WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
WHO Model List of Essential Medicines
WHO Model List
of
Essential Medicines
18th list
(April 2013)
(Final Amendments – October 2013)
Status of this document
This is a reprint of the text on the WHO Medicines web site
http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/essentialmedicines/en/index.html
The published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The
responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health
Organization be liable for damages arising from its use.
18th edition
Essential Medicines
WHO Model List (April 2013)
Explanatory Notes
The core list presents a list of minimum medicine needs for a basic health‐care system, listing the most
efficacious, safe and cost‐effective medicines for priority conditions. Priority conditions are selected on the
basis of current and estimated future public health relevance, and potential for safe and cost‐effective
treatment.
The complementary list presents essential medicines for priority diseases, for which specialized diagnostic
or monitoring facilities, and/or specialist medical care, and/or specialist training are needed. In case of doubt
medicines may also be listed as complementary on the basis of consistent higher costs or less attractive cost‐
effectiveness in a variety of settings.
The square box symbol () is primarily intended to indicate similar clinical performance within a
pharmacological class. The listed medicine should be the example of the class for which there is the best
evidence for effectiveness and safety. In some cases, this may be the first medicine that is licensed for
marketing; in other instances, subsequently licensed compounds may be safer or more effective. Where there
is no difference in terms of efficacy and safety data, the listed medicine should be the one that is generally
available at the lowest price, based on international drug price information sources. Not all square boxes are
applicable to medicine selection for children — see the second EMLc for details.
Therapeutic equivalence is only indicated on the basis of reviews of efficacy and safety and when consistent
with WHO clinical guidelines. National lists should not use a similar symbol and should be specific in their
final selection, which would depend on local availability and price.
The a symbol indicates that there is an age or weight restriction on use of the medicine; details for each
medicine can be found in Table 1.
Where the [c] symbol is placed next to the complementary list it signifies that the medicine(s) require(s)
specialist diagnostic or monitoring facilities, and/or specialist medical care, and/or specialist training for
their use in children.
Where the [c] symbol is placed next to an individual medicine or strength of medicine it signifies that there
is a specific indication for restricting its use to children.
The presence of an entry on the Essential Medicines List carries no assurance as to pharmaceutical quality. It
is the responsibility of the relevant national or regional drug regulatory authority to ensure that each
product is of appropriate pharmaceutical quality (including stability) and that when relevant, different
products are interchangeable.
For recommendations and advice concerning all aspects of the quality assurance of medicines see the WHO
Medicines web site http://www.who.int/medicines/areas/quality_assurance/en/index.html.
Medicines and dosage forms are listed in alphabetical order within each section and there is no implication
of preference for one form over another. Standard treatment guidelines should be consulted for information
on appropriate dosage forms.
The main terms used for dosage forms in the Essential Medicines List can be found in Annex 1.
Definitions of many of these terms and pharmaceutical quality requirements applicable to the different
categories are published in the current edition of The International Pharmacopoeia
http://www.who.int/medicines/publications/pharmacopoeia/en/index.html.
Essential Medicines 18th edition
WHO Model List
1. ANAESTHETICS
halothane Inhalation.
isoflurane Inhalation.
nitrous oxide Inhalation.
Injection: 0.25%; 0.5% (hydrochloride) in vial.
bupivacaine Injection for spinal anaesthesia: 0.5% (hydrochloride) in
4‐ml ampoule to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution.
Injection for spinal anaesthesia: 5% (hydrochloride) in
lidocaine
2‐ml ampoule to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution.
Topical forms: 2% to 4% (hydrochloride).
Dental cartridge: 2% (hydrochloride) + epinephrine 1:80 000.
lidocaine + epinephrine (adrenaline) Injection: 1%; 2% (hydrochloride or sulfate) + epinephrine
1:200 000 in vial.
Complementary List
Injection: 30 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 1‐ml ampoule.
ephedrine
(For use in spinal anaesthesia during delivery, to prevent hypotension).
Injection: 1 mg/ml.
midazolam Oral liquid: 2 mg/ml [c].
Tablet: 7.5 mg; 15 mg.
