The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (aka Essential Medicines List or EML), published by the World Health Organization (WHO), contains the medications considered to be most effective and safe to meet the most important needs in a

health system Health, according to the World Health Organization, is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity".World Health Organization. (2006)''Constitution of the World Health Organiza ...

. 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 Development or developing may refer to: Arts *Development hell, when a project is stuck in development *Filmmaking, development phase, including finance and budgeting *Development (music), the process thematic material is reshaped * Photograph ...

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 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 The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines for Children (aka Essential Medicines List for Children or EMLc), published by the World Health Organization (WHO), contains the medications considered to be most effective and safe in children up to twel ...

(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 Halothane, sold under the brand name Fluothane among others, is a general anaesthetic. It can be used to induce or maintain anaesthesia. One of its benefits is that it does not increase the production of saliva, which can be particularly useful i ...

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 w ...

* Nitrous oxide * Oxygen

Injectable medicines

* Ketamine *

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 pe ...

may be used as an alternative depending on local availability and cost.

Local anaesthetics

* Bupivacaine *

Lidocaine 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, lidoca ...

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, lidoca ...

(

lidocaine 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, lidoca ...

epinephrine Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication which is involved in regulating visceral functions (e.g., respiration). It appears as a white microcrystalline granule. Adrenaline is normally produced by the adrenal glands and ...

) * Ephedrine^α(For use in spinal anaesthesia during delivery, to prevent hypotension).

Preoperative medication and sedation for short-term procedures

Atropine Atropine is a tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic medication used to treat certain types of nerve agent and pesticide poisonings as well as some types of slow heart rate, and to decrease saliva production during surgery. It is typically given i ...

* Midazolam * Morphine

Medical gases

* OxygenNo 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) *

Ibuprofen Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. This includes painful menstrual periods, migraines, and rheumatoid arthritis. It may also be used to close a patent ductus arte ...

Not in children less than 3 months. *

Paracetamol Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. Common brand names include Tylenol and Panadol. At a standard dose, paracetamol only slightly decreases body temperature; it is inferior ...

Not 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 use ...

* FentanylFor the management of cancer pain * MorphineAlternatives limited to hydromorphone and oxycodone * Methadone^αFor the management of cancer pain.

Medicines for other common symptoms in palliative care

* Amitriptyline * Cyclizine * Dexamethasone * 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 Fluoxetine, sold under the brand names Prozac and Sarafem, among others, is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorde ...

* Haloperidol *

Hyoscine butylbromide Hyoscine butylbromide, also known as scopolamine butylbromide and sold under the brandname Buscopan among others, is an anticholinergic medication used to treat crampy abdominal pain, esophageal spasms, renal colic, and bladder spasms. It is a ...

* Hyoscine hydrobromide * Lactulose * Loperamide * Metoclopramide * Midazolam * OndansetronAlternatives limited to dolasetron,

granisetron Granisetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used as an antiemetic to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Its main effect is to reduce the activity of the vagus nerve, which is a nerve that activates the v ...

, palonosetron, and tropisetron * Senna

Antiallergics and medicines used in anaphylaxis

* Dexamethasone *

Epinephrine Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, is a hormone and medication which is involved in regulating visceral functions (e.g., respiration). It appears as a white microcrystalline granule. Adrenaline is normally produced by the adrenal glands and ...

(adrenaline) * Hydrocortisone * LoratadineAlternatives limited to cetirizine and fexofenadineThere may be a role for sedating antihistamines for limited indications (EMLc). * PrednisoloneAlternatives limited to prednisone

Antidotes and other substances used in poisonings

Non-specific

* Charcoal, activated

Specific

Acetylcysteine Acetylcysteine, also known as ''N''-acetylcysteine (NAC), is a medication that is used to treat paracetamol overdose and to loosen thick mucus in individuals with chronic bronchopulmonary disorders like pneumonia and bronchitis. It has been used ...

* 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 hemoglob ...

(methylene blue) * Naloxone * Penicillamine *

Prussian blue Prussian blue (also known as Berlin blue, Brandenburg blue or, in painting, Parisian or Paris blue) is a dark blue pigment produced by oxidation of ferrous ferrocyanide salts. It has the chemical formula Fe CN)">Cyanide.html" ;"title="e(Cyanid ...

* Sodium nitrite * Sodium thiosulfate *

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 un ...

