal administration when solution for oromucosal administration is not available. * Phenobarbital *
Phenytoin Phenytoin (PHT), sold under the brand name Dilantin among others, is an anti-seizure medication. It is useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures) and focal seizures, but not absence seizures. The in ...
The presence of both 25 mg/5 mL and 30 mg/5 mL strengths on the same market would cause confusion in prescribing and dispensing and should be avoided. * Valproic acid (sodium valproate)Avoid use in pregnancy and in women and girls of child-bearing potential, unless alternative treatments are ineffective or not tolerated because of the high risk of birth defects and developmental disorders in children exposed to valproate in the womb. * Ethosuximide α * Valproic acid (sodium valproate) α


Anti-infective medicines


Anthelminthics


Intestinal anthelminthics

* Albendazole * Ivermectin * Levamisole * Mebendazole *
Niclosamide Niclosamide, sold under the brand name Niclocide among others, is an anthelmintic medication used to treat tapeworm infestations, including diphyllobothriasis, hymenolepiasis, and taeniasis. It is not effective against other worms such as flukes ...
* Praziquantel * Pyrantel


Antifilarials

* Albendazole *
Diethylcarbamazine Diethylcarbamazine is a medication used in the treatment of filariasis including lymphatic filariasis, tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, and loiasis. It may also be used for prevention of loiasis in those at high risk. While it has been used for ...
* Ivermectin


Antischistosomals and other antinematode medicines

* Praziquantel *
Triclabendazole Triclabendazole, sold under the brand name Egaten among others, is a medication used to treat fascioliasis and paragonimiasis. It is very effective for both conditions. Treatment in hospital may be required. It is taken by mouth with typically ...
*
Oxamniquine Oxamniquine, sold under the brand name Vansil among others, is a medication used to treat schistosomiasis due to ''Schistosoma mansoni''. Praziquantel, however, is often the preferred treatment. It is given by mouth and used as a single dose. Co ...
αOxamniquine is listed for use when praziquantel treatment fails.


Cysticidal medicines

* Albendazole α * Mebendazole α * Praziquantel α


Antibacterials


Access group antibiotics

*
Amikacin Amikacin is an antibiotic medication used for a number of bacterial infections. This includes joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. It is also used for the treatment of mult ...
* Amoxicillin * Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid ( amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) *
Ampicillin Ampicillin is an antibiotic used to prevent and treat a number of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, salmonellosis, and endocarditis. It may also be used to prevent group B str ...
* Benzathine benzylpenicillin * Benzylpenicillin *
Cefalexin Cefalexin, also spelled cephalexin, is an antibiotic that can treat a number of bacterial infections. It kills gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria by disrupting the growth of the bacterial cell wall. Cefalexin is a beta-lactam antibi ...
* Cefazolin> 1 month. *
Chloramphenicol Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. This includes use as an eye ointment to treat conjunctivitis. By mouth or by injection into a vein, it is used to treat meningitis, plague, chole ...
Only for the presumptive treatment of epidemic meningitis in children older than two years and in adults. * Clindamycin * CloxacillinAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (J01CF Beta-lactamase resistant penicillins)cloxacillin, dicloxacillin and flucloxacillin are preferred for oral administration due to better bioavailability. *
Doxycycline Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline class antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites. It is used to treat bacterial pneumonia, acne, chlamydia infections, Lyme disease, cholera, typhus ...
Use in children <8 years only for life-threatening infections when no alternative exists. * Gentamicin *
Metronidazole Metronidazole, sold under the brand name Flagyl among others, is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication. It is used either alone or with other antibiotics to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, endocarditis, and bacterial vaginosis. It is ...
* Nitrofurantoin * Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) * Procaine benzylpenicillinProcaine benzylpenicillin is not recommended as first-line treatment for neonatal sepsis except in settings with high neonatal mortality, when given by trained health workers in cases where hospital care is not achievable. * Spectinomycin * Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim ( sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim) * Trimethoprim


Watch group antibiotics

* Azithromycin * Cefixime *
Cefotaxime Cefotaxime is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections in human, other animals and plant tissue culture. Specifically in humans it is used to treat joint infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, meningitis, pneumonia, urinar ...
Third-generation cephalosporin of choice for use in hospitalized neonates. *
Ceftriaxone Ceftriaxone, sold under the brand name Rocephin, is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. These include middle ear infections, endocarditis, meningitis, pneumonia, bone and join ...
Do not administer with calcium and avoid in infants with hyperbilirubinemia.> 41 weeks corrected gestational age. * Cefuroxime *
Ciprofloxacin Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. This includes bone and joint infections, intra abdominal infections, certain types of infectious diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, skin i ...
* Clarithromycin Erythromycin may be an alternative. For use in combination regimens for eradication of ''H. pylori'' in adults * Piperacillin/tazobactam (
piperacillin Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic of the ureidopenicillin class. The chemical structure of piperacillin and other ureidopenicillins incorporates a polar side chain that enhances penetration into Gram-negative bacteria and redu ...
+
tazobactam Tazobactam is a pharmaceutical drug that inhibits the action of bacterial β-lactamases, especially those belonging to the SHV-1 and TEM groups. It is commonly used as its sodium salt, tazobactam sodium. In simple terms, it is an ingredient t ...
) *
Vancomycin Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is recommended intravenously as a treatment for complicated skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infection ...
* Ceftazidime α *
Meropenem Meropenem, sold under the brand name Merrem among others, is an intravenous β-lactam antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Some of these include meningitis, intra-abdominal infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and anthrax. C ...
α Imipenem/cilastatin is an alternative for complicated intraabdominal infections and high-risk febrile neutropenia only, except for acute bacterial meningitis in neonates, where meropenem is preferred *
Vancomycin Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is recommended intravenously as a treatment for complicated skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infection ...
α


Reserve group antibiotics

Reserve antibiotics are last-resort antibiotics. The final version of the EML antibiotic book was supposed to be published in mid-2022, following the public consultation phase. * Cefiderocol α * Ceftazidime/avibactam ( ceftazidime +
avibactam Avibactam is a non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor developed by Actavis (now Teva) jointly with AstraZeneca. A new drug application for avibactam in combination with ceftazidime (branded as Avycaz) was approved by the FDA on February 25, 2015 ...
) α * Colistin α * Fosfomycin α *
Linezolid Linezolid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid is active against most Gram-positive bacteria that cause disease, including streptococci, v ...
α * Meropenem/vaborbactam (
meropenem Meropenem, sold under the brand name Merrem among others, is an intravenous β-lactam antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Some of these include meningitis, intra-abdominal infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and anthrax. C ...
+
vaborbactam Vaborbactam ( INN) is a non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor discovered by Rempex Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of The Medicines Company. While not effective as an antibiotic by itself, it restores potency to existing antibiotics by inhibiting th ...
) α *
Plazomicin Plazomicin, sold under the brand name Zemdri, is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat complicated urinary tract infections. As of 2019 it is recommended only for those in whom alternatives are not an option. It is given by injection into ...
α * Polymyxin B α


Antileprosy medicines

*
Clofazimine Clofazimine, sold under the brand name Lamprene, is a medication used together with rifampicin and dapsone to treat leprosy. It is specifically used for multibacillary (MB) leprosy and erythema nodosum leprosum. Evidence is insufficient to suppor ...
* Dapsone * Rifampicin