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2. MEDICINES FOR PAIN AND PALLIATIVE CARE
2.1 Non-opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIMs)
Suppository: 50 mg to 150 mg.
acetylsalicylic acid
Tablet: 100 mg to 500 mg.
Oral liquid: 200 mg/5 ml.
ibuprofen a Tablet: 200 mg; 400 mg; 600 mg.
a Not in children less than 3 months.
Suppository: 100 mg.
paracetamol* Tablet: 100 mg to 500 mg.
* Not recommended for anti‐inflammatory use due
to lack of proven benefit to that effect.
Granules (slow‐release; to mix with water): 20 mg ‐
200 mg (morphine sulfate).
Injection: 10 mg (morphine hydrochloride or
morphine sulfate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
Oral liquid: 10 mg (morphine hydrochloride or
morphine sulfate)/5 ml.
morphine*
Tablet (slow release): 10 mg‐ 200mg (morphine
hydrochloride or morphine sulfate).
Tablet (immediate release): 10 mg (morphine
sulfate).
*Alternatives limited to hydromorphone and
oxycodone
amitriptyline Tablet: 10 mg; 25 mg; 75 mg
Injection: 50 mg/ml.
cyclizine [c]
Tablet: 50 mg.
Injection: 4 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule (as disodium
phosphate salt).
dexamethasone
Oral liquid: 2 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 2 mg [c]; 4 mg.
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Injection: 5 mg/ml.
Oral liquid: 2 mg/5 ml.
diazepam
Rectal solution: 2.5 mg; 5 mg; 10 mg.
Tablet: 5 mg; 10 mg.
Capsule: 100 mg.
docusate sodium
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
Solid oral dosage form: 20 mg (as hydrochloride).
fluoxetine a
a >8 years.
hyoscine butylbromide Injection: 20 mg/ml.
Injection: 400 micrograms/ml; 600 micrograms/ml.
hyoscine hydrobromide [c]
Transdermal patches: 1 mg/72 hours.
lactulose [c] Oral liquid: 3.1‐3.7 g/5 ml.
loperamide Solid oral dosage form: 2 mg.
Injection: 5 mg (hydrochloride)/mL in 2‐mL
ampoule.
metoclopramide
Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 mL
Solid oral form: 10 mg (hydrochloride)
Injection: 1 mg/ml; 5 mg/ml.
midazolam Oral solid dosage form: 7.5 mg; 15 mg.
Oral liquid: 2mg/ml [c]
Injection: 2 mg base/ml in 2‐ml ampoule (as
hydrochloride).
senna Oral liquid: 7.5 mg/5 ml.
3. ANTIALLERGICS AND MEDICINES USED IN ANAPHYLAXIS
Injection: 4 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule (as disodium
dexamethasone
phosphate salt).
Injection: 1 mg (as hydrochloride or hydrogen
epinephrine (adrenaline)
tartrate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
Powder for injection: 100 mg (as sodium succinate)
hydrocortisone
in vial.
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Oral liquid: 1 mg/ml.
loratadine * Tablet: 10 mg.
*There maybe a role for sedating antihistamines for
limited indications (EMLc)
Oral liquid: 5 mg/ml [c].
prednisolone
Tablet: 5 mg; 25 mg.
4.1 Non-specific
charcoal, activated Powder.
4.2 Specific
Injection: 200 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
acetylcysteine
Oral liquid: 10% [c]; 20% [c].
methylthioninium chloride
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
(methylene blue)
Injection: 400 micrograms (hydrochloride) in 1‐ml
naloxone
ampoule.
potassium ferric hexacyano‐ferrate(II) ‐2H20
Powder for oral administration.
(Prussian blue)
Complementary List
Injection: 5 mg/ml (sulfate) in 20‐ml ampoule or 1 g/ml
fomepizole
(base) in 1.5‐ml ampoule.
5. ANTICONVULSANTS/ANTIEPILEPTICS
Oral liquid: 100 mg/5 ml.
carbamazepine Tablet (chewable): 100 mg; 200 mg.
Tablet (scored): 100 mg; 200 mg.
