User:ImprovedWikiImprovment/Essential medicines

WHO list of essential medicines, to all eventually be created/expanded.

Anaesthetics, preoperative medicines and medical gases

General anaesthetics and oxygen

Inhalational medicines

• Halothane
• Isoflurane
• Nitrous oxide
• Oxygen

Injectable medicines

• Ketamine
• Propofol^{[note 1]}

Local anaesthetics

• Bupivacaine
• Lidocaine
• Lidocaine/epinephrine (lidocaine + epinephrine)
• Ephedrine^{α[note 2]}

Preoperative medication and sedation for short-term procedures

• Atropine
• Midazolam
• Morphine

Medical gases

• Oxygen^{[note 3]}

Medicines for pain and palliative care

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

• Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
• Ibuprofen^{[note 4]}
• Paracetamol^{[note 5]} (acetaminophen)

Opioid analgesics

• Codeine
• Fentanyl^{[note 6]}
• Morphine^{[note 7]}
• Methadone^{α[note 8]}

Medicines for other common symptoms in palliative care

• Amitriptyline
• Cyclizine
• Dexamethasone
• Diazepam
• Docusate sodium
• Fluoxetine
• Haloperidol
• Hyoscine butylbromide
• Hyoscine hydrobromide
• Lactulose
• Loperamide
• Metoclopramide
• Midazolam
• Ondansetron^{[note 9]}
• Senna

Antiallergics and medicines used in anaphylaxis

• Dexamethasone
• Epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Hydrocortisone
• Loratadine^{[note 10][note 11]}
• Prednisolone^{[note 12]}

Antidotes and other substances used in poisonings

Non-specific

• Charcoal, activated

Specific

• Acetylcysteine
• Atropine
• Calcium gluconate
• Methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue)
• Naloxone
• Penicillamine
• Prussian blue
• Sodium nitrite
• Sodium thiosulfate
• Deferoxamine^α
• Dimercaprol^α
• Fomepizole^α
• Sodium calcium edetate^α
• Succimer^α

Anticonvulsants/antiepileptics

• Carbamazepine
• Diazepam
• Lamotrigine^{[note 13]}
• Lorazepam^{[note 14]}
• Magnesium sulfate^{[note 15]}
• Midazolam^{[note 16]}
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin^{[note 17]}
• Valproic acid (sodium valproate)^{[note 18]}
• Ethosuximide^α
• Valproic acid (sodium valproate)^α

Anti-infective medicines

Anthelminthics

Intestinal anthelminthics

• Albendazole
• Ivermectin
• Levamisole
• Mebendazole
• Niclosamide
• Praziquantel
• Pyrantel

Antifilarials

• Albendazole
• Diethylcarbamazine
• Ivermectin

Antischistosomals and other antinematode medicines

• Praziquantel
• Triclabendazole
• Oxamniquine^{α[note 19]}

Cysticidal medicines

• Albendazole^α
• Mebendazole^α
• Praziquantel^α

Antibacterials

Access group antibiotics

• Amikacin
• Amoxicillin
• Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)
• Ampicillin
• Benzathine benzylpenicillin
• Benzylpenicillin
• Cefalexin
• Cefazolin^{[note 20]}
• Chloramphenicol^{[note 21]}
• Clindamycin
• Cloxacillin^{[note 22][note 23]}
• Doxycycline^{[note 24]}
• Gentamicin
• Metronidazole
• Nitrofurantoin
• Phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V)
• Procaine benzylpenicillin^{[note 25]}
• Spectinomycin
• Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim)
• Trimethoprim

Watch group antibiotics

• Azithromycin
• Cefixime
• Cefotaxime^{[note 26]}
• Ceftriaxone^{[note 27][note 28]}
• Cefuroxime
• Ciprofloxacin
• Clarithromycin^{[note 29]}
• Piperacillin/tazobactam (piperacillin + tazobactam)
• Vancomycin
• Ceftazidime^α
• Meropenem^{α[note 30]}
• Vancomycin^α