Antituberculosis medicines

* Ethambutol * Ethambutol/isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampicin ( ethambutol + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + rifampicin) * Ethambutol/isoniazid/rifampicin ( ethambutol + isoniazid + rifampicin) * Isoniazid * Isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampicin ( isoniazid + pyrazinamide + rifampicin) * Isoniazid/rifampicin ( isoniazid + rifampicin) * Isoniazid/rifapentine ( isoniazid +
rifapentine Rifapentine, sold under the brand name Priftin, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. In active tuberculosis it is used together with other antituberculosis medications. In latent tuberculosis it is typically used with isoniazi ...
) *
Moxifloxacin Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic, used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia, conjunctivitis, endocarditis, tuberculosis, and sinusitis. It can be given by mouth, by injection into a vein, and as an eye drop. Common side effects ...
* Pyrazinamide *
Rifabutin Rifabutin (Rfb) is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis and prevent and treat ''Mycobacterium avium'' complex. It is typically only used in those who cannot tolerate rifampin such as people with HIV/AIDS on antiretrovirals. For active tuber ...
For use only in patients with HIV receiving protease inhibitors * Rifampicin *
Rifapentine Rifapentine, sold under the brand name Priftin, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. In active tuberculosis it is used together with other antituberculosis medications. In latent tuberculosis it is typically used with isoniazi ...
*
Amikacin Amikacin is an antibiotic medication used for a number of bacterial infections. This includes joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. It is also used for the treatment of mult ...
α * Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid ( amoxicillin + clavulanic acid) αFor use only in combination with meropenem or imipenem/cilastatin * Bedaquiline α≥ 5 years *
Clofazimine Clofazimine, sold under the brand name Lamprene, is a medication used together with rifampicin and dapsone to treat leprosy. It is specifically used for multibacillary (MB) leprosy and erythema nodosum leprosum. Evidence is insufficient to suppor ...
α *
Cycloserine Cycloserine, sold under the brand name Seromycin, is a GABA transaminase inhibitor and an antibiotic, used to treat tuberculosis. Specifically it is used, along with other antituberculosis medications, for active drug resistant tuberculosis. ...
α
Terizidone Terizidone is a drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis. Terizidone is mainly used in multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in conjunction with other second-line drugs. It is a derivate of cycloserine Cycloserine, sold under the brand ...
may be an alternative
*
Delamanid Delamanid, sold under the brand name Deltyba, is a medication used to treat tuberculosis. Specifically it is used, along with other antituberculosis medications, for active multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. It is taken by mouth. Common side eff ...
α * Ethionamide α
Prothionamide Protionamide (or prothionamide) is a drug used in the treatment of tuberculosis. It has also been tested for use in the treatment of leprosy Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease (HD), is a long-term infection by the bacteria '' Mycobac ...
may be an alternative
*
Levofloxacin Levofloxacin, sold under the brand name Levaquin among others, is an antibiotic medication. It is used to treat a number of bacterial infections including acute bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia, H. pylori (in combination with other medications), ...
α *
Linezolid Linezolid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid is active against most Gram-positive bacteria that cause disease, including streptococci, v ...
α *
Meropenem Meropenem, sold under the brand name Merrem among others, is an intravenous β-lactam antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Some of these include meningitis, intra-abdominal infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and anthrax. C ...
αImipenem/cilastatin may be an alternative *
Moxifloxacin Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic, used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia, conjunctivitis, endocarditis, tuberculosis, and sinusitis. It can be given by mouth, by injection into a vein, and as an eye drop. Common side effects ...
α * P-aminosalicylic acid α * Streptomycin α


Antifungal medicines

*
Amphotericin B Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used for serious fungal infections and leishmaniasis. The fungal infections it is used to treat include mucormycosis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis ...
*
Clotrimazole Clotrimazole, sold under the brand name Lotrimin, among others, is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat vaginal yeast infections, oral thrush, diaper rash, tinea versicolor, and types of ringworm including athlete's foot and jock ...
*
Fluconazole Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used for a number of fungal infections. This includes candidiasis, blastomycosis, coccidiodomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, dermatophytosis, and pityriasis versicolor. It is also used to prev ...
*
Flucytosine Flucytosine, also known as 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), is an antifungal medication. It is specifically used, together with amphotericin B, for serious ''Candida'' infections and cryptococcosis. It may be used by itself or with other antifungals for ...
*
Griseofulvin Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication used to treat a number of types of dermatophytoses (ringworm). This includes fungal infections of the nails and scalp, as well as the skin when antifungal creams have not worked. It is taken by mouth. C ...
* ItraconazoleFor treatment of chronic pulmonary
aspergillosis Aspergillosis is a fungal infection of usually the lungs, caused by the genus ''Aspergillus'', a common mould that is breathed in frequently from the air around, but does not usually affect most people. It generally occurs in people with lung dis ...
, histoplasmosis,
sporotrichosis Sporotrichosis, also known as rose handler's disease, is a fungal infection that affects skin, lungs, bone and joint, and can be widespread. It presents with firm painless nodules that later ulcerate. It can be localized or widespread. The disea ...
,
paracoccidioidomycosis Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), also known as South American blastomycosis, is a fungal infection that can occur as a mouth and skin type, lymphangitic type, multi-organ involvement type (particularly lungs), or mixed type. If there are mouth ulce ...
, mycoses caused by ''
Talaromyces marneffei ''Talaromyces marneffei'', formerly called ''Penicillium marneffei'', was identified in 1956. The organism is endemic to southeast Asia where it is an important cause of opportunistic infections in those with HIV/AIDS-related immunodeficiency. ...
'' and
chromoblastomycosis Chromoblastomycosis is a long-term fungal infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue (a chronic subcutaneous mycosis). It can be caused by many different types of fungi which become implanted under the skin, often by thorns or splinters. Ch ...
; and prophylaxis of histoplasmosis and infections caused by ''T. marneffei'' in AIDS patients.
* Nystatin *
Voriconazole Voriconazole, sold under the brand name Vfend among others, is an antifungal medication used to treat a number of fungal infections. This includes aspergillosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, penicilliosis, and infections by ' ...
For treatment of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and acute invasive aspergillosis. * Micafungin αAlternatives limited to
anidulafungin Anidulafungin (INN) (trade names Eraxis, Ecalta) is a semisynthetic echinocandin used as an antifungal drug. It was previously known as LY303366. It may also have application in treating invasive ''Aspergillus'' infection when used in combinatio ...
and
caspofungin Caspofungin (INN) (brand name Cancidas) is a lipopeptide antifungal drug from Merck & Co., Inc. discovered by James Balkovec, Regina Black and Frances A. Bouffard. It is a member of a new class of antifungals termed the echinocandins. It work ...
* Potassium iodide α


Antiviral medicines


Antiherpes medicines

* AciclovirAlternatives limited to
valaciclovir Valaciclovir, also spelled valacyclovir, is an antiviral medication used to treat outbreaks of herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles). It is also used to prevent cytomegalovirus following a kidney transplant in high risk cases. It is tak ...


Antiretrovirals


=Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

= * Abacavir * Lamivudine *
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Tenofovir disoproxil, sold under the trade name Viread among others, is a medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B and to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It may be used for preven ...
also indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis. * Zidovudine


=Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

= * Efavirenz * Nevirapine


=Protease inhibitors

= * Atazanavir/ritonavir ( atazanavir + ritonavir) *
Darunavir Darunavir (DRV), sold under the brand name Prezista among others, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It is often used with low doses of ritonavir or ...
* Lopinavir/ritonavir (
lopinavir Lopinavir is an antiretroviral of the protease inhibitor class. It is used against HIV infections as a fixed-dose combination with another protease inhibitor, ritonavir ( lopinavir/ritonavir). It was patented in 1995 and approved for medica ...
+ ritonavir) * Ritonavir


=Integrase inhibitors

= * Dolutegravir *
Raltegravir Raltegravir, sold under the brand name Isentress, is an antiretroviral medication used, together with other medication, to treat HIV/AIDS. It may also be used, as part of post exposure prophylaxis, to prevent HIV infection following potential ex ...
For use in pregnant women and in second-line regimens in accordance with WHO treatment guidelines.


=Fixed-dose combinations of antiretroviral medicines

= * Abacavir/lamivudine ( abacavir + lamivudine) * Dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir ( dolutegravir + lamivudine + tenofovir) * Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovirAlternatives limited to lamivudine (for emtricitabine) * Efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir ( efavirenz + lamivudine + tenofovir) * Emtricitabine/tenofovir ( emtricitabine + tenofovir)combination also indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis * Lamivudine/zidovudine ( lamivudine + zidovudine)


=Medicines for prevention of HIV-related opportunistic infections

= * Isoniazid/pyridoxine/sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim ( isoniazid + pyridoxine + sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim)


=Other antivirals

= * RibavirinFor the treatment of viral haemorrhagic fevers *
Valganciclovir Valganciclovir, sold under the brand name Valcyte among others, is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in those with HIV/AIDS or following organ transplant. It is often used long term as it only suppresses rath ...
For the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVr). * Oseltamivir αFor severe illness due to confirmed or suspected influenza virus infection in critically ill hospitalized patients *
Valganciclovir Valganciclovir, sold under the brand name Valcyte among others, is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in those with HIV/AIDS or following organ transplant. It is often used long term as it only suppresses rath ...
αFor the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVr).