Injection: 500 mg/ml in 2‐ml ampoule; 500 mg/ml in
10‐ml ampoule.
magnesium sulfate*
* For use in eclampsia and severe pre‐eclampsia and
not for other convulsant disorders.
Injection: 200 mg/ml (sodium).
phenobarbital Oral liquid: 15 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 15 mg to 100 mg.
Injection: 50 mg/ml in 5‐ml vial (sodium salt).
Oral liquid: 25 mg to 30 mg/5 ml.*
Solid oral dosage form: 25 mg; 50 mg; 100 mg
(sodium salt).
phenytoin
Tablet (chewable): 50 mg.
* 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.
Oral liquid: 200 mg/5 ml.
Tablet (crushable): 100 mg.
valproic acid (sodium valproate)
Tablet (enteric‐coated): 200 mg; 500 mg (sodium
valproate).
Complementary List
Capsule: 250 mg.
ethosuximide
Oral liquid: 250 mg/5 ml.
6. ANTI-INFECTIVE MEDICINES
6.1 Anthelminthics
Oral liquid: 50 mg (as embonate or pamoate)/ml.
pyrantel Tablet (chewable): 250 mg (as embonate or
pamoate).
6.1.2 Antifilarials
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albendazole Tablet (chewable): 400 mg.
Complementary List
Capsule: 250 mg.
Oral liquid: 250 mg/5 ml.
oxamniquine*
* Oxamniquine is listed for use when praziquantel
treatment fails.
6.2 Antibacterials
Powder for oral liquid: 125 mg (as trihydrate)/5 ml;
250 mg (as trihydrate)/5 ml [c].
amoxicillin
Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg; 500 mg (as
trihydrate).
Powder for injection: 500 mg; 1 g (as sodium salt) in
ampicillin
vial.
Powder for injection: 600 mg (= 1 million IU); 3 g (=
benzylpenicillin
5 million IU) (sodium or potassium salt) in vial.
Powder for reconstitution with water: 125 mg/5 ml;
cefalexin [c] 250 mg/5 ml (anhydrous).
Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg (as monohydrate).
Powder for injection: 1 g (as sodium salt) in vial.
cefazolin* a * For surgical prophylaxis.
a >1 month.
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Powder for injection: 250 mg; 1 g (as sodium salt) in
vial.
ceftriaxone* a * Do not administer with calcium and avoid in
infants with hyperbilirubinemia.
a >41 weeks corrected gestational age.
Capsule: 500 mg; 1 g (as sodium salt).
Powder for injection: 500 mg (as sodium salt) in
cloxacillin vial.
Powder for oral liquid: 125 mg (as sodium
salt)/5 ml.
Powder for oral liquid: 250 mg (as potassium
phenoxymethylpenicillin salt)/5 ml.
Tablet: 250 mg (as potassium salt).
Powder for injection: 1 g (=1 million IU); 3 g
(=3 million IU) in vial.
* Procaine benzylpenicillin is not recommended as
procaine benzylpenicillin* 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.
Complementary List
Powder for injection: 250 mg per vial (as sodium salt).
cefotaxime* [c] * 3rd generation cephalosporin of choice for use in
hospitalized neonates.
Powder for injection: 250 mg or 1 g (as pentahydrate)
ceftazidime
in vial.
Powder for injection: 250 mg (as monohydrate) +
250 mg (as sodium salt); 500 mg (as monohydrate) +
500 mg (as sodium salt) in vial.
* Only listed for the treatment of life‐threatening hospital‐
imipenem* + cilastatin* based infection due to suspected or proven multidrug‐
resistant infection.
Meropenem is indicated for the treatment of meningitis
and is licensed for use in children over the age of 3
months.
Oral liquid: 200 mg/5 ml.
azithromycin*
* Only listed for single‐dose treatment of genital
Chlamydia trachomatis and of trachoma.
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Capsule: 250 mg.
Oily suspension for injection*: 0.5 g (as sodium
succinate)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
chloramphenicol * Only for the presumptive treatment of epidemic
meningitis in children older than 2 years.