^α * Dimercaprol^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 Succimer, sold under the brand name Chemet among others, is a medication used to treat lead, mercury, and arsenic poisoning. When radiolabeled with technetium-99m, it is used in a number of types of diagnostic testing. A full course is 19 days ...

^α

Anticonvulsants/antiepileptics

* Carbamazepine * Diazepam *

Lamotrigine Lamotrigine, sold under the brand name Lamictal among others, is a medication used to treat epilepsy and stabilize mood in bipolar disorder. For epilepsy, this includes focal seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures in Lennox-Gastaut synd ...

For use as adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant partial or generalized seizures. * LorazepamAlternatives 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 * PhenytoinThe 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 * Ivermectin

Antischistosomals and other antinematode medicines

* Praziquantel * Triclabendazole *

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. ...

^αOxamniquine is listed for use when praziquantel treatment fails.

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 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, cholera, a ...

Only for the presumptive treatment of epidemic meningitis in children older than two years and in adults. *

Clindamycin Clindamycin is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections, including osteomyelitis (bone) or joint infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, strep throat, pneumonia, acute otitis media (middle ear infec ...

* 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, an ...

Use in children <8 years only for life-threatening infections when no alternative exists. *

Gentamicin Gentamicin is an antibiotic used to treat several types of bacterial infections. This may include bone infections, endocarditis, pelvic inflammatory disease, meningitis, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and sepsis among others. It is not e ...

* Metronidazole *

Nitrofurantoin Nitrofurantoin is an antibacterial medication used to treat urinary tract infections, but it is not as effective for kidney infections. It is taken by mouth. Common side effects include nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and headaches. Rarely ...

* 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 Sulfamethoxazole (SMZ or SMX) is an antibiotic. It is used for bacterial infections such as urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and prostatitis and is effective against both gram negative and positive bacteria such as ''Listeria monocytogenes' ...

+ trimethoprim) * Trimethoprim

Watch group antibiotics

* Azithromycin *

Cefixime Cefixime, sold under the brand name Suprax among others, is an antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections. These infections include otitis media, strep throat, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, and Lyme ...

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, urin ...

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 joint ...

Do not administer with calcium and avoid in infants with hyperbilirubinemia.> 41 weeks corrected gestational age. * Cefuroxime * Ciprofloxacin * Clarithromycin

Erythromycin Erythromycin is an antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. This includes respiratory tract infections, skin infections, chlamydia infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, and syphilis. It may also be used duri ...

may be an alternative. For use in combination regimens for eradication of ''H. pylori'' in adults *

Piperacillin/tazobactam Piperacillin/tazobactam, sold under the brand name Zosyn among others, is a combination medication containing the antibiotic piperacillin and the β-lactamase inhibitor Beta-lactamases, (β-lactamases) are enzymes () produced by bacteri ...

( piperacillin +

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 * Ceftazidime^α * Meropenem^α

Imipenem/cilastatin Imipenem/cilastatin, sold under the brand name Primaxin among others, is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. It is made from a combination of imipenem and cilastatin. Specifically it is used for pneumonia, ...

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^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 Cefiderocol, sold under the brand name Fetroja among others, is an antibiotic used to treat complicated urinary tract infections when no other options are available. It is indicated for the treatment of multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacter ...

^α *

Ceftazidime/avibactam Ceftazidime/avibactam, sold under the brand name Avycaz among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication composed of ceftazidime, a cephalosporin antibiotic, and avibactam, a β-lactamase inhibitor. It is used to treat complicated intra-ab ...

( ceftazidime +

avibactam Avibactam is a non-β-lactam Β-Lactamase inhibitor, β-lactamase inhibitor developed by Actavis (now Teva Pharmaceuticals, Teva) jointly with AstraZeneca. A new drug application for avibactam in Ceftazidime/avibactam, combination with ceftazidim ...

)^α * Colistin^α * Fosfomycin^α * Linezolid^α *

Meropenem/vaborbactam Meropenem/vaborbactam, sold under the brand name Vabomere among others, is a combination medication used to treat complicated urinary tract infections, complicated abdominal infections, and hospital-acquired pneumonia. It contains meropenem, a � ...

( meropenem +

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 Dapsone, also known as 4,4'-sulfonyldianiline (SDA) or diaminodiphenyl sulfone (DDS), is an antibiotic commonly used in combination with rifampicin and clofazimine for the treatment of leprosy. It is a second-line medication for the treatment a ...

