Contents

• Home
• Disclaimer
• Privacy Policy
• Formulary
  • Chapter Summary Sheets
  • 1.0 Gastro intestinal System
    • 1.1 Dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
      • 1.1.1 Antacids and simeticone
      • 1.1.2 Compound alginates and proprietary indigestion preparations
    • 1.2 Antispasmodics and other drugs altering gut motility
    • 1.3 Antisecretory drugs and mucosal protectants
      • 1.3.1 H2-receptor antagonists
      • 1.3.5 Proton pump inhibitors
        • 1.3.5.1 H.pylori eradication
    • 1.4 Acute diarrhoea
    • 1.5 Chronic bowel disorders
      • 1.5.1 Aminosalicylates
        • 1.5.1.1 Acute Exacerbation of ulcerative colitis
        • 1.5.1.2 Maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis
      • 1.5.2 Corticosteroids inflammatory bowel disease
      • 1.5.3 Steroid-sparing treatment for inflammatory bowel disease
    • 1.6 Laxatives
    • 1.7 Local preparations for anal and rectal disorders
      • 1.7.1 Soothing haemorrhoidal preparations
      • 1.7.2 Compound haemorrhoidal preparations with corticosteroids
      • 1.7.4 Management of anal fissures
    • 1.9 Drugs affecting intestinal secretions
      • 1.9.4 Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency
  • 2.0 Cardiovascular System
    • 2.1 Positive inotropic drugs
      • 2.1.1 Cardiac glycosides
    • 2.2 Diuretics
      • 2.2.1 Thiazides and related diuretics
      • 2.2.2 Loop diuretics
      • 2.2.3 Potassium-sparing diuretics and aldosterone antagonists
      • 2.2.4 Potassium-sparing diuretics with other diuretics
    • 2.3 Anti-arrhythmic drugs
      • 2.3.2 Drugs for arrhythmias
    • 2.4 Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs
    • 2.5 Hypertension and heart failure
      • 2.5.2 Centrally acting antihypertensive drugs
      • 2.5.4 Alpha-adrenoceptor blocking drugs
      • 2.5.5 Drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system
        • 2.5.5.1 Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
        • 2.5.5.2 Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists (AIIRAs/ARBs)
        • 2.5.5.3 Renin inhibitors
    • 2.6 Nitrates, calcium-channel blockers and other antianginal drugs
      • 2.6.1 Nitrates
      • 2.6.2 Calcium-channel blockers (CCBs)
      • 2.6.3 Other antianginal drugs
      • 2.6.4 Peripheral vasodilators and related drugs
    • 2.7 Sympathomimetics
    • 2.8 Anticoagulants and protamine
      • 2.8.1 Parenteral anticoagulants
      • 2.8.2 Oral anticoagulants
        • 2.8.2.1 Atrial fibrillation
        • 2.8.2.2 Treatment of pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis and prevention of recurrent
        • 2.8.2.3 Prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedics-specialist use in secondary care only
        • 2.8.2.4 Acute coronary syndrome
        • 2.8.2.5 Prevention of Atherothrombotic events
    • 2.9 Antiplatelet drugs
    • 2.10 Stable angina, acute coronary syndromes and fibrinolysis
    • 2.11 Antifibrinolytic drugs and haemostatics
    • 2.12 Lipid-regulating drugs
  • 3.0 Respiratory System
    • 3.1 Bronchodilators
      • 3.1.1 Adrenoceptor agonists
      • 3.1.2 Antimuscarinic bronchodilators
      • 3.1.3 Theophylline
      • 3.1.4 Compound bronchodilator preparations
      • 3.1.5 Peak flow meters, inhaler devices and nebulisers
    • 3.2 Corticosteroids
      • 3.2.1 Single agent inhalers [asthma only]