Oral liquid: 150 mg (as palmitate)/5 ml.
Powder for injection: 1 g (sodium succinate) in vial.
* Square box applies to adults only.
Solid oral dosage form: 500 mg.
clarithromycin* * For use in combination regimens for eradication of
H. Pylori in adults.
doxycycline a Solid oral dosage form: 50 mg [c]; 100 mg (as
hyclate).
a Use in children <8 years only for life-threatening
infections when no alternative exists.
Powder for injection: 500 mg (as lactobionate) in
vial.
Powder for oral liquid: 125 mg/5 ml (as stearate or
erythromycin
estolate or ethyl succinate).
Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg (as stearate or
estolate or ethyl succinate).
Injection: 500 mg in 100‐ml vial.
Oral liquid: 200 mg (as benzoate)/5 ml.
metronidazole
Suppository: 500 mg; 1 g.
Tablet: 200 mg to 500 mg.
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Injection:
80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule;
80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim
Oral liquid: 200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 100 mg + 20 mg; 400 mg + 80 mg; 800 mg +
160 mg.
Complementary List
Capsule: 150 mg (as hydrochloride).
clindamycin Injection: 150 mg (as phosphate)/ml.
Oral liquid: 75 mg/5 ml (as palmitate) [c].
Medicines used in the treatment of leprosy should never be used except in combination. Combination
therapy is essential to prevent the emergence of drug resistance. Colour coded blister packs (MDT blister
packs) containing standard two medicine (paucibacillary leprosy) or three medicine (multibacillary
leprosy) combinations for adult and childhood leprosy should be used. MDT blister packs can be supplied
free of charge through WHO.
Oral liquid: 25 mg/ml [c].
ethambutol
Tablet: 100 mg to 400 mg (hydrochloride).
ethambutol + isoniazid + pyrazinamide +
Tablet: 275 mg + 75 mg + 400 mg + 150 mg.
rifampicin
ethambutol + isoniazid + rifampicin Tablet: 275 mg + 75 mg + 150 mg.
isoniazid Tablet: 100 mg to 300 mg.
Tablet (scored): 50 mg.
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Tablet:
isoniazid + pyrazinamide + rifampicin 75 mg + 400 mg + 150 mg.
150 mg + 500 mg + 150 mg (For intermittent use
three times weekly).
Tablet:
75 mg + 150 mg; 150 mg + 300 mg.
isoniazid + rifampicin 60 mg + 60 mg (For intermittent use three times
weekly).
150 mg + 150 mg (For intermittent use three times
weekly).
Oral liquid: 30 mg/ml [c].
Tablet: 400 mg.
pyrazinamide
Tablet (dispersible): 150 mg.
Tablet (scored): 150 mg.
Capsule: 150 mg.*
rifabutin * For use only in patients with HIV receiving
protease inhibitors.
Oral liquid: 20 mg/ml [c].
rifampicin
Solid oral dosage form: 150 mg; 300 mg.
Complementary List
Reserve second‐line drugs for the treatment of multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) should
be used in specialized centres adhering to WHO standards for TB control.
Powder for injection: 100 mg; 500 mg; 1 g (as sulfate)
amikacin
in vial.
cycloserine Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg.
Tablet: 125 mg; 250 mg.
ethionamide*
*Prothionamide may be an alternative.
Granules: 4 g in sachet.
p‐aminosalicylic acid
Tablet: 500 mg.
streptomycin [c] Powder for injection: 1 g (as sulfate) in vial.
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Powder for injection: 50 mg in vial (as sodium
amphotericin B
deoxycholate or liposomal complex).
Vaginal cream: 1%; 10%.
clotrimazole
Vaginal tablet: 100 mg; 500 mg.
Capsule: 50 mg.
fluconazole Injection: 2 mg/ml in vial.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
Capsule: 250 mg.
flucytosine
Infusion: 2.5 g in 250 ml.
Oral liquid: 125 mg/5 ml [c].
griseofulvin
Solid oral dosage form: 125 mg; 250 mg.
Lozenge: 100 000 IU.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml [c]; 100 000 IU/ml [c].
nystatin
Pessary: 100 000 IU.
