The WHO Model List of Essential Medicines (aka Essential Medicines List or EML), published by the

World Health Organization The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health. The WHO Constitution states its main objective as "the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of h ...

(WHO), contains the medications considered to be most effective and safe to meet the most important needs in a health system. The list is frequently used by countries to help develop their own local lists of

essential medicine Essential medicines, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), are the medicines that "satisfy the priority health care needs of the population". These are the medications to which people should have access at all times in sufficient a ...

s. , more than 155 countries have created national lists of essential medicines based on the World Health Organization's model list. This includes both developed and developing countries. The list is divided into core items and complementary items. The core items are deemed to be the most

cost-effective Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) is a form of economic analysis that compares the relative costs and outcomes (effects) of different courses of action. Cost-effectiveness analysis is distinct from cost–benefit analysis, which assigns a monetar ...

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 A health professional, healthcare professional, or healthcare worker (sometimes abbreviated HCW) is a provider of health care treatment and advice based on formal training and experience. The field includes those who work as a nurse, physician (suc ...

diagnostic equipment A medical device is any device intended to be used for medical purposes. Significant potential for hazards are inherent when using a device for medical purposes and thus medical devices must be proved safe and effective with reasonable assura ...

or have a lower cost–benefit ratio. About 25% of items are in the complementary list. Some medications are listed as both core and complementary. While most medications on the list are available as generic products, being under

patent A patent is a type of intellectual property that gives its owner the legal right to exclude others from making, using, or selling an invention for a limited period of time in exchange for publishing an enabling disclosure of the invention."A p ...

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 Formulation is a term used in various senses in various applications, both the material and the abstract or formal. Its fundamental meaning is the putting together of components in appropriate relationships or structures, according to a formul ...

. 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 Nitrous oxide (dinitrogen oxide or dinitrogen monoxide), commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous, or nos, is a chemical compound, an oxide of nitrogen with the formula . At room temperature, it is a colourless non-flammable gas, and has a ...

Oxygen Oxygen is the chemical element with the symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a member of the chalcogen group in the periodic table, a highly reactive nonmetal, and an oxidizing agent that readily forms oxides with most elements as wel ...

Injectable medicines

Ketamine Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used medically for induction and maintenance of anesthesia. It is also used as a recreational drug. It is one of the safest anesthetics, as, in contrast with opiates, ether, and propofol, it suppresses ...

* Propofol

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 p ...

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

Local anaesthetics

Bupivacaine Bupivacaine, marketed under the brand name Marcaine among others, is a medication used to decrease feeling in a specific area. In nerve blocks, it is injected around a nerve that supplies the area, or into the spinal canal's epidural space. I ...

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 Ephedrine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is often used to prevent low blood pressure during anesthesia. It has also been used for asthma, narcolepsy, and obesity but is not the preferred treatment. It is of unclear benefit in ...

^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 Midazolam, sold under the brand name Versed among others, is a benzodiazepine medication used for anesthesia and procedural sedation, and to treat severe agitation. It works by inducing sleepiness, decreasing anxiety, and causing a loss of ...

Morphine Morphine is a strong opiate that is found naturally in opium, a dark brown resin in poppies (''Papaver somniferum''). It is mainly used as a analgesic, pain medication, and is also commonly used recreational drug, recreationally, or to make ...

Medical gases

No more than 30% oxygen should be used to initiate resuscitation of neonates less than or equal to 32 weeks of gestation.

Medicines for pain and palliative care

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

Acetylsalicylic acid Aspirin, also known as acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain, fever, and/or inflammation, and as an antithrombotic. Specific inflammatory conditions which aspirin is used to treat ...

(aspirin) * IbuprofenNot 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 *

Fentanyl Fentanyl, also spelled fentanil, is a very potent synthetic opioid used as a pain medication. Together with other drugs, fentanyl is used for anesthesia. It is also used illicitly as a recreational drug, sometimes mixed with heroin, cocain ...

For the management of cancer pain *

Alternatives limited to

hydromorphone Hydromorphone, also known as dihydromorphinone, and sold under the brand name Dilaudid among others, is an opioid used to treat moderate to severe pain. Typically, long-term use is only recommended for pain due to cancer. It may be used by mou ...

and

oxycodone Oxycodone, sold under various brand names such as Roxicodone and OxyContin (which is the extended release form), is a strong, semi-synthetic opioid used medically for treatment of moderate to severe pain. It is highly addictive and a commonly ...

Methadone Methadone, sold under the brand names Dolophine and Methadose among others, is a synthetic opioid agonist used for chronic pain and also for opioid dependence. It is used to treat chronic pain, and it is also used to treat addiction to heroin ...

^αFor the management of cancer pain.

Medicines for other common symptoms in palliative care

Amitriptyline Amitriptyline, sold under the brand name Elavil among others, is a tricyclic antidepressant primarily used to treat cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), major depressive disorder and a variety of pain syndromes from neuropathic pain to fibromyalgi ...

Cyclizine Cyclizine, sold under a number of brand names, is a medication used to treat and prevent nausea, vomiting and dizziness due to motion sickness or vertigo. It may also be used for nausea after general anaesthesia or that which developed from opio ...

Dexamethasone Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid medication used to treat rheumatic problems, a number of skin diseases, severe allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease, croup, brain swelling, eye pain following eye surgery, superior vena ...

Diazepam Diazepam, first marketed as Valium, is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, ...

* Docusate sodium * Fluoxetine *

Haloperidol Haloperidol, sold under the brand name Haldol among others, is a typical antipsychotic medication. Haloperidol is used in the treatment of schizophrenia, tics in Tourette syndrome, mania in bipolar disorder, delirium, agitation, acute psychosi ...

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 Scopolamine, also known as hyoscine, or Devil's Breath, is a natural or synthetically produced tropane alkaloid and anticholinergic drug that is formally used as a medication for treating motion sickness and postoperative nausea and vomiting ...

Lactulose Lactulose is a non-absorbable sugar used in the treatment of constipation and hepatic encephalopathy. It is used by mouth for constipation and either by mouth or in the rectum for hepatic encephalopathy. It generally begins working after 8–12 ...

Loperamide Loperamide, sold under the brand name Imodium, among others,Drugs.co Page accessed September 4, 2015 is a medication used to decrease the frequency of diarrhea. It is often used for this purpose in inflammatory bowel disease and short bowel syn ...

Metoclopramide Metoclopramide is a medication used for stomach and esophageal problems. It is commonly used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting, to help with emptying of the stomach in people with delayed stomach emptying, and to help with gastroesoph ...

Ondansetron Ondansetron, sold under the brand name Zofran among others, is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery. It is also effective for treating gastroenteritis. It can be given by ...

Alternatives limited to

dolasetron Dolasetron (trade name Anzemet) is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy. Its main effect is to reduce the activity of the vagus nerve, which is a nerve that activates the vomiting center i ...

, granisetron,

palonosetron Palonosetron, sold under the brand name Aloxi, is used for the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). It is a 5-HT3 antagonist. Palonosetron is administered intravenously, or as a single oral capsule. Freel ...

, and

tropisetron Tropisetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist used mainly as an antiemetic to treat nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy, although it has been used experimentally as an analgesic in cases of fibromyalgia. It was patented in 1982 ...

* Senna

Antiallergics and medicines used in anaphylaxis

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 Hydrocortisone is the name for the hormone cortisol when supplied as a medication. Uses include conditions such as adrenocortical insufficiency, adrenogenital syndrome, high blood calcium, thyroiditis, rheumatoid arthritis, dermatitis, asthm ...

Loratadine Loratadine, sold under the brand name Claritin among others, is a medication used to treat allergies. This includes allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and hives. It is also available in combination with pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, known as lora ...