      • 3.2.2 Compound ICS/LABA preparations – [asthma]
      • 3.2.3 Compound ICS/LABA preparations – COPD
      • 3.2.4 Systemic steroids
    • 3.3 Leukotriene receptor antagonists and phosphodiesterase type-4 inhibitors
      • 3.3.2 Leukotriene receptor antagonists
      • 3.3.3 Phosphodiesterase type-4 inhibitors
    • 3.4 Antihistamines, hyposensitisation and allergic emergencies
      • 3.4.1 Antihistamines
      • 3.4.2 Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation)
      • 3.4.3 Allergic emergencies
    • 3.6 Oxygen
    • 3.7 Mucolytics
    • 3.9 Cough preparations
      • 3.9.1 Cough suppressants
  • 4.0 Central Nervous System
    • 4.1 Hypnotics and anxiolytics
      • 4.1.1 Hypnotics
      • 4.1.2 Anxiolytics
        • 4.1.2.1 Acute anxiety state
        • 4.1.2.2 Anxiety disorders
      • 4.1.3 Barbiturates
    • 4.2 Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
      • 4.2.1 Antipsychotic drugs
        • 4.2.1.1 Management of agitation and aggression
      • 4.2.3 Mood stabilising drugs
        • 4.2.3.1 Treatment of the acute phase of mania
        • 4.2.3.2 Maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder with mood stabilisers
    • 4.3 Antidepressant drugs
      • 4.3.1 Mild, moderate and severe depression
      • 4.3.2 Antidepressants for the treatment of anxiety disorders*
        • 4.3.2.1 Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder
        • 4.3.2.2 Panic disorder
        • 4.3.2.3 Post-traumatic stress disorder
        • 4.3.2.4 Obsessive compulsive disorder
    • 4.4 CNS stimulants and drugs used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
      • 4.4.1 Narcolepsy
      • 4.4.2 Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) in adults
    • 4.5 Drugs used in the treatment of obesity
      • 4.5.1 Anti-obesity drugs acting on the gastro-intestinal tract
    • 4.6 Drugs used in nausea and vertigo
      • 4.6.1 Drugs for the short-term treatment of nausea and vomiting
        • 4.6.1.1 Motion sickness
      • 4.6.2 Vertigo
    • 4.7 Analgesics
      • 4.7.1 General management of acute pain
        • 4.7.1.1 Non-opioid & compound analgesics
        • 4.7.1.2 Opioid analgesics
      • 4.7.2 Chronic non-malignant pain
      • 4.7.3 Neuropathic pain
      • 4.7.4 Antimigraine drugs
        • 4.7.4.1 Treatment of acute migraine attack
        • 4.7.4.2 Migraine prophylaxis
        • 4.7.4.3 Drug treatment of cluster headache
    • 4.8 Anti-epileptics
      • 4.8.1 Control of epilepsy
      • 4.8.2 Drugs used in status epilepticus
    • 4.9 Drugs used in parkinsonism and related disorders
      • 4.9.1 Dopaminergic drugs used in parkinsonism
        • 4.9.1.1 Dopamine receptor agonists
        • 4.9.1.2 Levodopa
        • 4.9.1.3 Monoamine-oxidase-B (MAOB) inhibitors
        • 4.9.1.4 Dopamine enzyme inhibitors / catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors (COMT inhibitors)
      • 4.9.2 Antimuscarinic drugs used in parkinsonism
      • 4.9.3 Essential tremor
      • 4.9.4 Management of dementia in Parkinson’s disease
    • 4.10 Medications used in substance use disorders
      • 4.10.1 Opioid maintenance prescribing
      • 4.10.2 Opioid detoxification
      • 4.10.3 Benzodiazepines addiction and withdrawal
      • 4.10.4 Alcohol dependence
        • 4.10.4.1 Acute alcohol withdrawal
        • 4.10.4.2 Relapse Prevention