Tablet: 100 000 IU; 500 000 IU.
Complementary List
potassium iodide Saturated solution.
Tablet: 200 mg.
6.4.2 Antiretrovirals
Based on current evidence and experience of use, medicines in the following three classes of
antiretrovirals are included as essential medicines for treatment and prevention of HIV (prevention of
mother‐to‐child transmission and post‐exposure prophylaxis). WHO emphasizes the importance of using
these products in accordance with global and national guidelines. WHO recommends and endorses the
use of fixed‐dose combinations and the development of appropriate new fixed‐dose combinations,
including modified dosage forms, non‐refrigerated products and paediatric dosage forms of assured
pharmaceutical quality.
Scored tablets can be used in children and therefore can be considered for inclusion in the listing of
tablets, provided adequate quality products are available.
Oral liquid: 100 mg (as sulfate)/5 ml.
abacavir (ABC)
Tablet: 300 mg (as sulfate).
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Buffered powder for oral liquid: 100 mg; 167 mg;
250 mg packets.
Capsule (unbuffered enteric‐coated): 125 mg;
didanosine (ddI)
200 mg; 250 mg; 400 mg.
Tablet (buffered chewable, dispersible): 25 mg;
50 mg; 100 mg; 150 mg; 200 mg.
Capsule: 200 mg.
Oral liquid: 10 mg/ml.
emtricitabine (FTC)* a * FTC is an acceptable alternative to 3TC, based on
knowledge of the pharmacology, the resistance
patterns and clinical trials of antiretrovirals.
a >3 months.
Capsule: 15 mg; 20 mg; 30 mg.
stavudine (d4T)
Powder for oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml.
Tablet: 300 mg (tenofovir disoproxil fumarate –
tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)
equivalent to 245 mg tenofovir disoproxil).
Capsule: 100 mg; 250 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
zidovudine (ZDV or AZT) Solution for IV infusion injection: 10 mg/ml in
20‐ml vial.
Tablet: 300 mg.
Capsule: 50 mg; 100 mg; 200 mg.
Oral liquid: 150 mg/5 ml.
efavirenz (EFV or EFZ) a
Tablet: 600 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
nevirapine (NVP) Tablet: 200 mg.
Selection of protease inhibitor(s) from the Model List will need to be determined by each country after
consideration of international and national treatment guidelines and experience. Ritonavir is
recommended for use in combination as a pharmacological booster, and not as an antiretroviral in its own
right. All other protease inhibitors should be used in boosted forms (e.g. with ritonavir).
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Solid oral dosage form: 100 mg; 150 mg; 300 mg (as
atazanavir a sulfate).
a >25 kg.
Capsule: 133.3 mg + 33.3 mg.
Oral liquid: 400 mg + 100 mg/5 ml.
lopinavir + ritonavir (LPV/r)
Tablet (heat stable): 100 mg + 25 mg;
200 mg + 50 mg.
Oral liquid: 400 mg/5 ml.
ritonavir Solid oral dosage form: 100 mg.
Tablet (heat stable): 25 mg; 100 mg.
Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 500 mg (as
saquinavir (SQV) a mesilate).
a >25 kg.
FIXED-DOSE COMBINATIONS
Tablet: 600 mg + 200 mg + 300 mg (disoproxil
fumarate equivalent to 245 mg tenofovir disoproxil).
efavirenz + emtricitabine* + tenofovir * FTC is an acceptable alternative to 3TC, based on
knowledge of the pharmacology, the resistance
patterns and clinical trials of antiretrovirals.
Tablet: 150 mg + 200 mg + 30 mg.
Tablet (dispersible):
lamivudine + nevirapine + stavudine
30 mg + 50 mg + 6 mg [c]; 60 mg + 100 mg + 12 mg
[c].
Tablet: 30 mg + 50 mg + 60 mg [c]; 150 mg + 200 mg
lamivudine + nevirapine + zidovudine
+ 300 mg.
lamivudine + zidovudine Tablet: 30 mg + 60 mg [c]; 150 mg + 300 mg.