Alternatives limited to

cetirizine Cetirizine, sold under the brand name Zyrtec among others, is a second-generation antihistamine used to treat allergic rhinitis (hay fever), dermatitis, and urticaria (hives). It is taken by mouth. Effects generally begin within thirty minutes a ...

and

fexofenadine Fexofenadine, sold under the brand name Allegra among others, is an antihistamine pharmaceutical drug used in the treatment of allergy symptoms, such as hay fever and urticaria. Therapeutically, fexofenadine is a selective peripheral H1 block ...

There may be a role for sedating antihistamines for limited indications (EMLc). *

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

Alternatives limited to

prednisone Prednisone is a glucocorticoid medication mostly used to suppress the immune system and decrease inflammation in conditions such as asthma, COPD, and rheumatologic diseases. It is also used to treat high blood calcium due to cancer and ad ...

Antidotes and other substances used in poisonings

Non-specific

* Charcoal, activated

Specific

* Acetylcysteine *

Calcium gluconate Calcium gluconate is a mineral supplement and medication. As a medication it is used by injection into a vein to treat low blood calcium, high blood potassium, and magnesium toxicity. Supplementation is generally only required when there is n ...

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 Naloxone, sold under the brand names Narcan (4 mg) and Kloxxado (8 mg) among others, is a medication used to reverse or reduce the effects of opioids. It is commonly used to counter decreased breathing in opioid overdose. Effects begin withi ...

Penicillamine Penicillamine, sold under the brand name of Cuprimine among others, is a medication primarily used for the treatment of Wilson's disease. It is also used for people with kidney stones who have high urine cystine levels, rheumatoid arthritis, ...

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(Cyani ...

Sodium nitrite Sodium nitrite is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaNO2. It is a white to slightly yellowish crystalline powder that is very soluble in water and is hygroscopic. From an industrial perspective, it is the most important nitrite ...

Sodium thiosulfate Sodium thiosulfate (sodium thiosulphate) is an inorganic compound with the formula . Typically it is available as the white or colorless pentahydrate, . The solid is an efflorescent (loses water readily) crystalline substance that dissolves well in ...

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 Dimercaprol, also called British anti-Lewisite (BAL), is a medication used to treat acute poisoning by arsenic, mercury, gold, and lead. It may also be used for antimony, thallium, or bismuth poisoning, although the evidence for those uses is n ...

^α *

Fomepizole Fomepizole, also known as 4-methylpyrazole, is a medication used to treat methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning. It may be used alone or together with hemodialysis. It is given by injection into a vein. Common side effects include headache, ...

^α * Sodium calcium edetate^α * Succimer^α

Anticonvulsants/antiepileptics

Carbamazepine Carbamazepine (CBZ), sold under the trade name Tegretol among others, is an anticonvulsant medication used primarily in the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It is used as an adjunctive treatment in schizophrenia along with other m ...

* LamotrigineFor use as adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant partial or generalized seizures. *

Lorazepam Lorazepam, sold under the brand name Ativan among others, is a benzodiazepine medication. It is used to treat anxiety disorders, trouble sleeping, severe agitation, active seizures including status epilepticus, alcohol withdrawal, and c ...

Alternatives limited to

diazepam Diazepam, first marketed as Valium, is a medicine of the benzodiazepine family that acts as an anxiolytic. It is commonly used to treat a range of conditions, including anxiety, seizures, alcohol withdrawal syndrome, muscle spasms, insomnia, ...

and

midazolam Midazolam, sold under the brand name Versed among others, is a benzodiazepine medication used for anesthesia and procedural sedation, and to treat severe agitation. It works by inducing sleepiness, decreasing anxiety, and causing a loss of ...

Magnesium sulfate Magnesium sulfate or magnesium sulphate (in English-speaking countries other than the US) is a chemical compound, a salt with the formula , consisting of magnesium cations (20.19% by mass) and sulfate anions . It is a white crystalline solid, ...

For use in eclampsia and severe pre‐eclampsia and not for other convulsant disorders. *

For buccal administration when solution for oromucosal administration is not available. *

Phenobarbital Phenobarbital, also known as phenobarbitone or phenobarb, sold under the brand name Luminal among others, is a medication of the barbiturate type. It is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the treatment of certain types of ep ...

Phenytoin Phenytoin (PHT), sold under the brand name Dilantin among others, is an anti-seizure medication. It is useful for the prevention of tonic-clonic seizures (also known as grand mal seizures) and focal seizures, but not absence seizures. The intr ...

The presence of both 25 mg/5 mL and 30 mg/5 mL strengths on the same market would cause confusion in prescribing and dispensing and should be avoided. *

Valproic acid Valproate (VPA) and its valproic acid, sodium valproate, and valproate semisodium forms are medications primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder and prevent migraine headaches. They are useful for the prevention of seizures in those ...

(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 Ethosuximide, sold under the brand name Zarontin among others, is a medication used to treat absence seizures. It may be used by itself or with other antiseizure medications such as valproic acid. Ethosuximide is taken by mouth. Ethosuximide i ...

^α *

(sodium valproate)^α

Anti-infective medicines

Anthelminthics

Intestinal anthelminthics

Albendazole Albendazole (also known as albendazolum) is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic and antiprotozoal agent of the benzimidazole type. It is used for the treatment of a variety of intestinal parasite infections, including ascariasis, pinworm infection, ho ...

Ivermectin Ivermectin (, '' EYE-vər-MEK-tin'') is an antiparasitic drug. After its discovery in 1975, its first uses were in veterinary medicine to prevent and treat heartworm and acariasis. Approved for human use in 1987, today it is used to treat i ...

Levamisole Levamisole, sold under the brand name Ergamisol among others, is a medication used to treat parasitic worm infections, specifically ascariasis and hookworm infections. It is taken by mouth. Side effects may include abdominal pain, vomiting, ...

Mebendazole Mebendazole (MBZ), sold under the brand name Vermox among others, is a medication used to treat a number of parasitic worm infestations. This includes ascariasis, pinworm infection, hookworm infections, guinea worm infections, hydatid disea ...

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 Praziquantel (PZQ), sold under the brandname Biltricide among others, is a medication used to treat a number of types of helminthiasis, parasitic worm infections in mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, and fish. In humans specifically, it is us ...

Pyrantel Pyrantel is a medication used to treat a number of parasitic worm infections. This includes ascariasis, hookworm infections, enterobiasis (pinworm infection), trichostrongyliasis, and trichinellosis. It is taken by mouth. Side effects include n ...

Antifilarials

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

Antischistosomals and other antinematode medicines

Triclabendazole Triclabendazole, sold under the brand name Egaten among others, is a medication used to treat fascioliasis and paragonimiasis. It is very effective for both conditions. Treatment in hospital may be required. It is taken by mouth with typically ...

Oxamniquine Oxamniquine, sold under the brand name Vansil among others, is a medication used to treat schistosomiasis due to '' Schistosoma mansoni''. Praziquantel, however, is often the preferred treatment. It is given by mouth and used as a single dose. ...

^αOxamniquine is listed for use when praziquantel treatment fails.

Cysticidal medicines

^α *

^α

Antibacterials

Access group antibiotics

Amikacin Amikacin is an antibiotic medication used for a number of bacterial infections. This includes joint infections, intra-abdominal infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. It is also used for the treatment of mu ...

Amoxicillin Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections. These include middle ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections among others. It is taken by mouth, or less c ...

Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, also known as co-amoxiclav or amox-clav, sold under the brand name Augmentin, among others, is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. It is a combination consisting of a ...

(

amoxicillin Amoxicillin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections. These include middle ear infection, strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections among others. It is taken by mouth, or less c ...

clavulanic acid Clavulanic acid is a β-lactam drug that functions as a mechanism-based β-lactamase inhibitor. While not effective by itself as an antibiotic, when combined with penicillin-group antibiotics, it can overcome antibiotic resistance in bacteria t ...