Reserve group antibiotics

• Cefiderocol^α
• Ceftazidime/avibactam (ceftazidime + avibactam)^α
• Colistin^α
• Fosfomycin^α
• Linezolid^α
• Meropenem/vaborbactam (meropenem + vaborbactam)^α
• Plazomicin^α
• Polymyxin B^α

Antileprosy medicines

• Clofazimine
• 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)
• Moxifloxacin
• Pyrazinamide
• Rifabutin^{[note 31]}
• Rifampicin
• Rifapentine
• Amikacin^α
• Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)^{α[note 32]}
• Bedaquiline^{α[note 33]}
• Clofazimine^α
• Cycloserine^{α[note 34]}
• Delamanid^α
• Ethionamide^{α[note 35]}
• Levofloxacin^α
• Linezolid^α
• Meropenem^{α[note 36]}
• Moxifloxacin^α
• P-aminosalicylic acid^α
• Streptomycin^α

Antifungal medicines

• Amphotericin B
• Clotrimazole
• Fluconazole
• Flucytosine
• Griseofulvin
• Itraconazole^{[note 37]}
• Nystatin
• Voriconazole^{[note 38]}
• Micafungin^{α[note 39]}
• Potassium iodide^α

Antiviral medicines

Antiherpes medicines

• Aciclovir^{[note 40]}

Antiretrovirals

Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

• Abacavir
• Lamivudine
• Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate^{[note 41]}
• Zidovudine

Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

• Efavirenz
• Nevirapine

Protease inhibitors

• Atazanavir/ritonavir (atazanavir + ritonavir)
• Darunavir
• Lopinavir/ritonavir (lopinavir + ritonavir)
• Ritonavir

Integrase inhibitors

• Dolutegravir
• Raltegravir^{[note 42]}

Fixed-dose combinations of antiretroviral medicines

• Abacavir/lamivudine (abacavir + lamivudine)
• Dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir (dolutegravir + lamivudine + tenofovir)
• Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir^{[note 43]}
• Efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir (efavirenz + lamivudine + tenofovir)
• Emtricitabine/tenofovir (emtricitabine + tenofovir)^{[note 43][note 44]}
• Lamivudine/zidovudine (lamivudine + zidovudine)

Medicines for prevention of HIV-related opportunistic infections

• Isoniazid/pyridoxine/sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (isoniazid + pyridoxine + sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim)

Other antivirals

• Ribavirin^{[note 45]}
• Valganciclovir^{[note 46]}
• Oseltamivir^{α[note 47]}
• Valganciclovir^{α[note 48]}

Antihepatitis medicines

Medicines for hepatitis B

Nucleoside/Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

• Entecavir
• Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

Medicines for hepatitis C

Pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral combinations

• Daclatasvir^{[note 49]}
• Daclatasvir/sofosbuvir (daclatasvir + sofosbuvir)
• Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (glecaprevir + pibrentasvir)
• Sofosbuvir^{[note 50]}
• Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (sofosbuvir + velpatasvir)

Non-pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral combinations

• Dasabuvir
• Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (ledipasvir + sofosbuvir)
• Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (ombitasvir + paritaprevir + ritonavir)

Other antivirals for hepatitis C

• Ribavirin^{[note 51]}
• Pegylated interferon-alpha-2a or pegylated interferon-alpha-2b^{α[note 52]}

Antiprotozoal medicines

Antiamoebic and antigiardiasis medicines

• Diloxanide
• Metronidazole^{[note 53]}

Antileishmaniasis medicines

• Amphotericin B
• Miltefosine
• Paromomycin
• Sodium stibogluconate or meglumine antimoniate