Capsule: 30 mg; 45 mg; 75 mg (as phosphate).
Oral powder: 12 mg/ml.
oseltamivir*
* potentially severe or complicated illness due to
confirmed or suspected influenza virus infection in
accordance with WHO treatment guidelines.
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Injection for intravenous administration: 800 mg
and 1 g in 10‐ml phosphate buffer solution.
Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 400 mg; 600 mg.
ribavirin*
* For the treatment of viral haemorrhagic fevers and
in combination with pegylated interferons for the
treatment of Hepatitis C
Complementary List
Vial or prefilled syringe:
180 micrograms (peginterferon alfa‐2a);
pegylated interferon alpha (2a or 2b) *
80 micrograms, 100 micrograms (peginterferon alfa‐2b).
* To be used in combination with ribavirin.
Tablet: 500 mg (furoate).
diloxanide a
a >25 kg.
Injection: 500 mg in 100‐ml vial.
metronidazole Oral liquid: 200 mg (as benzoate)/5 ml.
Tablet: 200 mg to 500 mg.
Powder for injection: 50 mg in vial (as sodium
amphotericin B
deoxycholate or liposomal complex).
miltefosine Solid oral dosage form: 10 mg; 50 mg.
paromomycin Solution for intramuscular injection: 750 mg of
paromomycin base (as the sulfate).
Injection: 100 mg/ml, 1 vial = 30 ml or 30%,
sodium stibogluconate or meglumine antimoniate equivalent to approximately 8.1% antimony
(pentavalent) in 5‐ml ampoule.
6.5.3 Antimalarial medicines
Medicines for the treatment of P. falciparum malaria cases should be used in combination. The list
currently recommends combinations according to treatment guidelines. WHO recognizes that not all of
the FDCs in the WHO treatment guidelines exist, and encourages their development and rigorous testing.
WHO also encourages development and testing of rectal dosage formulations.
Oily injection: 80 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule.
artemether*
* For use in the management of severe malaria.
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Tablet: 20 mg + 120 mg.
Tablet (dispersible): 20 mg + 120 mg [c].
artemether + lumefantrine*
* Not recommended in the first trimester of
pregnancy or in children below 5 kg.
Injection: ampoules, containing 60 mg anhydrous
artesunic acid with a separate ampoule of 5%
sodium bicarbonate solution.
For use in the management of severe malaria.
Rectal dosage form: 50 mg [c]; 200 mg capsules (for
pre‐referral treatment of severe malaria only;
artesunate* patients should be taken to an appropriate health
facility for follow‐up care) [c].
Tablet: 50 mg.
* To be used in combination with either
amodiaquine, mefloquine or sulfadoxine +
pyrimethamine.
Tablet: 25 mg + 67.5 mg; 50 mg + 135 mg; 100 mg +
270 mg.
artesunate + amodiaquine* * Other combinations that deliver the target doses
required such as 153 mg or 200 mg (as
hydrochloride) with 50 mg artesunate can be
alternatives.
artesunate + mefloquine Tablet: 25 mg + 55 mg; 100 mg + 220 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg (as phosphate or sulfate)/5 ml.
chloroquine* Tablet: 100 mg; 150 mg (as phosphate or sulfate).
* For use only for the treatment of P.vivax infection.
Capsule: 100 mg (as hydrochloride or hyclate).
doxycycline* Tablet (dispersible): 100 mg (as monohydrate).
* For use only in combination with quinine.
Tablet: 250 mg (as hydrochloride).
mefloquine*
* To be used in combination with artesunate 50 mg.
Tablet: 7.5 mg; 15 mg (as diphosphate).
primaquine* * Only for use to achieve radical cure of P.vivax and
P.ovale infections, given for 14 days.
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Injection: 300 mg quinine hydrochloride/ml in 2‐ml
ampoule.
Tablet: 300 mg (quinine sulfate) or 300 mg (quinine
quinine* bisulfate).
* For use only in the management of severe malaria,
and should be used in combination with
doxycycline.
Tablet: 500 mg + 25 mg.
sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine*
* Only in combination with artesunate 50 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg (as phosphate or sulfate)/5 ml.