        • 4.10.4.3 Interventions for the reduction of alcohol consumption
        • 4.10.4.4 Vitamin supplementation
      • 4.10.5 Cigarette smoking
    • 4.11 Drugs for dementia
      • 4.11.1 Management of Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)
  • 5.0 Infections (including children)
  • 6.0 Endocrine
    • 6.1 Diabetes
      • 6.1.1 Insulins
      • 6.1.2 Antidiabetic drugs
        • 6.1.2.1 Biguanides
        • 6.1.2.2 Sulfonlyureas
        • 6.1.2.3 Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors)
        • 6.1.2.4 Glitazones (thiazolidinediones)
        • 6.1.2.5 Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors
        • 6.1.2.6 GLP-1 mimetic (injectable)
      • 6.1.4 Treatment of hypoglycaemia
      • 6.1.6 Diagnostic and monitoring agents for diabetes mellitus
    • 6.2 Thyroid and antithyroid drugs and parathyroid disease
      • 6.2.1 Hypothyroidism
      • 6.2.2 Hyperthyroidism
        • 6.2.2.1 Antithyroid drugs
        • 6.2.2.2 Beta-blockers
      • 6.2.3 Parathyroid disease
        • 6.2.3.1 Hyperparathyroidism
        • 6.2.3.2 Hypoparathyroidism
    • 6.3 Corticosteroids
      • 6.3.1 Replacement therapy
      • 6.3.2 Glucocorticoid therapy
    • 6.4 Sex hormones
      • 6.4.1.1 Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for menopausal symptoms
        • 6.4.1.1a Women who have not had a hysterectomy
        • 6.4.1.1b Women who have had a hysterectomy or who have a Mirena® Intra Uterine System (ISU) in situ
      • 6.4.2 Male sex hormones
    • 6.5 Pituitary hormones and anti-oestrogens
      • 6.5.2 Posterior pituitary hormones and antagonists
        • 6.5.2.1 Diabetes insipidus
        • 6.5.2.2 Antidiuretic hormone antagonists
    • 6.6 Drugs affecting bone metabolism
      • 6.6.1 Drugs for the treatment and management of osteoporosis
        • 6.6.1.1 Calcium and vitamin D
        • 6.6.1.2 Bisphosphonates
        • 6.6.1.3 Other drug therapies used in osteoporosis
    • 6.7 Other endocrine drugs
      • 6.7.1 Dopamine-receptor agonists
      • 6.7.4 Growth hormone disorders
  • 7.0 Contraception, Gynaecology and Urinary Tract Disorders
    • 7.1.1 Primary dysmenorrhoea
    • 7.1.2 Heavy menstrual bleeding
    • 7.1.3 Endometriosis (previously diagnosed by laparoscopy)
    • 7.1.4 Lichen sclerosus
    • 7.1.5 Persistent breast pain
    • 7.1.6 Premenstrual tension syndrome
    • 7.1.7 Polycystic ovarian syndrome
    • 7.2 Treatment of vaginal and vulval conditions
      • 7.2.1 Preparations for vaginal and vulval changes
      • 7.2.2 Vaginal and vulval infections
    • 7.3 Contraceptives
      • 7.3.1 Combined hormonal oral contraceptives
      • 7.3.2 Progestogen-only contraceptives
        • 7.3.2.1 Oral progestogen-only contraceptives
        • 7.3.2.2 Parenteral progestogen-only contraceptives
        • 7.3.2.3. Intra-uterine progestogen-only device
      • 7.3.4 Contraceptive devices
      • 7.3.5 Emergency contraception
      • 7.3.6 Delaying Menstruation During Holidays
    • 7.4 Drugs for genito-urinary disorders
      • 7.4.1 Drugs for voiding (obstructive) symptoms in men
      • 7.4.2 Drugs for urinary frequency, enuresis, and incontinence
      • 7.4.3 Drugs used in urological pain
      • 7.4.5 Drugs for erectile dysfunction
  • 8.0 Malignant Disease and Immunosuppression
  • 9.0 Nutrition and Blood
    • 9.1 Anaemias and some other blood disorders