Antimalarial medicines

For curative treatment

• Amodiaquine^{[note 54]}
• Artemether^{[note 55]}
• Artemether/lumefantrine (artemether + lumefantrine)^{[note 56]}
• Artesunate^{[note 57]}
• Artesunate/amodiaquine (artesunate + amodiaquine)^{[note 58]}
• Artesunate/mefloquine (artesunate + mefloquine)
• Artesunate/pyronaridine tetraphosphate (artesunate + pyronaridine tetraphosphate)
• Chloroquine^{[note 59]}
• Dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine phosphate (dihydroartemisinin + piperaquine phosphate)
• Doxycycline^{[note 60]}
• Mefloquine^{[note 54]}
• Primaquine^{[note 61]}
• Quinine^{[note 62]}
• Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine)^{[note 63]}

For chemoprevention

• Amodiaquine + sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (Co-packaged)
• Chloroquine^{[note 64]}
• Doxycycline
• Mefloquine
• Proguanil^{[note 65]}
• Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine)

Antipneumocystosis and antitoxoplasmosis medicines

• Pyrimethamine
• Sulfadiazine
• Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim)
• Pentamidine^α

Antitrypanosomal medicines

African trypanosomiasis

• Fexinidazole^{[note 66]}

Medicines for the treatment of 1st stage African trypanosomiasis

• Pentamidine^{[note 67]}
• Suramin sodium^{[note 68]}

Medicines for the treatment of 2nd stage African trypanosomiasis

• Eflornithine^{[note 69]}
• Melarsoprol
• Nifurtimox^{[note 70]}
• Melarsoprol^α

American trypanosomiasis

• Benznidazole
• Nifurtimox

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[note 71]}
• Azathioprine^α
• Ciclosporin^α
• Tacrolimus^α

Antineoplastics and supportive medicines

Cytotoxic medicines

• Arsenic trioxide^α
• Asparaginase^{α[note 72]}
• Bendamustine^α
• Bleomycin^α
• Calcium folinate^α
• Capecitabine^α
• Carboplatin^α
• Chlorambucil^α
• Cisplatin^α
• Cyclophosphamide^α
• Cytarabine^α
• Dacarbazine^α
• Dactinomycin^α
• Daunorubicin^α
• Docetaxel^α
• Doxorubicin^α
• Etoposide^α
• Fludarabine^α
• Fluorouracil^α
• Gemcitabine^α
• Hydroxycarbamide^α
• Ifosfamide^α
• Irinotecan^α
• Melphalan^α
• Mercaptopurine^α
• Methotrexate^α
• Oxaliplatin^α
• Paclitaxel^α
• Pegaspargase^{α[note 72]}
• Procarbazine^α
• Realgar Indigo naturalis formulation^α
• Tioguanine^α
• Vinblastine^α
• Vincristine^α
• Vinorelbine^α

Targeted therapies

• All-trans retinoic acid (tretinoin) (ATRA)^α
• Bortezomib^α
• Dasatinib^α
• Erlotinib^{α[note 73]}
• Everolimus^α
• Ibrutinib^α
• Imatinib^α
• Nilotinib^α
• Rituximab^{α[note 72]}
• Trastuzumab^{α[note 72]}

Immunomodulators

• Filgrastim^{α[note 72]}
• Lenalidomide^α
• Nivolumab^{α[note 74]}
• Thalidomide^α

Hormones and antihormones

• Abiraterone^{α[note 75]}
• Anastrozole^{α[note 76]}
• Bicalutamide^{α[note 77]}
• Dexamethasone^α
• Hydrocortisone^α
• Leuprorelin^{α[note 78]}
• Methylprednisolone^α
• Prednisolone^{α[note 79]}
• Tamoxifen^α

Supportive medicines

• Allopurinol^α
• Mesna^α
• Rasburicase^α
• Zoledronic acid^α

Antiparkinsonism medicines

• Biperiden^{[note 80]}
• Levodopa/carbidopa (levodopa + carbidopa)^{[note 81]}

Medicines affecting the blood

Antianaemia medicines

• Ferrous salt
• Ferrous salt/folic acid (ferrous salt + folic acid)
• Folic acid^{[note 82]}
• Hydroxocobalamin
• Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents^{α[note 83]}