Rifampicin Rifampicin, also known as rifampin, is an ansamycin antibiotic used to treat several types of bacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterium avium complex, ''Mycobacterium avium'' complex, leprosy, and Legionnaires’ disease. ...

Antituberculosis medicines

* Ethambutol * Ethambutol/isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampicin ( ethambutol + isoniazid + pyrazinamide +

rifampicin Rifampicin, also known as rifampin, is an ansamycin antibiotic used to treat several types of bacterial infections, including tuberculosis (TB), mycobacterium avium complex, ''Mycobacterium avium'' complex, leprosy, and Legionnaires’ disease. ...

) * Ethambutol/isoniazid/rifampicin ( ethambutol + isoniazid +

) * Isoniazid * Isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampicin ( isoniazid + pyrazinamide +

) * Isoniazid/rifampicin ( isoniazid +

) * Isoniazid/rifapentine ( isoniazid + rifapentine) * Moxifloxacin * Pyrazinamide * RifabutinFor use only in patients with HIV receiving protease inhibitors *

* Rifapentine * Amikacin^α * Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid ( amoxicillin + clavulanic acid)^αFor use only in combination with meropenem or imipenem/cilastatin * Bedaquiline^α≥ 5 years *

^α * Cycloserine^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 effe ...

^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 ''Mycobacter ...

may be an alternative * Levofloxacin^α * Linezolid^α * Meropenem^αImipenem/cilastatin may be an alternative * Moxifloxacin^α * P-aminosalicylic acid^α * Streptomycin^α

Antifungal medicines

* Amphotericin B *

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 itch ...

* Fluconazole *

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 * ItraconazoleFor treatment of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, 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 Nodule (medicine), nodules that later ulceration, ulcerate. It can be local ...

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 ulcer ...

, 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. C ...

; 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 Micafungin, sold under the brand name Mycamine, is an echinochandin antifungal medication used to treat and prevent invasive fungal infections including candidemia, abscesses, and esophageal candidiasis. It inhibits the production of beta-1,3-g ...

^αAlternatives limited to

anidulafungin Anidulafungin (International nonproprietary name, INN) (trade names Eraxis, Ecalta) is a Semisynthesis, semisynthetic echinocandin used as an antifungal medication, antifungal drug. It was previously known as LY303366. It may also have applicatio ...

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 wor ...

* 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 taken ...

Antiretrovirals

=Nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

= *

Abacavir Abacavir, sold under the brand name Ziagen among others, is a medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. Similar to other nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), abacavir is used together with other HIV medications, and is not recom ...

* 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 Efavirenz (EFV), sold under the brand names Sustiva among others, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It may be used for prevention after a needlest ...

* Nevirapine

=Protease inhibitors

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

=Integrase inhibitors

= * Dolutegravir * RaltegravirFor 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, sold under the brand name Kivexa among others, is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It contains abacavir and lamivudine. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals ...

(

abacavir Abacavir, sold under the brand name Ziagen among others, is a medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. Similar to other nucleoside analog reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), abacavir is used together with other HIV medications, and is not recom ...

+ lamivudine) *

Dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir Dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir (DTG/3TC/TDF) is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It is a combination of dolutegravir, lamivudine, and tenofovir disoproxil. , it is listed by the World Health Organizat ...

( dolutegravir + lamivudine + tenofovir) *

Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir, sold under the brand name Atripla among others, is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It contains efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir disoproxil. It can be used by i ...

Alternatives limited to lamivudine (for emtricitabine) * Efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir (

efavirenz Efavirenz (EFV), sold under the brand names Sustiva among others, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It may be used for prevention after a needlest ...

+ 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 Pyridoxine, is a form of vitamin B6 found commonly in food and used as a dietary supplement. As a supplement it is used to treat and prevent pyridoxine deficiency, sideroblastic anaemia, pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, certain metabolic disorde ...

+ 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 ''Cytomegalovirus'' (''CMV'') (from ''cyto-'' 'cell' via Greek - 'container' + 'big, megalo-' + -''virus'' via Latin 'poison') is a genus of viruses in the order ''Herpesvirales'', in the family ''Herpesviridae'', in the subfamily ''Betaherpe ...

retinitis (CMVr). * Oseltamivir^αFor severe illness due to confirmed or suspected influenza virus infection in critically ill hospitalized patients *

^αFor the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVr).