Tablet: 150 mg (as phosphate or sulfate).
chloroquine*
* For use only in central American regions, for use
for P.vivax.
a >8 years.
Tablet: 250 mg (as hydrochloride).
mefloquine a
a >5 kg or >3 months.
Tablet: 100 mg (as hydrochloride).
proguanil*
* For use only in combination with chloroquine.
sulfadiazine Tablet: 500 mg.
Injection:
80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule;
sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim 80 mg + 16 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
Oral liquid: 200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml [c].
Tablet: 100 mg + 20 mg; 400 mg + 80 mg [c].
Complementary List
pentamidine Tablet: 200 mg; 300 mg (as isethionate).
Medicines for the treatment of 1st stage African trypanosomiasis
Powder for injection: 200 mg (as isetionate) in vial.
pentamidine* * To be used for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei
gambiense infection.
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Powder for injection: 1 g in vial.
suramin sodium* * To be used for the treatment of the initial phase of
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense infection.
Medicines for the treatment of 2nd stage African trypanosomiasis
Injection: 200 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 100‐ml
bottle.
eflornithine*
* To be used for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei
gambiense infection.
Injection: 3.6% solution, 5‐ml ampoule (180 mg of
melarsoprol active
compound).
Tablet: 120 mg.
* Only to be used in combination with eflornithine,
nifurtimox*
for the treatment of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense
infection.
Complementary List [c]
melarsoprol Injection: 3.6% solution in 5‐ml ampoule (180 mg of
active compound).
6.5.5.2 American trypanosomiasis
7. ANTIMIGRAINE MEDICINES
ibuprofen [c] Tablet: 200 mg; 400 mg.
Complementary List
Powder for injection: 100 mg (as sodium salt) in vial.
azathioprine
Tablet (scored): 50 mg.
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Capsule: 25 mg.
ciclosporin Concentrate for injection: 50 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule
for organ transplantation.
Complementary List
allopurinol [c] Tablet: 100 mg; 300 mg.
asparaginase Powder for injection: 10 000 IU in vial.
bleomycin Powder for injection: 15 mg (as sulfate) in vial.
Injection: 3 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
calcium folinate
Tablet: 15 mg.
Injection: 50 mg/5 ml; 150 mg/15 ml; 450 mg/45 ml; 600
carboplatin
mg/60 ml.
chlorambucil Tablet: 2 mg.
Powder for injection: 500 mg in vial.
cyclophosphamide
Tablet: 25 mg.
dacarbazine Powder for injection: 100 mg in vial.
dactinomycin Powder for injection: 500 micrograms in vial.
daunorubicin Powder for injection: 50 mg (hydrochloride) in vial.
docetaxel Injection: 20 mg/ml; 40 mg/ml.
Powder for injection: 10 mg; 50 mg (hydrochloride) in
doxorubicin
vial.
Capsule: 100 mg.
etoposide
Injection: 20 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule.
Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 250 mg; 300 mg; 400
hydroxycarbamide
mg; 500 mg; 1 g.
ifosfamide Powder for injection: 1 g vial; 2 g vial.
Injection: 100 mg/ml in 4‐ml and 10‐ml ampoules.
mesna
Tablet: 400 mg; 600 mg.
Powder for injection: 50 mg (as sodium salt) in vial.
methotrexate
Tablet: 2.5 mg (as sodium salt).
paclitaxel Powder for injection: 6 mg/ml.
procarbazine Capsule: 50 mg (as hydrochloride).
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thioguanine [c] Solid oral dosage form: 40 mg.
vincristine Powder for injection: 1 mg; 5 mg (sulfate) in vial.
Complementary List
Injection: 4 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule (as disodium
dexamethasone phosphate salt).
Oral liquid: 2 mg/5 ml [c].
Powder for injection: 100 mg (as sodium succinate) in
hydrocortisone
vial.
Injection: 40 mg/ml (as sodium succinate) in 1‐ml single
dose vial and
methylprednisolone [c]
5‐ml multidose vials; 80 mg/ml (as sodium succinate) in
1‐ml single dose vial.