Medicines affecting coagulation

• Dabigatran^{[note 84]}
• Enoxaparin^{[note 85]}
• Heparin sodium
• Phytomenadione
• Protamine sulfate
• Tranexamic acid
• Warfarin
• Desmopressin^α
• Heparin sodium^α
• Protamine sulfate^α
• Warfarin^α

Other medicines for haemoglobinopathies

• Deferoxamine^{α[note 86]}
• 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
• Anti-tetanus immunoglobulin
• Normal immunoglobulin^α

Blood coagulation factors

• Coagulation factor VIII^α
• Coagulation factor IX^α

Plasma substitutes

• Dextran 70^{[note 87]}

Cardiovascular medicines

Antianginal medicines

• Bisoprolol^{[note 88]}
• Glyceryl trinitrate
• Isosorbide dinitrate
• Verapamil

Antiarrhythmic medicines

• Bisoprolol^{[note 88]}
• Digoxin
• Epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Lidocaine
• Verapamil
• Amiodarone^α

Antihypertensive medicines

• Amlodipine^{[note 89]}
• Bisoprolol^{[note 90]}
• Enalapril^{[note 91]}
• Hydralazine^{[note 92]}
• Hydrochlorothiazide^{[note 93]}
• Lisinopril/amlodipine (lisinopril + amlodipine)^{[note 94]}
• Lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide (lisinopril + hydrochlorothiazide)^{[note 95]}
• Losartan^{[note 96]}
• Methyldopa^{[note 97]}
• Telmisartan/amlodipine (telmisartan + amlodipine)^{[note 98]}
• Telmisartan/hydrochlorothiazide (telmisartan + hydrochlorothiazide)^{[note 99]}
• Sodium nitroprusside^α

Medicines used in heart failure

• Bisoprolol^{[note 88]}
• Digoxin
• Enalapril^{[note 100]}
• Furosemide^{[note 101]}
• Hydrochlorothiazide^{[note 93]}
• Losartan^{[note 96]}
• Spironolactone
• Dopamine^α

Antithrombotic medicines

Anti-platelet medicines

• Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
• Clopidogrel

Thrombolytic medicines

• Alteplase^α
• Streptokinase^α

Lipid-lowering agents

• Simvastatin^{[note 102]}

Dermatological medicines (topical)

Antifungal medicines

• Miconazole^{[note 103]}
• Selenium sulfide
• Sodium thiosulfate
• Terbinafine

Anti-infective medicines

• Mupirocin
• Potassium permanganate
• Silver sulfadiazine

Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic medicines

• Betamethasone^{[note 104]}
• Calamine
• Hydrocortisone^{[note 105]}

Medicines affecting skin differentiation and proliferation

• Benzoyl peroxide
• Calcipotriol^{[note 106]}
• Coal tar
• Fluorouracil
• Podophyllum resin^{[note 107]}
• Salicylic acid
• Urea

Scabicides and pediculicides

• Benzyl benzoate^{[note 108]}
• Permethrin

Diagnostic agents

Ophthalmic medicines

• Fluorescein
• Tropicamide^{[note 109]}

Radiocontrast media

• Amidotrizoate
• Barium sulfate
• Iohexol
• Barium sulfate^α
• Meglumine iotroxate^α

Antiseptics and disinfectants

Antiseptics

• Chlorhexidine
• Ethanol^{[note 110]}
• Povidone iodine^{[note 111]}

Disinfectants

• Alcohol based hand rub
• Chlorine base compound
• Chloroxylenol^{[note 112]}
• Glutaral

Diuretics

• Amiloride
• Furosemide^{[note 113]}
• Hydrochlorothiazide^{[note 93]}
• Mannitol
• Spironolactone
• Hydrochlorothiazide^{α[note 114]}
• Mannitol^α
• Spironolactone^α

Gastrointestinal medicines

• Pancreatic enzymes^α

Antiulcer medicines

• Omeprazole^{[note 115]}
• Ranitidine^{[note 116]}

Antiemetic medicines

• Dexamethasone
• Metoclopramide
• Ondansetron^{[note 9]}
• Aprepitant^α

Anti-inflammatory medicines

• Sulfasalazine^{[note 117]}
• Hydrocortisone^α
• Prednisolone^α

Laxatives

• Senna^{[note 118]}

Medicines used in diarrhoea

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

Oral rehydration

• Oral rehydration salts

Medicines for diarrhea

• Zinc sulfate^{[note 119]}

Medicines for endocrine disorders

Adrenal hormones and synthetic substitutes

• Fludrocortisone
• Hydrocortisone

Androgens

• Testosterone^α

Estrogens

No listings in this section.