Antihepatitis medicines

=Medicines for hepatitis B

Nucleoside/Nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors

* Entecavir *

=Medicines for hepatitis C

Pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral combinations

* DaclatasvirPangenotypic when used in combination with

sofosbuvir Sofosbuvir, sold under the brand name Sovaldi among others, is a medication used to treat hepatitis C. It is taken Oral administration, by mouth. Common side effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Side effects are gen ...

* Daclatasvir/sofosbuvir ( daclatasvir +

) *

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 twelve ...

(

glecaprevir Glecaprevir (INN,) is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural (NS) protein 3/ 4A protease inhibitor that was identified jointly by AbbVie and Enanta Pharmaceuticals. It is being developed as a treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection in co-fo ...

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 tr ...

) *

Sofosbuvir Sofosbuvir, sold under the brand name Sovaldi among others, is a medication used to treat hepatitis C. It is taken Oral administration, by mouth. Common side effects include fatigue, headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping. Side effects are gen ...

Pangenotypic when used in combination with daclatasvir *

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, sold under the brand name Epclusa among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication for the treatment of hepatitis C in adults. It combines sofosbuvir and velpatasvir. It is more than 90% effective for hepatitis C geno ...

(

velpatasvir Velpatasvir is an NS5A inhibitor (by Gilead) which is used together with sofosbuvir in the treatment of hepatitis C infection of all six major genotypes. Side effects Side effects in studies occurred with similar frequencies as in people treat ...

)

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 1 ...

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, sold under the trade name Harvoni among others, is a medication used to treat hepatitis C. It is a fixed-dose combination of ledipasvir and sofosbuvir. Cure rates are 94% to 99% in people infected with hepatitis C virus (H ...

( ledipasvir +

) *

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir, sold under the brand name Technivie among others, is a medication used to treat hepatitis C. It is a fixed-dose combination of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, and ritonavir. Specifically it is used together with da ...

( ombitasvir +

paritaprevir Paritaprevir (previously known as ABT-450) is an acylsulfonamide inhibitor of the NS3- 4A serine protease manufactured by Abbott Laboratories that shows promising results as a treatment of hepatitis C. When given in combination with ritonavir an ...

+ 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 hepati ...

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 * MetronidazoleAlternatives 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 of ...

Antileishmaniasis medicines

* Amphotericin B * Miltefosine *

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 g ...

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 lipo ...

meglumine antimoniate Meglumine antimoniate is a medicine used to treat leishmaniasis. This includes visceral, mucocutaneous, and cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is given by intramuscular injection, injection into a muscle or into the area infected. Side effects include ...

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 Artemisinin-based combination therapy, combination therapy, such as artesunate plus mefloquine. I ...

50 mg. * ArtemetherFor use in the management of severe malaria. * Artemether/lumefantrine ( artemether +

lumefantrine Lumefantrine (or benflumetol) is an antimalarial drug. It is only used in combination with artemether. The term "co-artemether" is sometimes used to describe this combination. Lumefantrine has a much longer half-life compared to artemether, and i ...

)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 Artemisinin-based combination therapy, combination therapy, such as artesunate plus mefloquine. I ...

To be used in combination with either amodiaquine,

mefloquine Mefloquine, sold under the brand name Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent or treat malaria. When used for prevention it is typically started before potential exposure and continued for several weeks after potential exposure. It ...

sulfadoxine Sulfadoxine (also spelled sulphadoxine) is an ultra-long-lasting sulfonamide used in combination with pyrimethamine to treat malaria.

pyrimethamine Pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Daraprim among others, is a medication used with leucovorin (leucovorin is used to decrease side effects of pyrimethamine; it does not have intrinsic anti-parasitic activity) to treat the parasitic disea ...

. *

Artesunate/amodiaquine Artesunate/amodiaquine, sold under the trade name Camoquin among others, is a medication used for the treatment of malaria. It is a combination drug, fixed-dose combination of artesunate and amodiaquine. Specifically it recommended for acute unco ...

(

+ 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/pyronaridine tetraphosphate (

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. It is one o ...

) * ChloroquineFor use only for the treatment of ''Plasmodium vivax'' infection. * Dihydroartemisinin/piperaquine phosphate (

dihydroartemisinin Dihydroartemisinin (also known as dihydroqinghaosu, artenimol or DHA) is a drug used to treat malaria. Dihydroartemisinin is the active metabolite of all artemisinin compounds (artemisinin, artesunate, artemether, etc.) and is also available as ...

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 f ...