) *

Ampicillin Ampicillin is an antibiotic used to prevent and treat a number of bacterial infections, such as respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, meningitis, salmonellosis, and endocarditis. It may also be used to prevent group B strepto ...

Benzathine benzylpenicillin Benzathine benzylpenicillin, also known as benzathine penicillin G, is an antibiotic medication useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used to treat strep throat, diphtheria, syphilis, and yaws. It is a ...

Benzylpenicillin Benzylpenicillin, also known as penicillin G (PenG) or BENPEN, and in military slang "Peanut Butter Shot" is an antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. This includes pneumonia, strep throat, syphilis, necrotizing enterocolitis ...

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 Cefazolin, also known as cefazoline and cephazolin, is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used to treat cellulitis, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, e ...

> 1 month. * ChloramphenicolOnly 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 ...

Cloxacillin Cloxacillin is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. This includes impetigo, cellulitis, pneumonia, septic arthritis, and otitis externa. It is not effective for methicillin-resistant ''Staphylococcus aureus ...

Alternatives 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 Metronidazole, sold under the brand name Flagyl among others, is an antibiotic and antiprotozoal medication. It is used either alone or with other antibiotics to treat pelvic inflammatory disease, endocarditis, and bacterial vaginosis. It i ...

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 Phenoxymethylpenicillin, also known as penicillin V (PcV) and penicillin VK, is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used for the treatment of strep throat, otitis media, and cellulitis. ...

(penicillin V) *

Procaine benzylpenicillin Procaine benzylpenicillin also known as penicillin G procaine, is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used for syphilis, anthrax, mouth infections, pneumonia, diphtheria, cellulitis, and ...

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. *

Spectinomycin Spectinomycin, sold under the tradename Trobicin among others, is an antibiotic useful for the treatment of gonorrhea infections. It is given by injection into a muscle. Common side effects include pain at the area of injection, rash, nausea, f ...

* Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim ( sulfamethoxazole +

trimethoprim Trimethoprim (TMP) is an antibiotic used mainly in the treatment of bladder infections. Other uses include for middle ear infections and travelers' diarrhea. With sulfamethoxazole or dapsone it may be used for ''Pneumocystis'' pneumonia in peo ...

) *

Trimethoprim Trimethoprim (TMP) is an antibiotic used mainly in the treatment of bladder infections. Other uses include for middle ear infections and travelers' diarrhea. With sulfamethoxazole or dapsone it may be used for ''Pneumocystis'' pneumonia in peo ...

Watch group antibiotics

Azithromycin Azithromycin, sold under the brand names Zithromax (in oral form) and Azasite (as an eye drop), is an antibiotic medication used for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. This includes middle ear infections, strep throat, pneumon ...

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 Cefuroxime, sold under the brand name Zinacef among others, is a second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat and prevent a number of bacterial infections. These include pneumonia, meningitis, otitis media, sepsis, urinary tract inf ...

Ciprofloxacin Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used to treat a number of bacterial infections. This includes bone and joint infections, intra abdominal infections, certain types of infectious diarrhea, respiratory tract infections, skin inf ...

Clarithromycin Clarithromycin, sold under the brand name Biaxin among others, is an antibiotic used to treat various bacterial infections. This includes strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, ''H. pylori'' infection, and Lyme disease, among others. Clarith ...

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 Piperacillin is a broad-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic of the ureidopenicillin class. The chemical structure of piperacillin and other ureidopenicillins incorporates a polar side chain that enhances penetration into Gram-negative bacteria and red ...

tazobactam Tazobactam is a pharmaceutical drug that inhibits the action of bacterial β-lactamases, especially those belonging to the SHV-1 and TEM groups. It is commonly used as its sodium salt, tazobactam sodium. In simple terms, it is an ingredient t ...

) *

Vancomycin Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections. It is recommended intravenously as a treatment for complicated skin infections, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, bone and joint infections, ...

Ceftazidime Ceftazidime, sold under the brand name Fortaz among others, is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used for joint infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, ...

^α *

Meropenem Meropenem, sold under the brand name Merrem among others, is an intravenous β-lactam antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Some of these include meningitis, intra-abdominal infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and anthrax. ...

^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 *

^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 Ceftazidime, sold under the brand name Fortaz among others, is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic useful for the treatment of a number of bacterial infections. Specifically it is used for joint infections, meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, ...

+ avibactam)^α *

Colistin Colistin, also known as polymyxin E, is an antibiotic medication used as a last-resort treatment for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections including pneumonia. These may involve bacteria such as ''Pseudomonas aeruginosa'', '' Klebsiella ...

^α *

Fosfomycin Fosfomycin, sold under the brand name Monurol among others, is an antibiotic primarily used to treat lower UTI. It is not indicated for kidney infections. Occasionally it is used for prostate infections. It is generally taken by mouth. Comm ...

^α *

Linezolid Linezolid is an antibiotic used for the treatment of infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics. Linezolid is active against most Gram-positive bacteria that cause disease, including streptococci, van ...

^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 Meropenem, sold under the brand name Merrem among others, is an intravenous β-lactam antibiotic used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Some of these include meningitis, intra-abdominal infection, pneumonia, sepsis, and anthrax. ...

+ vaborbactam)^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 Polymyxin B, sold under the brand name Poly-Rx among others, is an antibiotic used to treat meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, and urinary tract infections. While it is useful for many Gram negative infections, it is not useful for Gram positive inf ...

^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 sup ...

* Dapsone * Rifampicin

Antituberculosis medicines

Ethambutol Ethambutol (EMB, E) is a medication primarily used to treat tuberculosis. It is usually given in combination with other tuberculosis medications, such as isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. It may also be used to treat ''Mycobacterium avi ...

Ethambutol/isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampicin Ethambutol/isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampicin, also known as ethambutol/isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampin, is a medication used for tuberculosis. It is a fixed dose combination of ethambutol, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and rifampicin. It is used eithe ...

(

ethambutol Ethambutol (EMB, E) is a medication primarily used to treat tuberculosis. It is usually given in combination with other tuberculosis medications, such as isoniazid, rifampicin and pyrazinamide. It may also be used to treat ''Mycobacterium avi ...

isoniazid Isoniazid, also known as isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH), is an antibiotic used for the treatment of tuberculosis. For active tuberculosis it is often used together with rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and either streptomycin or ethambutol. For la ...

pyrazinamide Pyrazinamide is a medication used to treat tuberculosis. For active tuberculosis, it is often used with rifampicin, isoniazid, and either streptomycin or ethambutol. It is not generally recommended for the treatment of latent tuberculosis. I ...

+ rifampicin) * Ethambutol/isoniazid/rifampicin (

+ rifampicin) *

Isoniazid Isoniazid, also known as isonicotinic acid hydrazide (INH), is an antibiotic used for the treatment of tuberculosis. For active tuberculosis it is often used together with rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and either streptomycin or ethambutol. For la ...

* Isoniazid/pyrazinamide/rifampicin (

+ rifampicin) * Isoniazid/rifampicin (

+ rifampicin) * Isoniazid/rifapentine (

rifapentine Rifapentine, sold under the brand name Priftin, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. In active tuberculosis it is used together with other antituberculosis medications. In latent tuberculosis it is typically used with isoniaz ...

) *

Moxifloxacin Moxifloxacin is an antibiotic, used to treat bacterial infections, including pneumonia, conjunctivitis, endocarditis, tuberculosis, and sinusitis. It can be given by mouth, by injection into a vein, and as an eye drop. Common side effects in ...

Pyrazinamide Pyrazinamide is a medication used to treat tuberculosis. For active tuberculosis, it is often used with rifampicin, isoniazid, and either streptomycin or ethambutol. It is not generally recommended for the treatment of latent tuberculosis. I ...