Antihepatitis medicines


=Medicines for hepatitis B

=


Nucleoside/Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

* Entecavir *
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate Tenofovir disoproxil, sold under the trade name Viread among others, is a medication used to treat chronic hepatitis B and to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It may be used for preven ...


=Medicines for hepatitis C

=


Pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral combinations

* DaclatasvirPangenotypic when used in combination with sofosbuvir * Daclatasvir/sofosbuvir ( daclatasvir + sofosbuvir) *
Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P), sold under the brand names Mavyret and Maviret, is a fixed-dose combination medication used to treat hepatitis C. It contains glecaprevir and pibrentasvir. It works against all six types of hepatitis C. At twelv ...
( glecaprevir +
pibrentasvir Pibrentasvir is an NS5A inhibitor antiviral agent. In the United States and Europe, it is approved for use with glecaprevir as the combination drug glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (trade name ''Mavyret'' in the US and ''Maviret'' in the EU) for the ...
) * SofosbuvirPangenotypic when used in combination with daclatasvir * Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir ( sofosbuvir + velpatasvir)


Non-pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral combinations

*
Dasabuvir Dasabuvir, sold under the brand name Exviera, is an antiviral medication for the treatment of hepatitis C. It is often used together with the combination medication ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir specifically for hepatitis C virus (HCV) type ...
* Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir ( ledipasvir + sofosbuvir) * Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ( ombitasvir + paritaprevir + ritonavir)


Other antivirals for hepatitis C

* RibavirinFor the treatment of hepatitis C, in combination with direct acting anti-viral medicines *
Pegylated interferon-alpha-2a Pegylated interferon alfa-2a, sold under the brand name Pegasys among others, is medication used to treat hepatitis C and hepatitis B. For hepatitis C it is typically used together with ribavirin and cure rates are between 24 and 92%. For hepatit ...
or
pegylated interferon-alpha-2b Pegylated interferon alfa-2b is a drug used to treat melanoma, as an adjuvant therapy to surgery. Also used to treat hepatitis C (typically, in combination with ribavarin), it is no longer recommended due to poor efficacy and adverse side-effects ...
αTo be used in combination with ribavirin


Antiprotozoal medicines


Antiamoebic and antigiardiasis medicines

* Diloxanide *
Metronidazole Metronidazole, sold under the brand name Flagyl among others, is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication. It is used either alone or with other antibiotics to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, endocarditis, and bacterial vaginosis. It is ...
Alternatives limited to
tinidazole Tinidazole is a drug used against protozoan infections. It is widely known throughout Europe and the developing world as a treatment for a variety of anaerobic amoebic and bacterial infections. It was developed in 1972 and is a prominent member o ...


Antileishmaniasis medicines

*
Amphotericin B Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used for serious fungal infections and leishmaniasis. The fungal infections it is used to treat include mucormycosis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candidiasis, coccidioidomycosis, and cryptococcosis ...
*
Miltefosine Miltefosine, sold under the trade name Impavido among others, is a medication mainly used to treat leishmaniasis and free-living amoeba infections such as ''Naegleria fowleri'' and ''Balamuthia mandrillaris''. This includes the three forms of le ...
*
Paromomycin Paromomycin is an antimicrobial used to treat a number of parasitic infections including amebiasis, giardiasis, leishmaniasis, and tapeworm infection. It is a first-line treatment for amebiasis or giardiasis during pregnancy. Otherwise it is gen ...
*
Sodium stibogluconate Sodium stibogluconate, sold under the brand name Pentostam among others, is a medication used to treat leishmaniasis. This includes leishmaniasis of the cutaneous, visceral, and mucosal types. Some combination of miltefosine, paramycin and lipos ...
or meglumine antimoniate


Antimalarial medicines


=For curative treatment

= * AmodiaquineTo be used in combination with
artesunate Artesunate (AS) is a medication used to treat malaria. The intravenous form is preferred to quinine for severe malaria. Often it is used as part of combination therapy, such as artesunate plus mefloquine. It is not used for the prevention of ...
50 mg.
* ArtemetherFor use in the management of severe malaria. * Artemether/lumefantrine ( artemether + lumefantrine)Not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy or in children below 5 kg. *
Artesunate Artesunate (AS) is a medication used to treat malaria. The intravenous form is preferred to quinine for severe malaria. Often it is used as part of combination therapy, such as artesunate plus mefloquine. It is not used for the prevention of ...
To be used in combination with either amodiaquine, mefloquine or
sulfadoxine Sulfadoxine (also spelled sulphadoxine) is an ultra-long-lasting sulfonamide used in combination with pyrimethamine to treat malaria.
+ pyrimethamine.
*
Artesunate/amodiaquine Artesunate/amodiaquine, sold under the trade name Camoquin among others, is a medication used for the treatment of malaria. It is a fixed-dose combination of artesunate and amodiaquine. Specifically it recommended for acute uncomplicated '' Plas ...
(
artesunate Artesunate (AS) is a medication used to treat malaria. The intravenous form is preferred to quinine for severe malaria. Often it is used as part of combination therapy, such as artesunate plus mefloquine. It is not used for the prevention of ...
+ amodiaquine)Other combinations that deliver the target doses required such as 153 mg or 200 mg (as hydrochloride) with 50 mg artesunate can be alternatives. * Artesunate/mefloquine (
artesunate Artesunate (AS) is a medication used to treat malaria. The intravenous form is preferred to quinine for severe malaria. Often it is used as part of combination therapy, such as artesunate plus mefloquine. It is not used for the prevention of ...
+ mefloquine) * Artesunate/pyronaridine tetraphosphate (
artesunate Artesunate (AS) is a medication used to treat malaria. The intravenous form is preferred to quinine for severe malaria. Often it is used as part of combination therapy, such as artesunate plus mefloquine. It is not used for the prevention of ...
+
pyronaridine tetraphosphate Pyronaridine is an antimalarial drug. It was first made in 1970 and has been in clinical use in China since the 1980s. In a small (n=88) malaria study in Camaroon, pyronaridine had a 100% cure rate, compared with 60% for chloroquine Chloro ...
) * ChloroquineFor use only for the treatment of ''Plasmodium vivax'' infection. * Dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine phosphate ( dihydroartemisinin +
piperaquine phosphate Piperaquine is an antiparasitic drug used in combination with dihydroartemisinin to treat malaria. Piperaquine was developed under the Chinese National Malaria Elimination Programme in the 1960s and was adopted throughout China as a replacement ...
) *
Doxycycline Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline class antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites. It is used to treat bacterial pneumonia, acne, chlamydia infections, Lyme disease, cholera, typhus ...
For use only in combination with quinine. * Mefloquine * PrimaquineOnly for use to achieve radical cure of ''Plasmodium vivax'' and ''Plasmodium ovale'' infections, given for 14 days. *
Quinine Quinine is a medication used to treat malaria and babesiosis. This includes the treatment of malaria due to '' Plasmodium falciparum'' that is resistant to chloroquine when artesunate is not available. While sometimes used for nocturnal leg ...
For use only in the management of severe malaria, and should be used in combination with doxycycline. *
Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Fansidar, is a combination medication used to treat malaria. It contains sulfadoxine (a sulfonamide) and pyrimethamine (an antiprotozoal). For the treatment of malaria it is typically used a ...
(
sulfadoxine Sulfadoxine (also spelled sulphadoxine) is an ultra-long-lasting sulfonamide used in combination with pyrimethamine to treat malaria.
+ pyrimethamine)Only in combination with artesunate 50 mg.