      • 9.1.1 Iron deficiency anaemia
      • 9.1.2 Drugs used in megaloblastic anaemias
    • 9.4 Oral Nutrition
      • 9.4.1 Step 1-Identification of nutritional risk
      • 9.4.2-Step 2-Underlying causes of malnutrition
      • 9.4.3-Step 3-Set Goals
      • 9.4.4-Step 4-Discuss ‘Food First’ dietary advice
      • 9.4.5-Step 5-Prescribe ONS
        • 9.4.5.1-ONS First Line Products
        • 9.4.5.2-Dietitian Led Products
      • 9.4.6-Step 6-Review need for ONS
      • 9.4.7 Step 7-When to Discontinue ONS
    • 9.5 Minerals
      • 9.5.1.1 Calcium supplement
    • 9.6 Vitamins
      • 9.6.2 Vitamin B group
      • 9.6.4 Vitamin D
      • 9.6.7 Multivitamins
    • Infant Feeding
    • Supplementations in pregnancy/ pre-conception
    • Wound management and nutrition
    • Gluten free prescribing
  • Palliative Care
  • 10.0 Musculoskeletal and Joint Diseases
    • 10.1 Drugs use in rheumatic diseases and gout
      • 10.1.1. NSAIDs
      • 10.1.2 Corticosteroids
        • 10.1.2.1 Systemic corticosteroids
        • 10.1.2.2 Local corticosteroid injections
      • 10.1.3 Drugs that suppress the rheumatic disease process
      • 10.1.4 Gout and cytotoxic-induced hyperuricaemia
        • 10.1.4.1 Acute attacks of gout
        • 10.1.4.2 Prophylaxis of gout
      • 10.1.5 Other drugs for rheumatic diseases
    • 10.2 Drugs used in neuromuscular disorders
      • 10.2.1 Drugs that enhance neuromuscular transmission
      • 10.2.2 Skeletal muscle relaxants
    • 10.3 Drugs used for the treatment of soft-tissue disorders and topical pain relief
      • 10.3.2 Rubefacients, topical NSAIDs, capsaicin, and poultices
  • 11.0 Eye
    • 11.6 Glaucoma
    • 11.8.1 Dry eye
  • 12.0 Ear, Nose and Oropharynx
  • 13.0 Skin
    • 13.1 Management of skin conditions
    • 13.2 Emollients and barrier preparations
      • 13.2.1 Emollients
        • 13.2.1.1 Emollient bath and shower preparations
      • 13.2.2 Barrier preparations
    • 13.3. Topical local anaesthetics and antipruretics
    • 13.4 Topical corticosteroids
      • 13.4.1 Topical corticosteroids with antimicrobials
    • 13.5 Preparations for eczema and psoriasis
      • 13.5.1 Preparations for eczema
      • 13.5.2. Preparations for psoriasis
        • 13.5.2.1 Trunk and Limbs
        • 13.5.2.1 Scalp
        • 13.5.2.1 Face or Flexures
    • 13.6 Acne and rosacea
      • 13.6.1. Acne
      • 13.6.2 Rosacea
    • 13.7 Preparations for warts and calluses
    • 13.8 Sunscreens and camouflagers
      • 13.8.1. Sunscreen preparations
        • 13.8.1.1 Photodamage (actinic keratosis)
      • 13.8.2 Camouflagers
    • 13.9 Shampoos and other preparations for scalp and hair conditions
    • 13.10 Anti-infective skin preparations
      • 13.10.1.1. Antibacterial preparations only used topically
      • 13.10.1.2. Antibacterial preparations also used systemically
      • 13.10.2 Antifungal preparations
      • 13.10.3 Antiviral preparations
      • 13.10.4 Parasiticidal preparations
    • 13.11 Skin cleansers, antiseptics, and desloughing agents
      • 13.11.1 Alcohols and saline
      • 13.11.2 Chlorhexidine salts
      • 13.11.4. Iodine
      • 13.11.6 Oxidisers and dyes
    • 13.12 Antiperspirants
  • 14.0 Anaesthesia
  • Wound Care Formulary
• Newsletters & Publications
  • Medicines Management Newsletters
    • Volume 12- 2021
    • Volume 13-2022
    • Volume 11 – 2020
    • Volume 10 – 2019