Progestogens

• Medroxyprogesterone acetate^{[note 120]}

Medicines for diabetes

Insulins

• Insulin injection (soluble)^{[note 72]}
• Intermediate-acting insulin^{[note 72]}
• Long-acting insulin analogues^{[note 121]}

Oral hypoglycaemic agents

• Empagliflozin^{[note 122]}
• Gliclazide^{[note 123]}
• Metformin
• Metformin^α

Medicines for hypoglycaemia

• Glucagon
• Diazoxide^α

Thyroid hormones and antithyroid medicines

• Levothyroxine
• Potassium iodide
• Methimazole^{[note 124]}
• Propylthiouracil^{[note 125]}
• Lugol's solution^α
• Methimazole^{α[note 124]}
• Potassium iodide^α
• Propylthiouracil^{α[note 126]}

Immunologicals

Diagnostic agents

• Tuberculin, purified protein derivative (PPD)

Sera, immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies

• Anti-rabies virus monoclonal antibodies^{[note 72]}
• Antivenom immunoglobulin^{[note 127]}
• 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
• Rubella vaccine
• Tetanus vaccine

Recommendations for certain regions

• Japanese encephalitis vaccine^{[note 128]}
• Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine^{[note 128]}
• Yellow fever vaccine^{[note 128]}

Recommendations for some high-risk populations

• Cholera vaccine^{[note 129]}
• Dengue vaccine^{[note 129]}
• Hepatitis A vaccine^{[note 129]}
• Meningococcal meningitis vaccine^{[note 129]}
• Rabies vaccine^{[note 129]}
• Typhoid vaccine^{[note 129]}

Recommendations for immunization programmes with certain characteristics

• Influenza vaccine (seasonal)^{[note 130]}
• Mumps vaccine^{[note 130]}
• Varicella vaccine^{[note 130]}

Muscle relaxants (peripherally-acting) and cholinesterase inhibitors

• Atracurium
• Neostigmine
• Suxamethonium
• Vecuronium
• Pyridostigmine^α
• Vecuronium^α

Ophthalmological preparations

Anti-infective agents

• Aciclovir
• Azithromycin
• Erythromycin^{[note 131]}
• Gentamicin^{[note 132]}
• Natamycin
• Ofloxacin^{[note 133]}
• Tetracycline^{[note 134]}

Anti-inflammatory agents

• Prednisolone

Local anesthetics

• Tetracaine^{[note 135]}

Miotics and antiglaucoma medicines

• Acetazolamide
• Latanoprost
• Pilocarpine^{[note 136]}
• Timolol^{[note 137]}

Mydriatics

• Atropine^{[note 138]}
• Epinephrine (adrenaline)^α

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

• Bevacizumab^{α[note 72]}

Medicines for reproductive health and perinatal care

Contraceptives

Oral hormonal contraceptives

• Ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel (ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel)
• Ethinylestradiol/norethisterone (ethinylestradiol + norethisterone)
• Levonorgestrel
• Ulipristal

Injectable hormonal contraceptives

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

Intrauterine devices

• IUD with copper
• IUD with progestogen

Barrier methods

• Condoms
• Diaphragms

Implantable contraceptives

• Etonogestrel-releasing implant
• Levonorgestrel-releasing implant

Intravaginal contraceptives

• Ethinylestradiol/etonogestrel (ethinylestradiol + etonogestrel)
• Progesterone vaginal ring^{[note 139]}