=For chemoprevention

= * Amodiaquine +
sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Fansidar, is a combination medication used to treat malaria. It contains sulfadoxine (a sulfonamide) and pyrimethamine (an antiprotozoal). For the treatment of malaria it is typically used a ...
(Co-packaged) * ChloroquineFor use only in Central American regions, for ''Plasmodium vivax'' infections. *
Doxycycline Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum tetracycline class antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by bacteria and certain parasites. It is used to treat bacterial pneumonia, acne, chlamydia infections, Lyme disease, cholera, typhus ...
* Mefloquine * ProguanilFor use only in combination with chloroquine. *
Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Fansidar, is a combination medication used to treat malaria. It contains sulfadoxine (a sulfonamide) and pyrimethamine (an antiprotozoal). For the treatment of malaria it is typically used a ...
(
sulfadoxine Sulfadoxine (also spelled sulphadoxine) is an ultra-long-lasting sulfonamide used in combination with pyrimethamine to treat malaria.
+ pyrimethamine)


Antipneumocystosis and antitoxoplasmosis medicines

* Pyrimethamine * Sulfadiazine * Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim ( sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim) * Pentamidine α


Antitrypanosomal medicines


=African trypanosomiasis

= *
Fexinidazole Fexinidazole is a medication used to treat African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) caused by '' Trypanosoma brucei gambiense''. It is effective against both first and second stage disease. Some evidence also supports its use in Chagas disea ...
For the treatment of 1st and 2nd stage human African trypanosomiasis due to ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense'' infection.


Medicines for the treatment of 1st stage African trypanosomiasis

* PentamidineTo be used for the treatment of ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense'' infection. *
Suramin sodium Suramin is a medication used to treat African sleeping sickness and river blindness. It is the treatment of choice for sleeping sickness without central nervous system involvement. It is given by injection into a vein. Suramin causes a fair ...
To be used for the treatment of the initial phase of ''Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense'' infection.


Medicines for the treatment of 2nd stage African trypanosomiasis

* EflornithineTo be used for the treatment of ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense'' infection * Melarsoprol *
Nifurtimox Nifurtimox, sold under the brand name Lampit, is a medication used to treat Chagas disease and sleeping sickness. For sleeping sickness it is used together with eflornithine in nifurtimox-eflornithine combination treatment. In Chagas disease ...
Only to be used in combination with eflornithine, for the treatment of ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense'' infection. * Melarsoprol α


=American trypanosomiasis

= * Benznidazole *
Nifurtimox Nifurtimox, sold under the brand name Lampit, is a medication used to treat Chagas disease and sleeping sickness. For sleeping sickness it is used together with eflornithine in nifurtimox-eflornithine combination treatment. In Chagas disease ...


Medicines for ectoparasitic infections

* Ivermectin


Antimigraine medicines


For treatment of acute attack

* Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) * Ibuprofen * Paracetamol (acetaminophen) * Sumatriptan


For prophylaxis

* Propranolol


Immunomodulators and antineoplastics


Immunomodulators for non-malignant disease

* Adalimumab α Certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab are alternatives, including quality-assured biosimilars * Azathioprine α * Ciclosporin α * Tacrolimus α


Antineoplastics and supportive medicines


Cytotoxic medicines

* Arsenic trioxide α * Asparaginase α *
Bendamustine Bendamustine, sold under the brand name Treanda among others, is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is given by injection into a vein. Common si ...
α *
Bleomycin -13- (1''H''-imidazol-5-yl)methyl9-hydroxy-5- 1''R'')-1-hydroxyethyl8,10-dimethyl-4,7,12,15-tetraoxo-3,6,11,14-tetraazapentadec-1-yl}-2,4'-bi-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)carbonyl]amino}propyl)(dimethyl)sulfonium , chemical_formula = , C=55 , H=84 , N=1 ...
α *
Calcium folinate Calcium is a chemical element with the Symbol (chemistry), symbol Ca and atomic number 20. As an alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air. Its physical and chemical properties ...
α * Capecitabine α *
Carboplatin Carboplatin, sold under the trade name Paraplatin among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of forms of cancer. This includes ovarian cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, and neuroblastoma. It is used ...
α *
Chlorambucil Chlorambucil, sold under the brand name Leukeran among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Hodgkin lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For CLL it is a preferred treatment. It is given by mouth. ...
α * Cisplatin α * Cyclophosphamide α *
Cytarabine Cytarabine, also known as cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), is a chemotherapy medication used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is given by i ...
α * Dacarbazine α * Dactinomycin α * Daunorubicin α * Docetaxel α * Doxorubicin α * Etoposide α *
Fludarabine Fludarabine is a purine analogue and antineoplastic agent. It is generally used as its 5-O-phosphorylated form known as fludarabine phosphate, sold under the brand name Fludara among others. It is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatmen ...
α *
Fluorouracil Fluorouracil (5-FU), sold under the brand name Adrucil among others, is a cytotoxic chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. By intravenous injection it is used for treatment of colorectal cancer, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, panc ...
α * Gemcitabine α * Hydroxycarbamide α *
Ifosfamide Ifosfamide (IFO), sold under the brand name Ifex among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes testicular cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, bladder cancer, small cell lung cancer, ce ...
α *
Irinotecan Irinotecan, sold under the brand name Camptosar among others, is a medication used to treat colon cancer, and small cell lung cancer. For colon cancer it is used either alone or with fluorouracil. For small cell lung cancer it is used with cispl ...
α * Melphalan α * Mercaptopurine α * Methotrexate α * Oxaliplatin α *
Paclitaxel Paclitaxel (PTX), sold under the brand name Taxol among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical ca ...
α *
Pegaspargase Pegaspargase, sold under the brand name Oncaspar, is a medication used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Often it is used together with anthracycline, vincristine, and corticosteroids (for example prednisone and dexamethaso ...
αIncluding quality-assured biosimilars * Procarbazine α * Realgar ''Indigo naturalis'' formulation α *
Tioguanine Tioguanine, also known as thioguanine or 6-thioguanine (6-TG) is a medication used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Long-term use is not recommended. It is given by mouth. ...
α * Vinblastine α *
Vincristine Vincristine, also known as leurocristine and marketed under the brand name Oncovin among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, Hodgkin's ...
α * Vinorelbine α


Targeted therapies

* All-trans retinoic acid (
tretinoin Tretinoin, also known as all-''trans'' retinoic acid (ATRA), is a medication used for the treatment of acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia. For acne, it is applied to the skin as a cream, gel or ointment. For leukemia, it is taken by mouth f ...
) (ATRA) α *
Bortezomib Bortezomib, sold under the brand name Velcade among others, is an anti-cancer medication used to treat multiple myeloma and mantle cell lymphoma. This includes multiple myeloma in those who have and have not previously received treatment. It is ...
α * Dasatinib α * Erlotinib α
Afatinib Afatinib, sold under the brand name Gilotrif among others, is a medication used to treat non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). It belongs to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor family of medications. It is taken by mouth. It is mainly used to trea ...
and gefitinib are alternatives
* Everolimus α * Ibrutinib α * Imatinib α *
Nilotinib Nilotinib, sold under the brand name Tasigna marketed worldwide by Novartis, is a medication used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) which has the Philadelphia chromosome. It may be used both in initial cases of chronic phase CML as well ...
α * Rituximab α *
Trastuzumab Trastuzumab, sold under the brand name Herceptin among others, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat breast cancer and stomach cancer. It is specifically used for cancer that is HER2 receptor positive. It may be used by itself or together wi ...
α


Immunomodulators

* Filgrastim α * Lenalidomide α * Nivolumab α Pembrolizumab is an alternative, including quality-assured biosimilars * Thalidomide α


Hormones and antihormones

* Abiraterone αAlternatives limited to enzalutamide * Anastrozole αAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (L02BG Aromatase inhibitors) * Bicalutamide αAlternatives limited to flutamide and nilutamide *
Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena ...
α * Hydrocortisone α *
Leuprorelin Leuprorelin, also known as leuprolide, is a manufactured version of a hormone used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, as part of transgender hormone therapy, for early puberty, or to perform chemical c ...
αAlternatives limited to
goserelin Goserelin, sold under the brand name Zoladex among others, is a medication which is used to suppress production of the sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen), particularly in the treatment of breast and prostate cancer. It is an injectable gona ...
and
triptorelin Triptorelin, sold under the brand name Decapeptyl among others, is a medication that acts as an agonist analog of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, repressing expression of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). It is a ...
* Methylprednisolone α *
Prednisolone Prednisolone is a steroid medication used to treat certain types of allergies, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Some of these conditions include adrenocortical insufficiency, high blood calcium, rheumatoid arth ...
αAlternatives limited to prednisone * Tamoxifen α