Rifabutin Rifabutin (Rfb) is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis and prevent and treat ''Mycobacterium avium'' complex. It is typically only used in those who cannot tolerate rifampin such as people with HIV/AIDS on antiretrovirals. For active tuber ...

For use only in patients with HIV receiving protease inhibitors * Rifampicin *

Rifapentine Rifapentine, sold under the brand name Priftin, is an antibiotic used in the treatment of tuberculosis. In active tuberculosis it is used together with other antituberculosis medications. In latent tuberculosis it is typically used with isoniaz ...

^α *

(

)^αFor use only in combination with meropenem or imipenem/cilastatin *

Bedaquiline Bedaquiline, sold under the brand name Sirturo, is a medication used to treat active tuberculosis. Specifically, it is used to treat multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) along with other medications for tuberculosis. It is used by mouth. ...

^α≥ 5 years *

^α *

Cycloserine Cycloserine, sold under the brand name Seromycin, is a GABA transaminase inhibitor and an antibiotic, used to treat tuberculosis. Specifically it is used, along with other antituberculosis medications, for active drug resistant tuberculosis. It ...

^α Terizidone 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 Ethionamide is an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis. Specifically it is used, along with other antituberculosis medications, to treat active multidrug-resistant tuberculosis. It is no longer recommended for leprosy. It is taken by mouth. Et ...

^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 Levofloxacin, sold under the brand name Levaquin among others, is an antibiotic medication. It is used to treat a number of bacterial infections including acute bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia, H. pylori (in combination with other medications), ...

^α *

^αImipenem/cilastatin may be an alternative *

^α * P-aminosalicylic acid^α *

Streptomycin Streptomycin is an antibiotic medication used to treat a number of bacterial infections, including tuberculosis, ''Mycobacterium avium'' complex, endocarditis, brucellosis, ''Burkholderia'' infection, plague, tularemia, and rat bite fever. Fo ...

^α

Antifungal medicines

Amphotericin B Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used for serious mycosis, fungal infections and leishmaniasis. The fungal infections it is used to treat include mucormycosis, aspergillosis, blastomycosis, candida infections, candidiasis, coccidioidomy ...

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 i ...

Fluconazole Fluconazole is an antifungal medication used for a number of fungal infections. This includes candidiasis, blastomycosis, coccidiodomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, dermatophytosis, and pityriasis versicolor. It is also used to pr ...

Flucytosine Flucytosine, also known as 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC), is an antifungal medication. It is specifically used, together with amphotericin B, for serious ''Candida'' infections and cryptococcosis. It may be used by itself or with other antifungals for ...

Griseofulvin Griseofulvin is an antifungal medication used to treat a number of types of dermatophytoses (ringworm). This includes fungal infections of the nails and scalp, as well as the skin when antifungal creams have not worked. It is taken by mouth. C ...

Itraconazole Itraconazole, sometimes abbreviated ITZ, is an antifungal medication used to treat a number of fungal infections. This includes aspergillosis, blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, and paracoccidioidomycosis. It may be given by mo ...

For treatment of chronic pulmonary

aspergillosis Aspergillosis is a fungal infection of usually the lungs, caused by the genus ''Aspergillus'', a common mould that is breathed in frequently from the air around, but does not usually affect most people. It generally occurs in people with lung di ...

histoplasmosis Histoplasmosis is a fungal infection caused by '' Histoplasma capsulatum''. Symptoms of this infection vary greatly, but the disease affects primarily the lungs. Occasionally, other organs are affected; called disseminated histoplasmosis, it can ...

sporotrichosis Sporotrichosis, also known as rose handler's disease, is a fungal infection that affects skin, lungs, bone and joint, and can be widespread. It presents with firm painless nodules that later ulcerate. It can be localized or widespread. The dise ...

paracoccidioidomycosis Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM), also known as South American blastomycosis, is a fungal infection that can occur as a mouth and skin type, lymphangitic type, multi-organ involvement type (particularly lungs), or mixed type. If there are mouth ulce ...

, mycoses caused by '' Talaromyces marneffei'' and chromoblastomycosis; and prophylaxis of histoplasmosis and infections caused by ''T. marneffei'' in AIDS patients. *

Nystatin Nystatin, sold under the brandname Mycostatin among others, is an antifungal medication. It is used to treat '' Candida'' infections of the skin including diaper rash, thrush, esophageal candidiasis, and vaginal yeast infections. It may also be ...

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- ...

^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 Potassium iodide is a chemical compound, medication, and dietary supplement. It is a medication used for treating hyperthyroidism, in radiation emergencies, and for protecting the thyroid gland when certain types of radiopharmaceuticals are u ...

^α

Antiviral medicines

Antiherpes medicines

Aciclovir Aciclovir (ACV), also known as acyclovir, is an antiviral medication. It is primarily used for the treatment of herpes simplex virus infections, chickenpox, and shingles. Other uses include prevention of cytomegalovirus infections following tra ...

Alternatives 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 *

Lamivudine Lamivudine, commonly called 3TC, is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B when other options are not possible. It is effective against both HIV-1 and HIV-2. It is typicall ...

* Tenofovir disoproxil fumaratealso indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis. *

Zidovudine Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as azidothymidine (AZT), is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use in combination with other antiretrovirals. It may be used to prevent mother-to-child ...

=Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

= * Efavirenz *

Nevirapine Nevirapine (NVP), sold under the brand name Viramune among others, is a medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS, specifically HIV-1. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretroviral medications. It may be used to prevent mothe ...

=Protease inhibitors

* Atazanavir/ritonavir (

atazanavir Atazanavir, sold under the brand name Reyataz among others, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It may be used for prevention after a needlestick injury or other ...

ritonavir Ritonavir, sold under the brand name Norvir, is an antiretroviral drug used along with other medications to treat HIV/AIDS. This combination treatment is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor ...

) *

Darunavir Darunavir (DRV), sold under the brand name Prezista among others, is an antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use with other antiretrovirals. It is often used with low doses of ritonavir or ...

Lopinavir/ritonavir Lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r), sold under the brand name Kaletra among others, is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication for the treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. It combines lopinavir with a low dose of ritonavir. It is generall ...

(

lopinavir Lopinavir is an anti retroviral of the protease inhibitor class. It is used against HIV infections as a fixed-dose combination with another protease inhibitor, ritonavir (lopinavir/ritonavir). It was patented in 1995 and approved for medical ...

) *

Ritonavir Ritonavir, sold under the brand name Norvir, is an antiretroviral drug used along with other medications to treat HIV/AIDS. This combination treatment is known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Ritonavir is a protease inhibitor ...

=Integrase inhibitors

= *

Dolutegravir Dolutegravir (DTG), sold under the brand name Tivicay, is an antiretroviral medication used, together with other medication, to treat HIV/AIDS. It may also be used, as part of post exposure prophylaxis, to prevent HIV infection following potentia ...

Raltegravir Raltegravir, sold under the brand name Isentress, is an antiretroviral medication used, together with other medication, to treat HIV/AIDS. It may also be used, as part of post exposure prophylaxis, to prevent HIV infection following potential ex ...

For use in pregnant women and in second-line regimens in accordance with WHO treatment guidelines.

=Fixed-dose combinations of antiretroviral medicines

= *

Abacavir/lamivudine Abacavir/lamivudine, 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 antiretroviral ...

( abacavir +

lamivudine Lamivudine, commonly called 3TC, is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is also used to treat chronic hepatitis B when other options are not possible. It is effective against both HIV-1 and HIV-2. It is typicall ...

) * Dolutegravir/lamivudine/tenofovir (

dolutegravir Dolutegravir (DTG), sold under the brand name Tivicay, is an antiretroviral medication used, together with other medication, to treat HIV/AIDS. It may also be used, as part of post exposure prophylaxis, to prevent HIV infection following potentia ...

tenofovir 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 ...

) * Efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovirAlternatives limited to lamivudine (for emtricitabine) * Efavirenz/lamivudine/tenofovir ( efavirenz +

) *

Emtricitabine/tenofovir Emtricitabine/tenofovir, sold under the brand name Truvada among others, is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used to treat and prevent HIV/AIDS. It contains the antiretroviral medications emtricitabine and tenofovir disopro ...

(

emtricitabine Emtricitabine (commonly called FTC, systematic name 2',3'-dideoxy-5-fluoro-3'-thiacytidine), with trade name Emtriva (formerly Coviracil), is a nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) for the prevention and treatment of HIV infection i ...

)combination also indicated for pre-exposure prophylaxis *

Lamivudine/zidovudine Lamivudine/zidovudine, sold under the brand name Combivir among others, is a fixed-dose combination antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV/AIDS. It contains two antiretroviral medications, lamivudine and zidovudine. It is used together with ...

(

zidovudine Zidovudine (ZDV), also known as azidothymidine (AZT), is an antiretroviral medication used to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. It is generally recommended for use in combination with other antiretrovirals. It may be used to prevent mother-to-child ...

)

=Medicines for prevention of HIV-related opportunistic infections

= * Isoniazid/pyridoxine/sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (

+ pyridoxine + sulfamethoxazole +

)

=Other antivirals

= *

Ribavirin Ribavirin, also known as tribavirin, is an antiviral medication used to treat RSV infection, hepatitis C and some viral hemorrhagic fevers. For hepatitis C, it is used in combination with other medications such as simeprevir, sofosbuvir, pe ...

For the treatment of viral haemorrhagic fevers *

Valganciclovir Valganciclovir, sold under the brand name Valcyte among others, is an antiviral medication used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in those with HIV/AIDS or following organ transplant. It is often used long term as it only suppresses rath ...

For the treatment of cytomegalovirus retinitis (CMVr). *

Oseltamivir Oseltamivir, sold under the brand name Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. Many medical organizations recommend it in people who have complications or are at high ...

^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 Entecavir (ETV), sold under the brand name Baraclude, is an antiviral medication used in the treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In those with both HIV/AIDS and HBV antiretroviral medication should also be used. Entecavir is taken by ...

* Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate

=Medicines for hepatitis C

Pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral combinations

Daclatasvir Daclatasvir, sold under the brand name Daklinza, is an antiviral medication used in combination with other medications to treat hepatitis C (HCV). The other medications used in combination include sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and interferon, vary depe ...

Pangenotypic when used in combination with sofosbuvir * Daclatasvir/sofosbuvir (

daclatasvir Daclatasvir, sold under the brand name Daklinza, is an antiviral medication used in combination with other medications to treat hepatitis C (HCV). The other medications used in combination include sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and interferon, vary depe ...

+ sofosbuvir) * Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (

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) * SofosbuvirPangenotypic when used in combination with

* Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir ( sofosbuvir + velpatasvir)

Non-pangenotypic direct-acting antiviral combinations

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

Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir, 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 ...

(

ledipasvir Ledipasvir is a drug for the treatment of hepatitis C that was developed by Gilead Sciences. After completing Phase III clinical trials, on February 10, 2014, Gilead filed for U.S. approval of a ledipasvir/sofosbuvir fixed-dose combination ta ...

+ sofosbuvir) *

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 Ombitasvir is an antiviral drug for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by AbbVie. In the United States, it is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in combination with paritaprevir, ritonavir and dasabuvir in th ...

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 ...

)

Other antivirals for hepatitis C

For 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 Ribavirin, also known as tribavirin, is an antiviral medication used to treat RSV infection, hepatitis C and some viral hemorrhagic fevers. For hepatitis C, it is used in combination with other medications such as simeprevir, sofosbuvir, pe ...

Antiprotozoal medicines

Antiamoebic and antigiardiasis medicines

Diloxanide Diloxanide is a medication used to treat amoeba infections. In places where infections are not common, it is a second line treatment after paromomycin when a person has no symptoms. For people who are symptomatic, it is used after treatment wit ...

Alternatives limited to

tinidazole Tinidazole is a drug used against protozoan infections. It is widely known throughout Europe and the developing world as a treatment for a variety of anaerobic amoebic and bacterial infections. It was developed in 1972 and is a prominent member ...

Antileishmaniasis medicines

Miltefosine Miltefosine, sold under the trade name Impavido among others, is a medication mainly used to treat leishmaniasis and free-living amoeba infections such as ''Naegleria fowleri'' and '' Balamuthia mandrillaris''. This includes the three forms of l ...

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 injection into a muscle or into the area infected. Side effects include loss of appetite, nausea ...

Antimalarial medicines

=For curative treatment

= *

Amodiaquine Amodiaquine (ADQ) is a medication used to treat malaria, including ''Plasmodium falciparum'' malaria when uncomplicated. It is recommended to be given with artesunate to reduce the risk of resistance. Due to the risk of rare but serious side effec ...

To 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. *

Artemether Artemether is a medication used for the treatment of malaria. The injectable form is specifically used for severe malaria rather than quinine. In adults, it may not be as effective as artesunate. It is given by injection in a muscle. It is also ...

For use in the management of severe malaria. *

Artemether/lumefantrine Artemether/lumefantrine, sold under the trade name Coartem among others, is a combination of the two medications artemether and lumefantrine. It is used to treat malaria caused by ''Plasmodium falciparum'' that is not treatable with chloroquine. ...

(

artemether Artemether is a medication used for the treatment of malaria. The injectable form is specifically used for severe malaria rather than quinine. In adults, it may not be as effective as artesunate. It is given by injection in a muscle. It is also ...

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 ...

)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 Amodiaquine (ADQ) is a medication used to treat malaria, including ''Plasmodium falciparum'' malaria when uncomplicated. It is recommended to be given with artesunate to reduce the risk of resistance. Due to the risk of rare but serious side effec ...

, mefloquine or sulfadoxine +

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 dise ...

. *

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 ...

(

)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/mefloquine is a medication used to treat malaria. It is a fixed dose combination of artesunate and mefloquine. Specifically it is recommended to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria. It is taken by mouth. Side effects are similar ...

(

+ mefloquine) * Artesunate/pyronaridine tetraphosphate (

+ pyronaridine tetraphosphate) *

Chloroquine Chloroquine is a medication primarily used to prevent and treat malaria in areas where malaria remains sensitive to its effects. Certain types of malaria, resistant strains, and complicated cases typically require different or additional medi ...

For 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 ...

) *

For use only in combination with quinine. * Mefloquine *

Primaquine Primaquine is a medication used to treat and prevent malaria and to treat ''Pneumocystis'' pneumonia. Specifically it is used for malaria due to ''Plasmodium vivax'' and '' Plasmodium ovale'' along with other medications and for prevention if oth ...

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

Quinine Quinine is a medication used to treat malaria and babesiosis. This includes the treatment of malaria due to '' Plasmodium falciparum'' that is resistant to chloroquine when artesunate is not available. While sometimes used for nocturnal le ...

For use only in the management of severe malaria, and should be used in combination with doxycycline. * Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine ( sulfadoxine +

)Only in combination with artesunate 50 mg.

=For chemoprevention

= *

+ sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine (Co-packaged) *

For use only in Central American regions, for ''Plasmodium vivax'' infections. *

* Mefloquine * ProguanilFor use only in combination with chloroquine. * Sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine ( sulfadoxine +

)

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 dise ...

* Sulfadiazine * Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim ( sulfamethoxazole +

) * Pentamidine^α

Antitrypanosomal medicines

=African trypanosomiasis

= *

Fexinidazole Fexinidazole is a medication used to treat African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) caused by ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense''. It is effective against both first and second stage disease. Some evidence also supports its use in Chagas 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

* PentamidineTo be used for the treatment of ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense'' infection. * Suramin sodiumTo be used for the treatment of the initial phase of ''Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense'' infection.