Ovulation inducers

• Clomifene^α

Uterotonics

• Carbetocin
• Ergometrine^{[note 140]}
• Mifepristone + misoprostol (Co-packaged)^{[note 141]}
• Misoprostol^{[note 142]}
• Oxytocin

Antioxytocics (tocolytics)

• Nifedipine

Medicines administered to the mother

• Dexamethasone
• Multiple micronutrient supplement
• Tranexamic acid

Medicines administered to the neonate

• Caffeine citrate
• Chlorhexidine
• Ibuprofen^{α[note 143]}
• Prostaglandin E1^{α[note 144]}
• 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^{[note 145]}
• Risperidone
• Chlorpromazine^α
• Clozapine^α
• Haloperidol^α

Medicines used in mood disorders

Medicines used in depressive disorders

• Amitriptyline
• Fluoxetine^{[note 146]}
• Fluoxetine^α
• Sertraline

Medicines used in bipolar disorders

• Carbamazepine
• Lithium carbonate
• Valproic acid (sodium valproate)^{[note 18]}

Medicines for anxiety disorders

• Diazepam

Medicines used for obsessive compulsive disorders

• Clomipramine

Medicines for disorders due to psychoactive substance use

• Bupropion
• Nicotine replacement therapy
• Varenicline
• Methadone^{α[note 147]}

Medicines acting on the respiratory tract

Antiasthmatics and medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• Budesonide^{[note 148]}
• Budesonide/formoterol (budesonide + formoterol)^{[note 149]}
• Epinephrine (adrenaline)
• Ipratropium bromide
• Salbutamol^{[note 150]}
• Tiotropium^{[note 151]}

Solutions correcting water, electrolyte and acid-base disturbances

Oral

• Oral rehydration salts
• Potassium chloride

Parenteral

• Glucose
• Glucose with sodium chloride
• Potassium chloride
• Sodium chloride
• Sodium hydrogen carbonate
• Sodium lactate, compound solution (Ringer's lactate solution)

Miscellaneous

• Water for injection

Vitamins and minerals

• Ascorbic acid
• Calcium
• Colecalciferol^{[note 152]}
• Ergocalciferol^{[note 153]}
• Iodine
• Multiple micronutrient powder
• Nicotinamide
• Pyridoxine
• Retinol
• Riboflavin
• Thiamine
• Calcium gluconate^α

Ear, nose and throat medicines

• Acetic acid
• Budesonide
• Ciprofloxacin^{[note 154]}
• Xylometazoline

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)^{[note 155]}

Dental preparations

• Fluoride
• Glass ionomer cement
• Silver diamine fluoride

Notes

An α indicates the medicine is only on the complementary list. For these items specialized diagnostic or monitoring or specialist training are needed. An item may also be listed as complementary on the basis of higher costs or a less attractive cost-benefit ratio.^[1][2]