Supportive medicines

* Allopurinol α * Mesna α * Rasburicase α * Zoledronic acid α


Antiparkinsonism medicines

* BiperidenAlternatives limited to
trihexyphenidyl Trihexyphenidyl (THP, benzhexol, trihex, marketed as Artane and others) is an antispasmodic drug used to treat stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control. It is an agent of the antimuscarinic class and is often used in management of Pa ...
* Levodopa/carbidopa ( levodopa + carbidopa)Alternatives limited to benserazide (for carbidopa)


Medicines affecting the blood


Antianaemia medicines

*
Ferrous salt Iron(II) sulfate (British English: iron(II) sulphate) or ferrous sulfate denotes a range of salts with the formula Fe SO4·''x''H2O. These compounds exist most commonly as the hepta hydrate (''x'' = 7) but several values for x are kn ...
* Ferrous salt/folic acid (
ferrous salt Iron(II) sulfate (British English: iron(II) sulphate) or ferrous sulfate denotes a range of salts with the formula Fe SO4·''x''H2O. These compounds exist most commonly as the hepta hydrate (''x'' = 7) but several values for x are kn ...
+
folic acid Folate, also known as vitamin B9 and folacin, is one of the B vitamins. Manufactured folic acid, which is converted into folate by the body, is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification as it is more stable during processing a ...
) *
Folic acid Folate, also known as vitamin B9 and folacin, is one of the B vitamins. Manufactured folic acid, which is converted into folate by the body, is used as a dietary supplement and in food fortification as it is more stable during processing a ...
periconceptual use for prevention of first occurrence of neural tube defects *
Hydroxocobalamin Hydroxocobalamin, also known as vitamin B12a and hydroxycobalamin, is a vitamin found in food and used as a dietary supplement. As a supplement it is used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency including pernicious anemia. Other uses include treatment ...
*
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) are medications which stimulate the bone marrow to make red blood cells. They are used to treat anemia due to end stage kidney disease, chemotherapy, major surgery, or certain treatments in HIV/AIDS. In ...
s αAlternatives limited to
epoetin alfa Epoetin alfa is a human erythropoietin produced in cell culture using recombinant DNA technology. Authorised by the European Medicines Agency on 28 August 2007, it stimulates erythropoiesis (increasing red blood cell levels) and is used to t ...
, beta and
theta Theta (, ; uppercase: Θ or ; lowercase: θ or ; grc, ''thē̂ta'' ; Modern: ''thī́ta'' ) is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, derived from the Phoenician letter Teth . In the system of Greek numerals, it has a value of 9. G ...
,
darbepoetin alfa Darbepoetin alfa (International Nonproprietary Name, INN) is a re-engineered form of erythropoietin containing 5 amino acid changes (N30, T32, V87, N88, T90) resulting in the creation of 2 new sites for N-linked carbohydrate addition. It has a 3- ...
,
methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta is the active ingredient of a drug marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche under the brand name Mircera. Mircera is a long-acting erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) indicated for the treatment of patients with ...
, and their quality-assured biosimilars.


Medicines affecting coagulation

* Dabigatran
Apixaban Apixaban, sold under the brand name Eliquis, is an anticoagulant medication used to treat and prevent blood clots and to prevent stroke in people with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation through directly inhibiting factor Xa. Specifically it is ...
, edoxaban and
rivaroxaban Rivaroxaban, sold under the brand name Xarelto among others, is an anticoagulant medication (blood thinner) used to treat and prevent blood clots. Specifically it is used to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli and prevent blood clo ...
are alternatives
* EnoxaparinAlternatives are limited to dalteparin and nadroparin, including their quality-assured biosimilars. *
Heparin sodium Heparin, also known as unfractionated heparin (UFH), is a medication and naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. Since heparins depend on the activity of antithrombin, they are considered anticoagulants. Specifically it is also used in the treatm ...
* Phytomenadione *
Protamine sulfate Protamine sulfate is a medication that is used to reverse the effects of heparin. It is specifically used in heparin overdose, in low molecular weight heparin overdose, and to reverse the effects of heparin during delivery and heart surgery. I ...
*
Tranexamic acid Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, postpartum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds, and heavy menstruation. It is also used for hereditary angioedema. It is taken ei ...
* Warfarin * Desmopressin α *
Heparin sodium Heparin, also known as unfractionated heparin (UFH), is a medication and naturally occurring glycosaminoglycan. Since heparins depend on the activity of antithrombin, they are considered anticoagulants. Specifically it is also used in the treatm ...
α *
Protamine sulfate Protamine sulfate is a medication that is used to reverse the effects of heparin. It is specifically used in heparin overdose, in low molecular weight heparin overdose, and to reverse the effects of heparin during delivery and heart surgery. I ...
α * Warfarin α


Other medicines for haemoglobinopathies

*
Deferoxamine Deferoxamine (DFOA), also known as desferrioxamine and sold under the brand name Desferal, is a medication that binds iron and aluminium. It is specifically used in iron overdose, hemochromatosis either due to multiple blood transfusions or an ...
αAlternatives are limited to the oral form of
deferasirox Deferasirox, sold under the brand name Exjade & Asunra (in injectable form) & Oleptiss (Tablet formulation) both by Novartis among others, is an oral iron chelator. Its main use is to reduce chronic iron overload in patients who are receiving ...
.
* Hydroxycarbamide α


Blood products of human origin and plasma substitutes


Blood and blood components

* Fresh frozen plasma * Platelets * Red blood cells * Whole blood


Plasma-derived medicines


Human immunoglobulins

* Rho(D) immune globulin (anti-D immunoglobulin) *
Anti-rabies immunoglobulin Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is a medication made up of antibodies against the rabies virus. It is used to prevent rabies following exposure. It is given after the wound is cleaned with soap and water or povidone-iodine and is followed by a cours ...
* Anti-tetanus immunoglobulin * Normal immunoglobulin α


Blood coagulation factors

* Coagulation factor VIII α * Coagulation factor IX α


Plasma substitutes

* Dextran 70Polygeline, injectable solution, 3.5% is considered an alternative.


Cardiovascular medicines


Antianginal medicines

* BisoprololIncludes carvedilol and metoprolol as alternatives *
Glyceryl trinitrate Nitroglycerin (NG), (alternative spelling of nitroglycerine) also known as trinitroglycerin (TNG), nitro, glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), or 1,2,3-trinitroxypropane, is a dense, colorless, oily, explosive liquid most commonly produced by nitrating gl ...
* Isosorbide dinitrate * Verapamil


Antiarrhythmic medicines

* Bisoprolol * Digoxin * Epinephrine (adrenaline) * Lidocaine * Verapamil * Amiodarone α


Antihypertensive medicines

*
Amlodipine Amlodipine, sold under the brand name Norvasc among others, is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include swelling, feeling tired, ...
Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C08CA Dihydropyridine derivatives) * BisoprololIncludes atenolol, carvedilol, and metoprolol as alternatives. Atenolol should not be used as a first-line agent in uncomplicated hypertension in patients > 60 years. * EnalaprilAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) * HydralazineHydralazine is listed for use in the acute management of severe pregnancy‐induced hypertension only. Its use in the treatment of essential hypertension is not recommended in view of the availability of more evidence of efficacy and safety of other medicines. * HydrochlorothiazideAlternatives limited to chlorothiazide,
chlorthalidone Chlortalidone, also known as chlorthalidone, is a thiazide-like diuretic drug used to treat high blood pressure, swelling including that due to heart failure, liver failure, and nephrotic syndrome, diabetes insipidus, and renal tubular acidosi ...
, and indapamide
* Lisinopril/amlodipine ( lisinopril +
amlodipine Amlodipine, sold under the brand name Norvasc among others, is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include swelling, feeling tired, ...
)Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) (for lisinopril) and 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C08CA Dihydropyridine derivatives) (for amlodipine) * Lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide ( lisinopril + hydrochlorothiazide)Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) (for lisinopril) and chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, indapamide (for hydrochlorothiazide) * LosartanAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09CA Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), plain) *
Methyldopa Methyldopa, sold under the brand name Aldomet among others, is a medication used for high blood pressure. It is one of the preferred treatments for high blood pressure in pregnancy. For other types of high blood pressure including very high bl ...
Methyldopa is listed for use only in the management of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Its use in the treatment of essential hypertension is not recommended in view of the evidence of greater efficacy and safety of other medicines. * Telmisartan/amlodipine ( telmisartan +
amlodipine Amlodipine, sold under the brand name Norvasc among others, is a calcium channel blocker medication used to treat high blood pressure and coronary artery disease. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include swelling, feeling tired, ...
)Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09CA Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), plain) (for telmisartan) and 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C08CA Dihydropyridine derivatives) (for amlodipine) * Telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide ( telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide)Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09CA Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), plain) (for telmisartan) and chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, indapamide (for hydrochlorothiazide) * Sodium nitroprusside α


Medicines used in heart failure

* Bisoprolol * Digoxin * EnalaprilAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) *
Furosemide Furosemide is a loop diuretic medication used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It may also be used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be taken by injection into a vein or by mo ...
Alternatives limited to bumetanide and
torasemide Torasemide, also known as torsemide, is a diuretic medication used to treat fluid overload due to heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease and high blood pressure. It is a less preferred treatment for high blood pressure. It is taken by ...
* Hydrochlorothiazide * Losartan *
Spironolactone Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone among others, is a medication that is primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It is also used in the treatment of high blood press ...
* Dopamine α


Antithrombotic medicines


Anti-platelet medicines

* Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) *
Clopidogrel Clopidogrel — sold under the brand name Plavix, among others — is an antiplatelet medication used to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke in those at high risk. It is also used together with aspirin in heart attacks and following ...