) *

For use only in combination with quinine. *

Mefloquine Mefloquine, sold under the brand name Lariam among others, is a medication used to prevent or treat malaria. When used for prevention it is typically started before potential exposure and continued for several weeks after potential exposure. It ...

* PrimaquineOnly for use to achieve radical cure of ''Plasmodium vivax'' and ''Plasmodium ovale'' infections, given for 14 days. * QuinineFor 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 alo ...

(

sulfadoxine Sulfadoxine (also spelled sulphadoxine) is an ultra-long-lasting sulfonamide used in combination with pyrimethamine to treat malaria.

)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 alo ...

(Co-packaged) * ChloroquineFor use only in Central American regions, for ''Plasmodium vivax'' infections. *

Proguanil Proguanil, also known as chlorguanide and chloroguanide, is a medication used to treat and prevent malaria. It is often used together with chloroquine or atovaquone. When used with chloroquine the combination will treat mild chloroquine resistan ...

For use only in combination with chloroquine. *

(

sulfadoxine Sulfadoxine (also spelled sulphadoxine) is an ultra-long-lasting sulfonamide used in combination with pyrimethamine to treat malaria.

)

Antipneumocystosis and antitoxoplasmosis medicines

Pyrimethamine Pyrimethamine, sold under the brand name Daraprim among others, is a medication used with leucovorin (leucovorin is used to decrease side effects of pyrimethamine; it does not have intrinsic anti-parasitic activity) to treat the parasitic disea ...

Sulfadiazine Sulfadiazine is an antibiotic. Used together with pyrimethamine, a dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor, it is the treatment of choice for toxoplasmosis, which is caused by a protozoan parasite. It is a second-line treatment for otitis media, p ...

* Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (

+ trimethoprim) *

Pentamidine Pentamidine is an antimicrobial medication used to treat African trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, ''Balamuthia'' infections, babesiosis, and to prevent and treat pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in people with poor immune function. In African trypano ...

^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 diseas ...

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

To 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 it ...

Only to be used in combination with eflornithine, for the treatment of ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense'' infection. * Melarsoprol^α

=American trypanosomiasis

= * Benznidazole *

Medicines for ectoparasitic infections

* Ivermectin

Antimigraine medicines

For treatment of acute attack

* Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) *

(acetaminophen) *

Sumatriptan Sumatriptan, sold commonly under brand names Imitrex and Treximet among others, is a medication used to treat migraine headaches and cluster headaches. It is taken orally, intranasally, or by subcutaneous injection. Therapeutic effects gen ...

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^α * Bleomycin^α *

Calcium folinate 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 to ...

^α * Capecitabine^α * Carboplatin^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 Cyclophosphamide (CP), also known as cytophosphane among other names, is a medication used as chemotherapy and to suppress the immune system. As chemotherapy it is used to treat lymphoma, multiple myeloma, leukemia, ovarian cancer, breast cancer ...

^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 in ...

^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^α * Gemcitabine^α * Hydroxycarbamide^α * Ifosfamide^α * Irinotecan^α * Melphalan^α * Mercaptopurine^α *

Methotrexate Methotrexate (MTX), formerly known as amethopterin, is a chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant. It is used to treat cancer, autoimmune diseases, and ectopic pregnancies. Types of cancers it is used for include breast cancer, leuke ...

^α *

Oxaliplatin Oxaliplatin, sold under the brand name Eloxatin among others, is a cancer medication (platinum-based antineoplastic class) used to treat colorectal cancer. It is given by injection into a vein. Common side effects include numbness, feeling ti ...

^α * Paclitaxel^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 dexametha ...

^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^α *

Vinorelbine Vinorelbine (NVB), sold under the brand name Navelbine among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. It is given by injection into a vein or by mou ...

^α

Targeted therapies

* All-trans retinoic acid ( tretinoin) (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 treat ...

and gefitinib are alternatives * Everolimus^α * Ibrutinib^α *

Imatinib Imatinib, sold under the brand names Gleevec and Glivec (both marketed worldwide by Novartis) among others, is an oral chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. Imatinib is a small molecule inhibitor targeting multiple receptor tyrosine kin ...

^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^α

Immunomodulators

* Filgrastim^α *

Lenalidomide Lenalidomide, sold under the trade name Revlimid among others, is a medication used to treat multiple myeloma, smoldering myeloma, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). For multiple myeloma, it is used after at least one other treatment and gene ...