1. Thiopental may be used as an alternative depending on local availability and cost.
2. (For use in spinal anaesthesia during delivery, to prevent hypotension).
3. No more than 30% oxygen should be used to initiate resuscitation of neonates less than or equal to 32 weeks of gestation.
4. Not in children less than 3 months.
5. Not recommended for anti‐inflammatory use due to lack of proven benefit to that effect.
6. For the management of cancer pain
7. Alternatives limited to hydromorphone and oxycodone
8. For the management of cancer pain.
9. Alternatives limited to dolasetron, granisetron, palonosetron, and tropisetron
10. Alternatives limited to cetirizine and fexofenadine
11. There may be a role for sedating antihistamines for limited indications (EMLc).
12. Alternatives limited to prednisone
13. For use as adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant partial or generalized seizures.
14. Alternatives limited to diazepam and midazolam
15. For use in eclampsia and severe pre‐eclampsia and not for other convulsant disorders.
16. For buccal administration when solution for oromucosal administration is not available.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. Oxamniquine is listed for use when praziquantel treatment fails.
20. > 1 month.
21. Only for the presumptive treatment of epidemic meningitis in children older than two years and in adults.
22. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (J01CF Beta-lactamase resistant penicillins)
23. cloxacillin, dicloxacillin and flucloxacillin are preferred for oral administration due to better bioavailability.
24. Use in children <8 years only for life-threatening infections when no alternative exists.
25. Procaine 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.
26. Third-generation cephalosporin of choice for use in hospitalized neonates.
27. Do not administer with calcium and avoid in infants with hyperbilirubinemia.
28. > 41 weeks corrected gestational age.
29. Erythromycin may be an alternative. For use in combination regimens for eradication of H. pylori in adults
30. 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
31. For use only in patients with HIV receiving protease inhibitors
32. For use only in combination with meropenem or imipenem/cilastatin
33. ≥ 5 years
34. Terizidone may be an alternative
35. Prothionamide may be an alternative
36. Imipenem/cilastatin may be an alternative
37. For treatment of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, histoplasmosis, sporotrichosis, paracoccidioidomycosis, mycoses caused by Talaromyces marneffei and chromoblastomycosis; and prophylaxis of histoplasmosis and infections caused by T. marneffei in AIDS patients.
38. For treatment of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis and acute invasive aspergillosis.
39. Alternatives limited to anidulafungin and caspofungin
40. Alternatives limited to valaciclovir
41. also indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis.
42. For use in pregnant women and in second-line regimens in accordance with WHO treatment guidelines.
43. Alternatives limited to lamivudine (for emtricitabine)
44. combination also indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis
45. For the treatment of viral haemorrhagic fevers
46. For the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVr).
47. For severe illness due to confirmed or suspected influenza virus infection in critically ill hospitalized patients
48. For the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVr).
49. Pangenotypic when used in combination with sofosbuvir
50. Pangenotypic when used in combination with daclatasvir
51. For the treatment of hepatitis C, in combination with direct acting anti-viral medicines
52. To be used in combination with ribavirin
53. Alternatives limited to tinidazole
54. To be used in combination with artesunate 50 mg.
55. For use in the management of severe malaria.
56. Not recommended in the first trimester of pregnancy or in children below 5 kg.
57. To be used in combination with either amodiaquine, mefloquine or sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine.
58. Other combinations that deliver the target doses required such as 153 mg or 200 mg (as hydrochloride) with 50 mg artesunate can be alternatives.
59. For use only for the treatment of Plasmodium vivax infection.
60. For use only in combination with quinine.
61. Only for use to achieve radical cure of Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium ovale infections, given for 14 days.
62. For use only in the management of severe malaria, and should be used in combination with doxycycline.
63. Only in combination with artesunate 50 mg.
64. For use only in Central American regions, for Plasmodium vivax infections.
65. For use only in combination with chloroquine.
66. For the treatment of 1st and 2nd stage human African trypanosomiasis due to Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection.
67. To be used for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection.
68. To be used for the treatment of the initial phase of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infection.
69. To be used for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection
70. Only to be used in combination with eflornithine, for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection.
71. Certolizumab pegol, etanercept, golimumab and infliximab are alternatives, including quality-assured biosimilars
72. Including quality-assured biosimilars
73. Afatinib and gefitinib are alternatives
74. Pembrolizumab is an alternative, including quality-assured biosimilars
75. Alternatives limited to enzalutamide
76. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (L02BG Aromatase inhibitors)
77. Alternatives limited to flutamide and nilutamide
78. Alternatives limited to goserelin and triptorelin
79. Alternatives limited to prednisone
80. Alternatives limited to trihexyphenidyl
81. Alternatives limited to benserazide (for carbidopa)