Thrombolytic medicines

* Alteplase α * Streptokinase α


Lipid-lowering agents

*
Simvastatin Simvastatin, sold under the brand name Zocor among others, is a statin, a type of lipid-lowering medication. It is used along with exercise, diet, and weight loss to decrease elevated lipid levels. It is also used to decrease the risk of hear ...
For use in high‐risk patients. Alternatives limited to
atorvastatin Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to prevent cardiovascular disease in those at high risk and to treat abnormal lipid levels. For the prevention of cardiovascular disease, statins are a first-line treatment. It is taken by mouth. Common ...
,
fluvastatin Fluvastatin is a member of the statin drug class, used to treat hypercholesterolemia and to prevent cardiovascular disease. It was patented in 1982 and approved for medical use in 1994. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essen ...
, lovastatin, and pravastatin


Dermatological medicines (topical)


Antifungal medicines

* MiconazoleAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D01AC Imidazole and triazole derivatives) excluding combinations * Selenium sulfide *
Sodium thiosulfate Sodium thiosulfate (sodium thiosulphate) is an inorganic compound with the formula . Typically it is available as the white or colorless pentahydrate, . The solid is an efflorescent (loses water readily) crystalline substance that dissolves well ...
* Terbinafine


Anti-infective medicines

* Mupirocin * Potassium permanganate * Silver sulfadiazine


Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic medicines

*
Betamethasone Betamethasone is a steroid medication. It is used for a number of diseases including rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus, skin diseases such as dermatitis and psoriasis, allergic conditions such ...
Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D07AC Corticosteroids, potent (group III)) *
Calamine Calamine, also known as calamine lotion, is a medication used to treat mild itchiness. This includes from sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, poison oak, and other mild skin conditions. It may also help dry out skin irritation. It is applied ...
* HydrocortisoneAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D07AA Corticosteroids, weak (group I))


Medicines affecting skin differentiation and proliferation

*
Benzoyl peroxide Benzoyl peroxide is a chemical compound (specifically, an organic peroxide) with structural formula , often abbreviated as (BzO)2. In terms of its structure, the molecule can be described as two benzoyl (, Bz) groups connected by a peroxide ( ...
*
Calcipotriol Calcipotriol, also known as calcipotriene, is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D. It is used in the treatment of psoriasis. It is safe for long-term application in psoriatic skin conditions. It was patented in 1985 an ...
Alternatives limited to calcitriol and
tacalcitol Tacalcitol (1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D3) is a synthetic vitamin D3 analog. Tacalcitol is marketed under several names, including Curatoderm and Bonalfa. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. Mechanism Tacalcitol re ...
*
Coal tar Coal tar is a thick dark liquid which is a by-product of the production of coke and coal gas from coal. It is a type of creosote. It has both medical and industrial uses. Medicinally it is a topical medication applied to skin to treat pso ...
*
Fluorouracil Fluorouracil (5-FU), sold under the brand name Adrucil among others, is a cytotoxic chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. By intravenous injection it is used for treatment of colorectal cancer, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, panc ...
* Podophyllum resinAlternatives limited to
podophyllotoxin Podophyllotoxin (PPT) is the active ingredient in Podofilox, which is a medical cream that is used to treat genital warts and molluscum contagiosum. It is not recommended in HPV infections without external warts. It can be applied either by a he ...
* Salicylic acid *
Urea Urea, also known as carbamide, is an organic compound with chemical formula . This amide has two amino groups (–) joined by a carbonyl functional group (–C(=O)–). It is thus the simplest amide of carbamic acid. Urea serves an important ...


Scabicides and pediculicides

*
Benzyl benzoate Benzyl benzoate is an organic compound which is used as a medication and insect repellent. As a medication it is used to treat scabies and lice. For scabies either permethrin or malathion is typically preferred. It is applied to the skin as a ...
Alternatives limited to precipitated sulfur topical ointment *
Permethrin Permethrin is a medication and an insecticide. As a medication, it is used to treat scabies and lice. It is applied to the skin as a cream or lotion. As an insecticide, it can be sprayed onto clothing or mosquito nets to kill the insects th ...


Diagnostic agents


Ophthalmic medicines

*
Fluorescein Fluorescein is an organic compound and dye based on the xanthene tricyclic structural motif, formally belonging to triarylmethine dyes family. It is available as a dark orange/red powder slightly soluble in water and alcohol. It is widely used ...
*
Tropicamide Tropicamide, sold under the brand name Mydriacyl among others, is a medication used to dilate the pupil and help with examination of the eye. Specifically it is used to help examine the back of the eye. It is applied as eye drops. Effects occ ...
Alternatives limited to atropine and
cyclopentolate Cyclopentolate is a muscarinic antagonist. It is commonly used as an eye drop during pediatric eye examinations to dilate the eye (mydriatic) and prevent the eye from focusing/ accommodating (cycloplegic). Cyclopentolate or atropine can also be ...


Radiocontrast media

*
Amidotrizoate Diatrizoate, also known as amidotrizoate, is a contrast agent used during X-ray imaging. This includes visualizing veins, the urinary system, spleen, and joints, as well as computer tomography (CT scan). It is given by mouth, injection into a v ...
* Barium sulfate * Iohexol * Barium sulfate α *
Meglumine iotroxate Iotroxic acid (trade name Biliscopin), used in the form of meglumine iotroxate, is a molecule used as a contrast medium during X-rays. It is specifically used during tests looking at the gallbladder and biliary tract. It is given by slow injectio ...
α


Antiseptics and disinfectants


Antiseptics

* Chlorhexidine *
Ethanol Ethanol (abbr. EtOH; also called ethyl alcohol, grain alcohol, drinking alcohol, or simply alcohol) is an organic compound. It is an alcohol with the chemical formula . Its formula can be also written as or (an ethyl group linked to a ...
Alternatives limited to propanol * Povidone iodineAlternatives limited to iodine


Disinfectants

*
Alcohol based hand rub Hand sanitizer (also known as hand antiseptic, hand disinfectant, hand rub, or handrub) is a liquid, gel or foam generally used to kill many viruses/ bacteria/microorganisms on the hands. In most settings, hand washing with soap and water is ge ...
* Chlorine base compound * ChloroxylenolAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D08AE Phenol and derivatives) * Glutaral


Diuretics

* Amiloride *
Furosemide Furosemide is a loop diuretic medication used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It may also be used for the treatment of high blood pressure. It can be taken by injection into a vein or by mo ...
Alternatives limited to bumetanide and
torasemide Torasemide, also known as torsemide, is a diuretic medication used to treat fluid overload due to heart failure, kidney disease, and liver disease and high blood pressure. It is a less preferred treatment for high blood pressure. It is taken by ...
* Hydrochlorothiazide * Mannitol *
Spironolactone Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone among others, is a medication that is primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It is also used in the treatment of high blood press ...
* Hydrochlorothiazide αAlternatives limited to chlorothiazide and
chlorthalidone Chlortalidone, also known as chlorthalidone, is a thiazide-like diuretic drug used to treat high blood pressure, swelling including that due to heart failure, liver failure, and nephrotic syndrome, diabetes insipidus, and renal tubular acidosi ...
* Mannitol α *
Spironolactone Spironolactone, sold under the brand name Aldactone among others, is a medication that is primarily used to treat fluid build-up due to heart failure, liver scarring, or kidney disease. It is also used in the treatment of high blood press ...
α