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

Hormones and antihormones

Abiraterone Abiraterone acetate, sold under the brand name Zytiga among others, is a medication used to treat prostate cancer. Specifically it is used together with a corticosteroid for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and metastat ...

^αAlternatives limited to enzalutamide * Anastrozole^αAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (L02BG Aromatase inhibitors) * Bicalutamide^αAlternatives limited to flutamide and nilutamide * Dexamethasone^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 castra ...

^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^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 -DOPA, also known as levodopa and -3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, is an amino acid that is made and used as part of the normal biology of some plants and animals, including humans. Humans, as well as a portion of the other animals that utilize -DOPA ...

+ 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 kno ...

* 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 kno ...

+ folic acid) * Folic acidpericonceptual use for prevention of first occurrence of neural tube defects * Hydroxocobalamin *

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 th ...

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 treat ...

beta Beta (, ; uppercase , lowercase , or cursive ; grc, βῆτα, bē̂ta or ell, βήτα, víta) is the second letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals, it has a value of 2. In Modern Greek, it represents the voiced labiod ...

and theta,

darbepoetin alfa Darbepoetin alfa (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-fold longer serum half-life compare ...

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 u ...

, 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 *

Enoxaparin Enoxaparin sodium, sold under the brand name Lovenox among others, is an anticoagulant medication (blood thinner). It is used to treat and prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) including during pregnancy and following c ...

Alternatives are limited to

dalteparin Dalteparin is a low molecular weight heparin. It is marketed as Fragmin. Like other low molecular weight heparins, dalteparin is used for prophylaxis or treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to reduce the risk of a stroke or ...

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. ...

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 eith ...

* Warfarin * Desmopressin^α *

^α *

^α * Warfarin^α

Other medicines for haemoglobinopathies

^αAlternatives are limited to the oral form of deferasirox. * Hydroxycarbamide^α

Blood products of human origin and plasma substitutes

Blood and blood components

* Fresh frozen plasma *

Platelets Platelets, also called thrombocytes (from Greek θρόμβος, "clot" and κύτος, "cell"), are a component of blood whose function (along with the coagulation factors) is to react to bleeding from blood vessel injury by clumping, thereby ini ...

Red blood cells Red blood cells (RBCs), also referred to as red cells, red blood corpuscles (in humans or other animals not having nucleus in red blood cells), haematids, erythroid cells or erythrocytes (from Greek language, Greek ''erythros'' for "red" and ''k ...

* 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 70 Dextran 70 is a type of fluid given by intravenous, injection into a vein to expand blood volume. Specifically it is used for Shock (circulatory), shock such as that caused by bleeding or burns when blood transfusions are not quickly available. H ...

Polygeline, injectable solution, 3.5% is considered an alternative.

Cardiovascular medicines

Antianginal medicines

* BisoprololIncludes

carvedilol Carvedilol, sold under the brand name Coreg among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, congestive heart failure (CHF), and left ventricular dysfunction in people who are otherwise stable. For high blood pressure, it is gen ...

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 ...

* Isosorbide dinitrate * Verapamil

Antiarrhythmic medicines

* Bisoprolol *

Digoxin Digoxin (better known as Digitalis), sold under the brand name Lanoxin among others, is a medication used to treat various heart conditions. Most frequently it is used for atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, and heart failure. Digoxin is on ...

(adrenaline) *

* Verapamil * Amiodarone^α

Antihypertensive medicines

* AmlodipineAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C08CA Dihydropyridine derivatives) * BisoprololIncludes atenolol,

, 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 hypertension, high blood pressure, edema, swelling including that due to heart failure, liver failure, and nephrotic syndrome, diabetes insipidus, and re ...

, and indapamide * Lisinopril/amlodipine ( lisinopril + amlodipine)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) * MethyldopaMethyldopa 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)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, sold under the brand name Micardis HCT among others, is a fixed-dose combination medication used to treat high blood pressure. It is a combination of telmisartan an angiotensin II receptor antagonist with hydroc ...

( 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 *

* EnalaprilAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) * FurosemideAlternatives 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 *

Dopamine Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic compound, organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. Dopamine const ...

^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 t ...

Thrombolytic medicines

* Alteplase^α * Streptokinase^α

Lipid-lowering agents

* SimvastatinFor use in high‐risk patients. Alternatives limited to atorvastatin,

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 Essenti ...

, 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 Selenium sulfide can refer to either of the following: * Selenium disulfide, SeS2 * Selenium hexasulfide, Se2S6 {{Short pages monitor