    • Volume 9 – 2018
    • Volume 8 – 2017
    • Volume 7 – 2016
    • Volume 6 – 2015
    • Volume 5 – 2014
    • Volume 4 – 2013
    • Volume 3 – 2012
    • Supplements
  • Pharmacy Regional News – ‘PRN’
    • 2022
    • 2020
    • 2019
    • 2018
    • 2017
    • 2016
  • Cost Effective Choices and Switching PILs
  • Generic Prescribing Newsletters and Exception List
  • Medicines Safety Matters Newsletters
  • Specials
  • Swallowing Difficulties & Thickening Agents
  • Travel Vaccine Advice
  • Document Library
• Managed Entry
  • Managed Entry Decisions
  • NICE Clinical Guidelines
  • Biosimilars
• Deprescribing & OTC
  • OTC
    • Hayfever
    • Painkillers
  • Prescribing Stop List
  • Deprescribing and Polypharmacy Guides
  • Anticholinergic Burden
  • Bisphosphonate Review
• Patient Zone
  • Ordering your Prescription
    • Allow extra time when ordering your prescription
    • Only order what you need!
  • Self Care
    • Go Ahead – treat yourself!
    • Have you had your annual medication review?
    • Managing Ailments without Antibiotics
    • Your Child’s Medicines
    • Your Medicines – Effective Partnership in Care
    • Your Medicines, Your Responsibility
  • Northern Ireland Formulary-the right medicine for you
  • Asthma and COPD
    • Am I using my inhaler correctly?
      • Accuhaler
      • Aerolizer
      • Autohaler
      • Breezehaler
      • Clickhaler
      • Easibreathe
      • Easyhaler
      • Ellipta
      • Fospiro
      • Genuair
      • Metered Dose Inhaler
      • Metered Dose Inhaler with Large Volume Spacer
      • Metered Dose Inhaler with Small Volume Spacer
      • NEXThaler
      • Novolizer
      • Respimat
      • Spiriva Handihaler
      • Spiromax
      • Turbohaler
  • Child Health-managing common ailments
    • Administration of Lansoprazole Orodispersible
    • Administration of Omeprazole
  • Coughs, Colds and Sore Throat
    • Common cold
    • Cough and Acute Bronchitis
    • Respiratory Tract Infection (RTI)
    • Sore Ear (Otitis media)
    • Sore Throat
    • Do I need an antibiotic?
    • Does my child need an antibiotic?
  • Diabetes-‘hypos’
  • Epilepsy – lamotrigine information
  • Epilepsy-levetiracetam information
  • Eye Care
    • Dry Eyes
    • Treatment of Blepharitis
  • Generics
  • Heartburn and Reflux
  • Mental Health (including sleep and relaxation)
    • Benzodiazepines and Z Drugs
    • Good Relaxation Guide
    • Good Sleep Guide
    • Recovery Colleges
    • Choice and Medication Website
  • Nutrition
    • Coeliac Disease
    • Infant Nutrition
      • Anti-Reflux formula
      • Lactose-free formula
      • Management of Colic
      • Management of cow’s milk allergy
    • Vitamins
  • Osteoporosis
    • Bisphosphonate Drug Holiday
    • Useful links from Royal Osteoporosis Society
  • Pain
    • Opioid Medicines and the Risk of Addiction
    • Understanding Pain
    • Managing Your Pain Effectively Using “Over the Counter” Medicines
    • Medication for Pain – Patient Information Leaflets
    • Persistent Pain
    • The Pain Toolkit
    • Set Back Plan
    • Codeine Taper Plan
  • Patient Decision Aids
  • Stoma Appliances and Accessories
  • Travel Advice
  • Useful links
• About & Contact
  • Development and Review of the Formulary
  • Prescribing Guidance Editorial Group Meeting Dates
  • Prescribing Guidance Editorial Group Meeting Minutes
  • Contact Us