Gastrointestinal medicines

* Pancreatic enzymes α


Antiulcer medicines

* OmeprazoleAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (A02BC Proton pump inhibitors) excluding combinations * RanitidineAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (A02BA H2-receptor antagonists) excluding combinations


Antiemetic medicines

*
Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena ...
* Metoclopramide * Ondansetron *
Aprepitant Aprepitant, sold under the brand name Emend among others, is a medication used to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and to prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). It may be used together with ondansetron and de ...
α


Anti-inflammatory medicines

* SulfasalazineAlternatives limited to mesalazine * Hydrocortisone α *
Prednisolone Prednisolone is a steroid medication used to treat certain types of allergies, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Some of these conditions include adrenocortical insufficiency, high blood calcium, rheumatoid arth ...
α


Laxatives

* SennaAlternatives limited to bisacodyl


Medicines used in diarrhoea

* Oral rehydration salts + zinc sulfate (Co-packaged)


Oral rehydration

* Oral rehydration salts


Medicines for diarrhea

* Zinc sulfateIn acute diarrhoea zinc sulfate should be used as an adjunct to oral rehydration salts.


Medicines for endocrine disorders


Adrenal hormones and synthetic substitutes

*
Fludrocortisone Fludrocortisone, sold under the brand name Florinef, among others, is a corticosteroid used to treat adrenogenital syndrome, postural hypotension, and adrenal insufficiency. In adrenal insufficiency, it is generally taken together with hydroco ...
* Hydrocortisone


Androgens

* Testosterone α


Estrogens

No listings in this section.


Progestogens

* Medroxyprogesterone acetateAlternatives limited to norethisterone


Medicines for diabetes


Insulins

*
Insulin injection (soluble) Regular insulin, also known as neutral insulin and soluble insulin, is a type of short-acting medical insulin. It is used to treat type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and complications of diabetes such as diabetic ketoacid ...
* Intermediate-acting insulin * Long-acting insulin analoguesAlternatives limited to insulin degludec, insulin detemir, and
insulin glargine Insulin glargine, sold under the brand name Lantus among others, is a long-acting modified form of medical insulin, used in the management of type I and type II diabetes. It is typically the recommended long acting insulin in the United Kin ...
, including quality-assured biosimilars


Oral hypoglycaemic agents

* EmpagliflozinAlternatives limited to canagliflozin and dapagliflozin *
Gliclazide Gliclazide, sold under the brand name Diamicron among others, is a sulfonylurea type of anti-diabetic medication, used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used when dietary changes, exercise, and weight loss are not enough. It is taken by mouth. ...
Glibenclamide not suitable above 60 years. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (A10BB Sulfonylureas) * Metformin * Metformin α


Medicines for hypoglycaemia

* Glucagon * Diazoxide α


Thyroid hormones and antithyroid medicines

* Levothyroxine * Potassium iodide * Methimazole Carbimazole is an alternative depending on local availability * PropylthiouracilFor use when alternative first-line treatment is not appropriate or available; and in patients during the first trimester of pregnancy. *
Lugol's solution Lugol's iodine, also known as aqueous iodine and strong iodine solution, is a solution of potassium iodide with iodine in water. It is a medication and disinfectant used for a number of purposes. Taken by mouth it is used to treat thyrotoxicosi ...
α * Methimazole α * Potassium iodide α * Propylthiouracil αFor use when alternative first-line treatment is not appropriate or available


Immunologicals


Diagnostic agents

* Tuberculin, purified protein derivative (PPD)


Sera, immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies

* Anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibodies * Antivenom immunoglobulinExact type to be defined locally * Diphtheria antitoxin * Equine rabies immunoglobulin


Vaccines

Recommendations for all * BCG vaccine * Diphtheria vaccine * Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine * Hepatitis B vaccine * Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine * Measles vaccine * Pertussis vaccine * Pneumococcal vaccine * Poliomyelitis vaccine *
Rotavirus vaccine Rotavirus vaccine is a vaccine used to protect against rotavirus infections, which are the leading cause of severe diarrhea among young children. The vaccines prevent 15–34% of severe diarrhea in the developing world and 37–96% of ...
* Rubella vaccine * Tetanus vaccine Recommendations for certain regions * Japanese encephalitis vaccineRecommended for certain regions * Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine * Yellow fever vaccine Recommendations for some high-risk populations * Cholera vaccineRecommended for some high-risk populations * Dengue vaccine * Hepatitis A vaccine * Meningococcal meningitis vaccine * Rabies vaccine * Typhoid vaccine Recommendations for immunization programmes with certain characteristics * Influenza vaccine (seasonal)Recommended only for immunization programmes with certain characteristics * Mumps vaccine * Varicella vaccine


Muscle relaxants (peripherally-acting) and cholinesterase inhibitors

*
Atracurium Atracurium besilate, also known as atracurium besylate, is a medication used in addition to other medications to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. It can also be used to help with endotracheal intubatio ...
* Neostigmine * Suxamethonium *
Vecuronium Vecuronium bromide, sold under the brand name Norcuron among others, is a medication used as part of general anesthesia to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. It is also used to help with endotracheal ...
* Pyridostigmine α *
Vecuronium Vecuronium bromide, sold under the brand name Norcuron among others, is a medication used as part of general anesthesia to provide skeletal muscle relaxation during surgery or mechanical ventilation. It is also used to help with endotracheal ...
α


Ophthalmological preparations


Anti-infective agents

* Aciclovir * Azithromycin * ErythromycinFor infections due to ''Chlamydia trachomatis'' or ''Neisseria gonorrhoeae''. * GentamicinAlternatives limited to
amikacin Amikacin is an antibiotic medication used for a number of bacterial infections. This includes joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. It is also used for the treatment of mult ...
, kanamycin,
netilmicin Netilmicin (1-N-ethylsisomicin) is a semisynthetic aminoglycoside antibiotic, and a derivative of sisomicin, produced by '' Micromonospora inyoensis''. Aminoglycoside antibiotics have the ability to kill a wide variety of bacteria. Netilmicin is n ...
, and tobramycin
* Natamycin * OfloxacinAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01AE Fluoroquinolones) * TetracyclineAlternatives limited to chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline


Anti-inflammatory agents

*
Prednisolone Prednisolone is a steroid medication used to treat certain types of allergies, inflammatory conditions, autoimmune disorders, and cancers. Some of these conditions include adrenocortical insufficiency, high blood calcium, rheumatoid arth ...


Local anesthetics

* TetracaineAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01HA Local anaesthetics) excluding cocaine and combinations


Miotics and antiglaucoma medicines

* Acetazolamide *
Latanoprost Latanoprost, sold under the brand name Xalatan among others, is a medication used to treat increased pressure inside the eye. This includes ocular hypertension and open angle glaucoma. It is applied as eye drops to the eyes. Onset of effects is ...
*
Pilocarpine Pilocarpine is a medication used to reduce pressure inside the eye and treat dry mouth. As eye drops it is used to manage angle closure glaucoma until surgery can be performed, ocular hypertension, primary open angle glaucoma, and to bring a ...
Alternatives limited to
carbachol Carbachol, also known as carbamylcholine and sold under the brand name Miostat among others, is a cholinomimetic drug that binds and activates acetylcholine receptors. Thus it is classified as a cholinergic agonist. It is primarily used for var ...
* TimololAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01ED Beta blocking agents) excluding combinations


Mydriatics

* AtropineAlternatives limited to cyclopentolate hydrochloride or homatropine hydrobromide only for the EMLc * Epinephrine (adrenaline) α


Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

*
Bevacizumab Bevacizumab, sold under the brand name Avastin among others, is a medication used to treat a number of types of cancers and a specific eye disease. For cancer, it is given by slow injection into a vein (intravenous) and used for colon cancer, ...
α


Medicines for reproductive health and perinatal care


Contraceptives


Oral hormonal contraceptives

* Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel ( ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel) *
Ethinylestradiol/norethisterone Ethinylestradiol/norethisterone (EE/NET), or ethinylestradiol/norethindrone, is a combination birth control pill which contains ethinylestradiol (EE), an estrogen and norethisterone (NET), a progestin. It is used for birth control, symptoms of ...
( ethinylestradiol + norethisterone) * Levonorgestrel *
Ulipristal Ulipristal acetate, sold under the brand name Ella among others, is a medication used for emergency contraception (birth control) and uterine fibroids. As emergency contraception it should be used within 120 hours of vaginally penetrating inter ...


