DRUG FORMULARY

Definition

A drug formulary is a list of prescription drugs by generic name (often also mentioning brand names) used by medical practitioners to identify drugs that offer greatest value.

Formularies are developed by committees consisting of physicians, nurse practitioners, public health experts and pharmacists. They are revised regularly by the same authorities.

Drugs are chosen for the formulary depending on on their effectiveness, safety and appropriateness.

Drug Formulary

Collection of information on different kinds of drugs

Drugs classified into broad categories according to their main action

Additional information on dosage, side effects, contra-indications, uses

WHO Model Drug Formulary published at regular intervals, based on WHO EDL

Other organisations, governments publish their own formularies

Important Formularies

WHO Model Formulary (2008) – available for download from WHO website.

Intended to be model for the whole world.

Should be adapted for national and local use British National Formulary (BNF) – provided to

all doctors and pharmacists in the U.K., revised every 6 months

National Formulary of India (2011) – published by MOHFW, Govt. of India.

Important Formularies...2

State Drug Formularies – published by some state Governments eg. Chhattisgarh, Karnataka.

Hospital Formularies – published by some large hospitals eg. CMCH, Vellore.

Information Provided in Formulary Generic name of drug, common brand names Class or category of drug Uses (indications) Contra-indications Precautions Dosage in adults and children Adverse effects Drug interactions Use of drugs in pregnancy and lactation Use of drugs in hepatic and renal impairment

Types of Drugs in Formulary

Drugs used at Primary Level of care Drugs used at Secondary Level of care Drugs used at Tertiary Level of care

Types of Drugs in Formulary...2

Generic medications (Tier 1) Preferred brand name medications (Tier 2) Other brand name medications (Tier 3) Speciality medications (Tier 4) – these drugs

require close monitoring for safety and efficacy

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