82. periconceptual use for prevention of first occurrence of neural tube defects
83. Alternatives limited to epoetin alfa, beta and theta, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta, and their quality-assured biosimilars.
84. Apixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban are alternatives
85. Alternatives are limited to dalteparin and nadroparin, including their quality-assured biosimilars.
86. Alternatives are limited to the oral form of deferasirox.
87. Polygeline, injectable solution, 3.5% is considered an alternative.
88. Includes carvedilol and metoprolol as alternatives
89. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C08CA Dihydropyridine derivatives)
90. Includes atenolol, carvedilol, and metoprolol as alternatives. Atenolol should not be used as a first-line agent in uncomplicated hypertension in patients > 60 years.
91. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain)
92. Hydralazine 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.
93. Alternatives limited to chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, and indapamide
94. 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)
95. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) (for lisinopril) and chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, indapamide (for hydrochlorothiazide)
96. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09CA Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), plain)
97. 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.
98. 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)
99. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09CA Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), plain) (for telmisartan) and chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, indapamide (for hydrochlorothiazide)
100. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain)
101. Alternatives limited to bumetanide and torasemide
102. For use in high‐risk patients. Alternatives limited to atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, and pravastatin
103. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D01AC Imidazole and triazole derivatives) excluding combinations
104. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D07AC Corticosteroids, potent (group III))
105. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D07AA Corticosteroids, weak (group I))
106. Alternatives limited to calcitriol and tacalcitol
107. Alternatives limited to podophyllotoxin
108. Alternatives limited to precipitated sulfur topical ointment
109. Alternatives limited to atropine and cyclopentolate
110. Alternatives limited to propanol
111. Alternatives limited to iodine
112. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D08AE Phenol and derivatives)
113. Alternatives limited to bumetanide and torasemide
114. Alternatives limited to chlorothiazide and chlorthalidone
115. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (A02BC Proton pump inhibitors) excluding combinations
116. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (A02BA H2-receptor antagonists) excluding combinations
117. Alternatives limited to mesalazine
118. Alternatives limited to bisacodyl
119. In acute diarrhoea zinc sulfate should be used as an adjunct to oral rehydration salts.
120. Alternatives limited to norethisterone
121. Alternatives limited to insulin degludec, insulin detemir, and insulin glargine, including quality-assured biosimilars
122. Alternatives limited to canagliflozin and dapagliflozin
123. Glibenclamide not suitable above 60 years. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (A10BB Sulfonylureas)
124. Carbimazole is an alternative depending on local availability
125. For use when alternative first-line treatment is not appropriate or available; and in patients during the first trimester of pregnancy.
126. For use when alternative first-line treatment is not appropriate or available
127. Exact type to be defined locally
128. Recommended for certain regions
129. Recommended for some high-risk populations
130. Recommended only for immunization programmes with certain characteristics
131. For infections due to Chlamydia trachomatis or Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
132. Alternatives limited to amikacin, kanamycin, netilmicin, and tobramycin
133. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01AE Fluoroquinolones)
134. Alternatives limited to chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline
135. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01HA Local anaesthetics) excluding cocaine and combinations
136. Alternatives limited to carbachol
137. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01ED Beta blocking agents) excluding combinations
138. Alternatives limited to cyclopentolate hydrochloride or homatropine hydrobromide only for the EMLc
139. For use in women actively breastfeeding at least 4 times per day
140. Alternatives limited to methylergometrine
141. Where permitted under national law and where culturally acceptable.
142. Only for use for induction of labour where appropriate facilities are available.
143. Alternatives limited to indometacin
144. Alternatives limited to prostaglandin E2
145. Alternatives limited to risperidone injection
146. Alternatives limited to citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline
147. Alternatives limited to buprenorphine. The medicines should only be used within an established support programme.
148. Alternatives limited to beclometasone, ciclesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone, and mometasone
149. Alternatives limited to beclometasone/formoterol, budesonide/salmeterol, fluticasone/formoterol, fluticasone furoate/vilanterol, and mometasone/formoterol
150. Alternatives limited to terbutaline
151. Alternatives limited to aclidinium, glycopyrronium, and umeclidinium
152. Ergocalciferol can be used as an alternative.
153. Colecalciferol can be used as an alternative.
154. Alternatives limited to ofloxacin
155. For use for rheumatic fever, juvenile arthritis, Kawasaki disease

References