Injectable hormonal contraceptives

* Estradiol cypionate/medroxyprogesterone acetate ( estradiol cypionate + medroxyprogesterone acetate) * Medroxyprogesterone acetate * Norethisterone enantate


Intrauterine devices

*
IUD with copper Intrauterine device (IUD) with copper, also known as intrauterine coil or copper coil, is a type of intrauterine device which contains copper. It is used for birth control and emergency contraception within five days of unprotected sex. It is on ...
* IUD with progestogen


Barrier methods

* Condoms * Diaphragms


Implantable contraceptives

* Etonogestrel-releasing implant * Levonorgestrel-releasing implant


Intravaginal contraceptives

* Ethinylestradiol/etonogestrel ( ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel) * Progesterone vaginal ringFor use in women actively breastfeeding at least 4 times per day


Ovulation inducers

* Clomifene α


Uterotonics

* Carbetocin * ErgometrineAlternatives limited to methylergometrine *
Mifepristone Mifepristone, also known as RU-486, is a medication typically used in combination with misoprostol to bring about a medical abortion during pregnancy and manage early miscarriage. This combination is 97% effective during the first 63 days of ...
+ misoprostol (Co-packaged)Where permitted under national law and where culturally acceptable. * MisoprostolOnly for use for induction of labour where appropriate facilities are available. * Oxytocin


Antioxytocics (tocolytics)

* Nifedipine


Medicines administered to the mother

*
Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena ...
* Multiple micronutrient supplement *
Tranexamic acid Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a medication used to treat or prevent excessive blood loss from major trauma, postpartum bleeding, surgery, tooth removal, nosebleeds, and heavy menstruation. It is also used for hereditary angioedema. It is taken ei ...


Medicines administered to the neonate

* Caffeine citrate * Chlorhexidine * Ibuprofen αAlternatives limited to indometacin * Prostaglandin E1 αAlternatives limited to prostaglandin E2 * Surfactant α


Peritoneal dialysis solution

* Intraperitoneal dialysis solution (of appropriate composition) α


Medicines for mental and behavioural disorders


Medicines used in psychotic disorders

* Chlorpromazine * Fluphenazine * Haloperidol *
Paliperidone Paliperidone, sold under the trade name Invega among others, is an atypical antipsychotic. It is mainly used to treat schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It is marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. An extended release formulation is a ...
Alternatives limited to risperidone injection * Risperidone * Chlorpromazine α * Clozapine α * Haloperidol α


Medicines used in mood disorders


Medicines used in depressive disorders

* Amitriptyline * FluoxetineAlternatives limited to citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and
sertraline Sertraline, sold under the brand name Zoloft among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. The efficacy of sertraline for depression is similar to that of other antidepressants, and the diffe ...
* Fluoxetine α *
Sertraline Sertraline, sold under the brand name Zoloft among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. The efficacy of sertraline for depression is similar to that of other antidepressants, and the diffe ...


Medicines used in bipolar disorders

* Carbamazepine * Lithium carbonate * Valproic acid (sodium valproate)


Medicines for anxiety disorders

* Diazepam


Medicines used for obsessive compulsive disorders

* Clomipramine


Medicines for disorders due to psychoactive substance use

* Bupropion *
Nicotine replacement therapy Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a medically approved way to treat people with tobacco use disorder by taking nicotine through means other than tobacco. It is used to help with quitting smoking or stopping chewing tobacco. It increases the ...
*
Varenicline Varenicline (trade name Chantix and Champix) is a medication used for smoking cessation. Varenicline is also used for the treatment of dry eye disease. The most common side-effects include nausea (feeling sick), insomnia (difficulty sleeping), a ...
* Methadone αAlternatives limited to buprenorphine. The medicines should only be used within an established support programme.


Medicines acting on the respiratory tract


Antiasthmatics and medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

* BudesonideAlternatives limited to beclometasone, ciclesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone, and mometasone * Budesonide/formoterol ( budesonide + formoterol)Alternatives limited to beclometasone/formoterol, budesonide/salmeterol, fluticasone/formoterol,
fluticasone furoate/vilanterol Fluticasone furoate/vilanterol (FF/VI), sold under the brand name Breo Ellipta among others, is a combination medication for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. It contains fluticasone furoate, an inhaled co ...
, and mometasone/formoterol
* Epinephrine (adrenaline) * Ipratropium bromide * SalbutamolAlternatives limited to terbutaline * TiotropiumAlternatives limited to aclidinium, glycopyrronium, and
umeclidinium Umeclidinium bromide (trade name Incruse Ellipta) is a long-acting muscarinic antagonist approved for the maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is also approved for this indication in combination with vilante ...


Solutions correcting water, electrolyte and acid-base disturbances


Oral

* Oral rehydration salts * Potassium chloride


Parenteral

*
Glucose Glucose is a simple sugar with the molecular formula . Glucose is overall the most abundant monosaccharide, a subcategory of carbohydrates. Glucose is mainly made by plants and most algae during photosynthesis from water and carbon dioxide, u ...
* Glucose with sodium chloride * Potassium chloride * Sodium chloride *
Sodium hydrogen carbonate Sodium bicarbonate (IUPAC name: sodium hydrogencarbonate), commonly known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO3. It is a salt composed of a sodium cation ( Na+) and a bicarbonate anion ( HCO3−) ...
* Sodium lactate, compound solution (Ringer's lactate solution)


Miscellaneous

* Water for injection


Vitamins and minerals

*
Ascorbic acid Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid and ascorbate) is a water-soluble vitamin found in citrus and other fruits and vegetables, also sold as a dietary supplement and as a topical 'serum' ingredient to treat melasma (dark pigment spots) ...
*
Calcium Calcium is a chemical element with the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. As an alkaline earth metal, calcium is a reactive metal that forms a dark oxide-nitride layer when exposed to air. Its physical and chemical properties are most similar ...
* Colecalciferol Ergocalciferol can be used as an alternative. * Ergocalciferol Colecalciferol can be used as an alternative. * Iodine * Multiple micronutrient powder *
Nicotinamide Niacinamide or Nicotinamide (NAM) is a form of vitamin B3 found in food and used as a dietary supplement and medication. As a supplement, it is used by mouth to prevent and treat pellagra (niacin deficiency). While nicotinic acid (niacin) ma ...
* Pyridoxine *
Retinol Retinol, also called vitamin A1, is a fat-soluble vitamin in the vitamin A family found in food and used as a dietary supplement. As a supplement it is used to treat and prevent vitamin A deficiency, especially that which results in xeroph ...
* Riboflavin * Thiamine * Calcium gluconate α


Ear, nose and throat medicines

* Acetic acid * Budesonide *
Ciprofloxacin Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. This includes bone and joint infections, intra abdominal infections, certain types of infectious diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, skin i ...
Alternatives limited to ofloxacin *
Xylometazoline Xylometazoline, also spelled xylomethazoline, is a medication used to reduce symptoms of nasal congestion, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. Use is not recommended for more than seven days. Use is also not recommended in those less than three m ...


Medicines for diseases of joints


Medicines used to treat gout

* Allopurinol


Disease-modifying agents used in rheumatoid disorders (DMARDs)

* Chloroquine * Azathioprine α * Hydroxychloroquine α * Methotrexate α * Penicillamine α * Sulfasalazine α


Juvenile joint diseases

* Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)For use for rheumatic fever, juvenile arthritis, Kawasaki disease


Dental preparations

* Fluoride * Glass ionomer cement * Silver diamine fluoride


Notes

An α indicates the medicine is on the complementary list for which specialized diagnostic or monitoring or training is needed. An item may also be listed as complementary on the basis of higher costs or a less attractive cost-benefit ratio.


References


Further reading

* * * * * *


External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:World Health Organization Essential Medicines, List Of Drug-related lists Publications established in 1977 Wikipedia medicine articles ready to translate