Medicines for the treatment of 2nd stage African trypanosomiasis

Eflornithine Eflornithine, sold under the brand name Vaniqa among others, is a medication used to treat African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness) and excessive hair growth on the face in women. Specifically it is used for the 2nd stage of sleeping sickness ...

To be used for the treatment of ''Trypanosoma brucei gambiense'' infection *

Melarsoprol Melarsoprol is an arsenic-containing medication used for the treatment of sleeping sickness (African trypanosomiasis). It is specifically used for second-stage disease caused by ''Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense'' when the central nervous system i ...

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. *

^α

=American trypanosomiasis

= *

Benznidazole Benznidazole is an antiparasitic medication used in the treatment of Chagas disease. While it is highly effective in early disease this decreases in those who have long-term infection. It is the first-line treatment given its moderate side effe ...

Medicines for ectoparasitic infections

Antimigraine medicines

For treatment of acute attack

(aspirin) * Ibuprofen *

(acetaminophen) * Sumatriptan

For prophylaxis

Propranolol Propranolol, sold under the brand name Inderal among others, is a medication of the beta blocker class. It is used to treat high blood pressure, a number of types of irregular heart rate, thyrotoxicosis, capillary hemangiomas, performance an ...

Immunomodulators and antineoplastics

Immunomodulators for non-malignant disease

Adalimumab Adalimumab, sold under the brand name Humira, among others, is a monoclonal antibody used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurati ...

^α

Certolizumab pegol Certolizumab pegol, sold under the brand name Cimzia, is a biologic medication for the treatment of Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. It is a fragment of a monoclonal antibody specific to tu ...

etanercept Etanercept, sold under the brand name Enbrel among others, is a biologic medical product that is used to treat autoimmune diseases by interfering with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a soluble inflammatory cytokine, by acting as a TNF inhibitor. It ...

golimumab Golimumab is a human monoclonal antibody which is used as an immunosuppressive medication and sold under the brand name Simponi. Golimumab targets tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a pro-inflammatory molecule and hence is a TNF inhibitor. ...

and

infliximab Infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody, sold under the brand name Remicade among others, is a medication used to treat a number of autoimmune diseases. This includes Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spon ...

are alternatives, including quality-assured

biosimilar A biosimilar (also known as follow-on biologic or subsequent entry biologic) is a biologic medical product that is almost an identical copy of an original product that is manufactured by a different company. Biosimilars are officially approved v ...

s *

Azathioprine Azathioprine (AZA), sold under the brand name Imuran, among others, is an immunosuppressive medication. It is used in rheumatoid arthritis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus, ...

^α *

Ciclosporin Ciclosporin, also spelled cyclosporine and cyclosporin, is a calcineurin inhibitor, used as an immunosuppressant medication. It is a natural product. It is taken orally or intravenously for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn's disease ...

^α *

Tacrolimus Tacrolimus, sold under the brand name Prograf among others, is an immunosuppressive drug. After allogeneic organ transplant, the risk of organ rejection is moderate. To lower the risk of organ rejection, tacrolimus is given. The drug can also ...

^α

Antineoplastics and supportive medicines

Cytotoxic medicines

Arsenic trioxide Arsenic trioxide, sold under the brand name Trisenox among others, is an inorganic compound and medication. As an industrial chemical, whose major uses include in the manufacture of wood preservatives, pesticides, and glass. As a medication, it ...

^α *

Asparaginase Asparaginase is an enzyme that is used as a medication and in food manufacturing. As a medication, L-asparaginase is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL). It is given by injection into a vein, muscl ...

^α *

Bendamustine Bendamustine, sold under the brand name Treanda among others, is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is given by injection into a vein. Common ...

^α *

Bleomycin -13- (1''H''-imidazol-5-yl)methyl9-hydroxy-5- 1''R'')-1-hydroxyethyl8,10-dimethyl-4,7,12,15-tetraoxo-3,6,11,14-tetraazapentadec-1-yl}-2,4'-bi-1,3-thiazol-4-yl)carbonyl]amino}propyl)(dimethyl)sulfonium , chemical_formula = , C=55 , H=84 , N=1 ...

^α * Calcium folinate^α *

Capecitabine Capecitabine, sold under the brand name Xeloda among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat breast cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. For breast cancer it is often used together with docetaxel. It is taken by mouth. Comm ...

^α *

Carboplatin Carboplatin, sold under the trade name Paraplatin among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of forms of cancer. This includes ovarian cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, brain cancer, and neuroblastoma. It is used b ...

^α * Chlorambucil^α *

Cisplatin Cisplatin is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of cancers. These include testicular cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, breast cancer, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, esophageal cancer, lung cancer, mesothelioma, br ...

^α * Cyclophosphamide^α *

Cytarabine Cytarabine, also known as cytosine arabinoside (ara-C), is a chemotherapy medication used to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is given by i ...

^α *

Dacarbazine Dacarbazine (DTIC), also known as imidazole carboxamide, is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatment of melanoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma. For Hodgkin's it is often used together with vinblastine, bleomycin, and doxorubicin. It is given ...

^α *

Dactinomycin Dactinomycin, also known as actinomycin D, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes Wilms tumor, rhabdomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, trophoblastic neoplasm, testicular cancer, and certain types of ...

^α *

Daunorubicin Daunorubicin, also known as daunomycin, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. Specifically it is used for acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), and Kaposi's sarcoma. I ...

^α *

Docetaxel Docetaxel (DTX or DXL), sold under the brand name Taxotere among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes breast cancer, head and neck cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer and non-small-ce ...

^α *

Doxorubicin Doxorubicin, sold under the brand name Adriamycin among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. This includes breast cancer, bladder cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, lymphoma, and acute lymphocytic leukemia. It is often used toge ...

^α *

Etoposide Etoposide, sold under the brand name Vepesid among others, is a chemotherapy medication used for the treatments of a number of types of cancer including testicular cancer, lung cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, and ovarian cancer. It is ...

^α *

Fludarabine Fludarabine is a purine analogue and antineoplastic agent. It is generally used as its 5-O-phosphorylated form known as fludarabine phosphate, sold under the brand name Fludara among others. It is a chemotherapy medication used in the treatmen ...

^α *

Fluorouracil Fluorouracil (5-FU), sold under the brand name Adrucil among others, is a cytotoxic chemotherapy medication used to treat cancer. By intravenous injection it is used for treatment of colorectal cancer, oesophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pan ...

^α *

Gemcitabine Gemcitabine, with brand names including Gemzar, is a chemotherapy medication. It treats cancers including testicular cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic cancer, and bladder cancer. It is administered by ...

^α *

Hydroxycarbamide Hydroxycarbamide, also known as hydroxyurea, is a medication used in sickle-cell disease, essential thrombocythemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, and cervical cancer. In sickle-cell disease it increases fetal hemoglobin and ...

^α *

Ifosfamide Ifosfamide (IFO), sold under the brand name Ifex among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes testicular cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, osteosarcoma, bladder cancer, small cell lung cancer, ...

^α *

Irinotecan Irinotecan, sold under the brand name Camptosar among others, is a medication used to treat colon cancer, and small cell lung cancer. For colon cancer it is used either alone or with fluorouracil. For small cell lung cancer it is used with cisp ...

^α *

Melphalan Melphalan, sold under the brand name Alkeran among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat multiple myeloma, ovarian cancer, melanoma, and AL amyloidosis. It is taken by mouth or by injection into a vein. Common side effects incl ...

^α *

Mercaptopurine Mercaptopurine (6-MP), sold under the brand name Purinethol among others, is a medication used for cancer and autoimmune diseases. Specifically it is used to treat acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), Crohn's dis ...

^α * Methotrexate^α * Oxaliplatin^α *

Paclitaxel Paclitaxel (PTX), sold under the brand name Taxol among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical canc ...

^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 Procarbazine is a chemotherapy medication used for the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and brain cancers. For Hodgkin's it is often used together with chlormethine, vincristine, and prednisone while for brain cancers such as glioblastoma multif ...

^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 Vinblastine (VBL), sold under the brand name Velban among others, is a chemotherapy medication, typically used with other medications, to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-small cell lung cancer, bladder ca ...

^α *

Vincristine Vincristine, also known as leurocristine and marketed under the brand name Oncovin among others, is a chemotherapy medication used to treat a number of types of cancer. This includes acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, Hodgkin's ...

^α *

Vinorelbine 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, also known as all-''trans'' retinoic acid (ATRA), is a medication used for the treatment of acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia. For acne, it is applied to the skin as a cream, gel or ointment. For leukemia, it is taken by mouth f ...

(

tretinoin Tretinoin, also known as all-''trans'' retinoic acid (ATRA), is a medication used for the treatment of acne and acute promyelocytic leukemia. For acne, it is applied to the skin as a cream, gel or ointment. For leukemia, it is taken by mouth ...

) (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 Dasatinib, sold under the brand name Sprycel among others, is a targeted therapy medication used to treat certain cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Specifically it is used to treat cases that ar ...

^α *

Erlotinib Erlotinib, sold under the brand name Tarceva among others, is a medication used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic cancer. Specifically it is used for NSCLC with mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) � ...

^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 Gefitinib, sold under the brand name Iressa, is a medication used for certain breast, lung and other cancers. Gefitinib is an EGFR inhibitor, like erlotinib, which interrupts signaling through the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in targ ...

are alternatives *

Everolimus Everolimus, sold under the brand name Afinitor among others, is a medication used as an immunosuppressant to prevent rejection of organ transplants and as a targeted therapy in the treatment of renal cell cancer and other tumours. It is the 40 ...

^α *

Ibrutinib Ibrutinib, sold under the brand name Imbruvica among others, is a small molecule drug that inhibits B-cell proliferation and survival by irreversibly binding the protein Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Blocking BTK inhibits the B-cell receptor ...

^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 Rituximab, sold under the brand name Rituxan among others, is a monoclonal antibody medication used to treat certain autoimmune diseases and types of cancer. It is used for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (in non-geriatric pa ...

^α * Trastuzumab^α

Immunomodulators

* Filgrastim^α * Lenalidomide^α * Nivolumab^αPembrolizumab is an alternative, including quality-assured

s * Thalidomide^α

Hormones and antihormones

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

^α *

^α * Leuprorelin^αAlternatives limited to goserelin and triptorelin * Methylprednisolone^α *

^αAlternatives limited to

* Tamoxifen^α

Supportive medicines

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

Antiparkinsonism medicines

* BiperidenAlternatives limited to trihexyphenidyl * Levodopa/carbidopa (levodopa + carbidopa)Alternatives limited to benserazide (for carbidopa)

Medicines affecting the blood

Antianaemia medicines

* Iron supplement, Ferrous salt * Ferrous salt/folic acid (ferrous salt + folic acid) * Folic acidpericonceptual use for prevention of first occurrence of neural tube defects * Hydroxocobalamin * Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents^αAlternatives limited to epoetin alfa, epoetin beta, beta and epoetin theta, theta, darbepoetin alfa, methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta, and their quality-assured biosimilars.

Medicines affecting coagulation

* DabigatranApixaban, edoxaban and rivaroxaban are alternatives * EnoxaparinAlternatives are limited to dalteparin and nadroparin, including their quality-assured biosimilars. * Heparin sodium * Phytomenadione * Protamine sulfate * Tranexamic acid * Warfarin * Desmopressin^α * Heparin sodium^α * Protamine sulfate^α * Warfarin^α

Other medicines for haemoglobinopathies

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

^α

Blood products of human origin and plasma substitutes

Blood and blood components

* Fresh frozen plasma * Platelet concentrates, Platelets * Packed red blood cell, Red blood cells * Whole blood

Plasma-derived medicines

Human immunoglobulins

* Rho(D) immune globulin (anti-D immunoglobulin) * Anti-rabies immunoglobulin * Anti-tetanus immunoglobulin * Human normal immunoglobulin, Normal immunoglobulin^α

Blood coagulation factors

* Factor VIII (medication), Coagulation factor VIII^α * Factor IX complex, Coagulation factor IX^α

Plasma substitutes

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

Cardiovascular medicines

Antianginal medicines

* BisoprololIncludes carvedilol and metoprolol as alternatives * Glyceryl trinitrate (pharmacology), Glyceryl trinitrate * Isosorbide dinitrate * Verapamil

Antiarrhythmic medicines

* Bisoprolol * Digoxin *

(adrenaline) *

* Verapamil * Amiodarone^α

Antihypertensive medicines

* AmlodipineAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C08CA Dihydropyridine derivatives) * BisoprololIncludes atenolol, carvedilol, and metoprolol as alternatives. Atenolol should not be used as a first-line agent in uncomplicated hypertension in patients > 60 years. * EnalaprilAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) * HydralazineHydralazine is listed for use in the acute management of severe pregnancy‐induced hypertension only. Its use in the treatment of essential hypertension is not recommended in view of the availability of more evidence of efficacy and safety of other medicines. * HydrochlorothiazideAlternatives limited to chlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, 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)Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09CA Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), plain) (for telmisartan) and chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide, indapamide (for hydrochlorothiazide) * Sodium nitroprusside^α

Medicines used in heart failure

* Bisoprolol * Digoxin * EnalaprilAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (C09AA ACE inhibitors, plain) * FurosemideAlternatives limited to bumetanide and torasemide * Hydrochlorothiazide * Losartan * Spironolactone * Dopamine (medication), Dopamine^α

Antithrombotic medicines

Anti-platelet medicines

(aspirin) * Clopidogrel

Thrombolytic medicines

* Alteplase^α * Streptokinase^α

Lipid-lowering agents

* SimvastatinFor use in high‐risk patients. Alternatives limited to atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, and pravastatin

Dermatological medicines (topical)

Antifungal medicines

* MiconazoleAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D01AC Imidazole and triazole derivatives) excluding combinations * Selenium disulfide, Selenium sulfide *

* Terbinafine

Anti-infective medicines

* Mupirocin * Potassium permanganate (medical use), Potassium permanganate * Silver sulfadiazine

Anti-inflammatory and antipruritic medicines

* BetamethasoneAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D07AC Corticosteroids, potent (group III)) * Calamine *

Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D07AA Corticosteroids, weak (group I))

Medicines affecting skin differentiation and proliferation

* Benzoyl peroxide * CalcipotriolAlternatives limited to calcitriol and tacalcitol * Coal tar *

* Podophyllum resinAlternatives limited to podophyllotoxin * Salicylic acid (medical use), Salicylic acid * Urea-containing cream, Urea

Scabicides and pediculicides

* Benzyl benzoateAlternatives limited to precipitated sulfur topical ointment * Permethrin

Diagnostic agents

Ophthalmic medicines

* Fluorescein (medical use), Fluorescein * TropicamideAlternatives limited to atropine and cyclopentolate

Radiocontrast media

* Amidotrizoate * Barium sulfate suspension, Barium sulfate * Iohexol * Barium sulfate suspension, Barium sulfate^α * Meglumine iotroxate^α

Antiseptics and disinfectants

Antiseptics

* Chlorhexidine * Alcohol (medical use), EthanolAlternatives limited to propanol * Povidone-iodine, Povidone iodineAlternatives limited to iodine

Disinfectants

* Alcohol based hand rub * Chlorine base compound * ChloroxylenolAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (D08AE Phenol and derivatives) * Glutaral

Diuretics

* Amiloride * FurosemideAlternatives limited to bumetanide and torasemide * Hydrochlorothiazide * Mannitol * Spironolactone * Hydrochlorothiazide^αAlternatives limited to chlorothiazide and chlorthalidone * Mannitol^α * Spironolactone^α

Gastrointestinal medicines

* Pancreatic enzymes (medication), Pancreatic enzymes^α

Antiulcer medicines

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

Antiemetic medicines

* Aprepitant^α

Anti-inflammatory medicines

* SulfasalazineAlternatives limited to mesalazine *

^α *

^α

Laxatives

* SennaAlternatives limited to bisacodyl

Medicines used in diarrhoea

* Oral rehydration salts + Zinc sulfate (medical use), zinc sulfate (Co-packaged)

Oral rehydration

* Oral rehydration salts

Medicines for diarrhea

* Zinc sulfate (medical use), Zinc sulfateIn acute diarrhoea zinc sulfate should be used as an adjunct to oral rehydration salts.

Medicines for endocrine disorders

Adrenal hormones and synthetic substitutes

* Fludrocortisone *

Androgens

* Testosterone (medication), Testosterone^α

Estrogens

No listings in this section.

Progestogens

* Medroxyprogesterone acetateAlternatives limited to norethisterone

Medicines for diabetes

Insulins

* Insulin injection (soluble) * Intermediate-acting insulin * Long-acting insulin analoguesAlternatives limited to insulin degludec, insulin detemir, and insulin glargine, including quality-assured biosimilars

Oral hypoglycaemic agents

* EmpagliflozinAlternatives limited to canagliflozin and dapagliflozin * GliclazideGlibenclamide not suitable above 60 years. Alternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (A10BB Sulfonylureas) * Metformin * Metformin^α

Medicines for hypoglycaemia

* Glucagon (medication), Glucagon * Diazoxide^α

Thyroid hormones and antithyroid medicines

* Levothyroxine *

* MethimazoleCarbimazole is an alternative depending on local availability * PropylthiouracilFor use when alternative first-line treatment is not appropriate or available; and in patients during the first trimester of pregnancy. * Lugol's solution^α * Methimazole^α *

^α * Propylthiouracil^αFor use when alternative first-line treatment is not appropriate or available

Immunologicals

Diagnostic agents

* Tuberculin, purified protein derivative (PPD)

Sera, immunoglobulins and monoclonal antibodies

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

Vaccines

Recommendations for all * Bacillus Calmette–Guérin, BCG vaccine * Diphtheria vaccine * Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine * Hepatitis B vaccine * HPV 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 vaccineRecommended for certain regions * Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine * Yellow fever vaccine Recommendations for some high-risk populations * Cholera vaccineRecommended for some high-risk populations * Dengue vaccine * Hepatitis A vaccine * Meningococcal meningitis vaccine * Rabies vaccine * Typhoid vaccine Recommendations for immunization programmes with certain characteristics * Influenza vaccine (seasonal)Recommended only for immunization programmes with certain characteristics * Mumps vaccine * Varicella vaccine

Muscle relaxants (peripherally-acting) and cholinesterase inhibitors

* Atracurium * Neostigmine * Suxamethonium * Vecuronium * Pyridostigmine^α * Vecuronium^α

Ophthalmological preparations

Anti-infective agents

For infections due to ''Chlamydia trachomatis'' or ''Neisseria gonorrhoeae''. *

Alternatives limited to amikacin, kanamycin, netilmicin, and tobramycin * Natamycin * OfloxacinAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01AE Fluoroquinolones) * TetracyclineAlternatives limited to chlortetracycline and oxytetracycline

Anti-inflammatory agents

Local anesthetics

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

Miotics and antiglaucoma medicines

* Acetazolamide * Latanoprost * PilocarpineAlternatives limited to carbachol * TimololAlternatives limited to 4th level ATC chemical subgroup (S01ED Beta blocking agents) excluding combinations

Mydriatics

Alternatives limited to cyclopentolate hydrochloride or homatropine hydrobromide only for the EMLc *

(adrenaline)^α

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)

* Bevacizumab^α

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 * Diaphragm (contraceptive), Diaphragms

Implantable contraceptives

* Etonogestrel birth control implant, Etonogestrel-releasing implant * Levonorgestrel-releasing implant

Intravaginal contraceptives

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

Ovulation inducers

* Clomifene^α

Uterotonics

* Carbetocin * ErgometrineAlternatives limited to methylergometrine * Mifepristone + misoprostol (Co-packaged)Where abortion law, permitted under national law and where abortion debate, culturally acceptable. * MisoprostolOnly for use for induction of labour where appropriate facilities are available. * Oxytocin (medication), Oxytocin

Antioxytocics (tocolytics)

* Nifedipine

Medicines administered to the mother

* Multivitamin, Multiple micronutrient supplement * Tranexamic acid

Medicines administered to the neonate

* Caffeine citrate * Chlorhexidine * Ibuprofen^αAlternatives limited to indometacin * Prostaglandin E1^αAlternatives limited to prostaglandin E2 * Pulmonary surfactant (medication), 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 *

* PaliperidoneAlternatives limited to risperidone injection * Risperidone * Chlorpromazine^α * Clozapine^α *

^α

Medicines used in mood disorders

Medicines used in depressive disorders

* FluoxetineAlternatives limited to citalopram, escitalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline * Fluoxetine^α * Sertraline

Medicines used in bipolar disorders

* Lithium (medication), Lithium carbonate *

(sodium valproate)

Medicines for anxiety disorders

Medicines used for obsessive compulsive disorders

* Clomipramine

Medicines for disorders due to psychoactive substance use

* Bupropion * Nicotine replacement therapy * Varenicline *

^αAlternatives limited to buprenorphine. The medicines should only be used within an established support programme.

Medicines acting on the respiratory tract

Antiasthmatics and medicines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

* BudesonideAlternatives limited to beclometasone, ciclesonide, flunisolide, fluticasone, and mometasone * Budesonide/formoterol (budesonide + formoterol)Alternatives limited to beclometasone/formoterol, budesonide/salmeterol, fluticasone/formoterol, fluticasone furoate/vilanterol, and mometasone/formoterol *

(adrenaline) * Ipratropium bromide * SalbutamolAlternatives limited to terbutaline * TiotropiumAlternatives limited to aclidinium, glycopyrronium, and umeclidinium

Solutions correcting water, electrolyte and acid-base disturbances

Oral

* Oral rehydration salts * Potassium chloride (medical use), Potassium chloride

Parenteral

* Intravenous sugar solution, Glucose * Intravenous sugar solution, Glucose with sodium chloride * Potassium chloride (medical use), Potassium chloride * Saline (medicine), Sodium chloride * Intravenous sodium bicarbonate, Sodium hydrogen carbonate * Sodium lactate, compound solution (Ringer's lactate solution)

Miscellaneous

* Water for injection

Vitamins and minerals

* Ascorbic acid * Calcium supplement, Calcium * ColecalciferolErgocalciferol can be used as an alternative. * ErgocalciferolColecalciferol can be used as an alternative. * Iodine (medical use), Iodine * Multiple micronutrient powder * Nicotinamide * Pyridoxine * Retinol * Riboflavin * Thiamine *

^α

Ear, nose and throat medicines

* Acetic acid (medical use), Acetic acid * Budesonide *

Alternatives limited to ofloxacin * Xylometazoline

Medicines for diseases of joints

Medicines used to treat gout

* Allopurinol

Disease-modifying agents used in rheumatoid disorders (DMARDs)

^α * Hydroxychloroquine^α * Methotrexate^α *

^α * Sulfasalazine^α

Juvenile joint diseases

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

Dental preparations

* Fluoride therapy, Fluoride * Glass ionomer cement * Silver diamine fluoride

Notes

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

References

External links

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