Oral liquid: 5 mg/ml [c].
prednisolone
Tablet: 5 mg; 25 mg.
tamoxifen Tablet: 10 mg; 20 mg (as citrate).
9. ANTIPARKINSONISM MEDICINES
Injection: 5 mg (lactate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
biperiden
Tablet: 2 mg (hydrochloride).
Oral liquid: equivalent to 25 mg iron (as sulfate)/ml.
ferrous salt
Tablet: equivalent to 60 mg iron.
Tablet equivalent to 60 mg iron + 400 micrograms
ferrous salt + folic acid folic acid
(Nutritional supplement for use during pregnancy).
Injection: 1000 IU/ml; 5000 IU/ml; 20 000 IU/ml in 1‐
heparin sodium
ml ampoule.
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protamine sulfate Injection: 10 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule.
Complementary List [c]
heparin sodium Injection: 1000 IU/ml; 5000 IU/ml in 1‐ml ampoule.
protamine sulfate Injection: 10 mg/ml in 5‐ml ampoule.
warfarin Tablet: 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg (sodium salt).
10.3 Other medicines for haemoglobinopathies
Complementary List
Powder for injection: 500 mg (mesilate) in vial.
deferoxamine* * Deferasirox oral form may be an alternative, depending
on cost and availability.
hydroxycarbamide Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg; 500 mg; 1 g.
fresh frozen plasma
platelet concentrates
red blood cells
whole blood
11.2 Plasma-derived medicines
All human plasma derived medicines should comply with the WHO Requirements.
11.2.1 Human immunoglobulins
Complementary List
Intramuscular administration: 16% protein solution.*
Intravenous administration: 5%; 10% protein
solution.**
human normal immunoglobulin Subcutaneous administration: 15%; 16% protein
solution.*
* Indicated for primary immune deficiency.
**Indicated for primary immune deficiency and Kawasaki
disease.
11.2.2 Blood coagulation factors
Complementary List
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coagulation factor VIII Powder for injection: 500 IU/vial.
coagulation factor IX Powder for injection: 500 IU/vial, 1000 IU/vial.
verapamil Tablet: 40 mg; 80 mg (hydrochloride).
Injection: 250 micrograms/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
digoxin Oral liquid: 50 micrograms/ml.
Tablet: 62.5 micrograms; 250 micrograms.
Injection: 100 micrograms/ml (as acid tartrate or
epinephrine (adrenaline)
hydrochloride) in 10‐ml ampoule.
Injection: 20 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 5‐ml
lidocaine
ampoule.
Injection: 2.5 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml
verapamil ampoule.
Tablet: 40 mg; 80 mg (hydrochloride).
Complementary List
Injection: 50 mg/ml in 3‐ml ampoule (hydrochloride).
amiodarone
Tablet (HCI): 100 mg; 200 mg; 400 mg (hydrochloride).
Tablet: 1.25 mg; 5 mg.
bisoprolol* * includes metoprolol and carvedilol as
alternatives.
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enalapril Tablet: 2.5 mg; 5 mg (as hydrogen maleate).
Powder for injection: 20 mg (hydrochloride) in
ampoule.
Tablet: 25 mg; 50 mg (hydrochloride).
* Hydralazine is listed for use in the acute
hydralazine*
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.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
hydrochlorothiazide
Solid oral dosage form: 12.5 mg; 25 mg.
Tablet: 250 mg.
* Methyldopa is listed for use in the management of
methyldopa* 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.
Complementary List
Tablet: 1.25 mg; 5 mg.
bisoprolol* * includes metoprolol and carvedilol as
alternatives.
Injection: 250 micrograms/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
digoxin Oral liquid: 50 micrograms/ml.
Tablet: 62.5 micrograms; 250 micrograms.
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
furosemide Oral liquid: 20 mg/5 ml [c].
Tablet: 40 mg.
Oral liquid: 50 mg/5 ml.
hydrochlorothiazide
Solid oral dosage form: 25 mg.
Complementary List
dopamine Injection: 40 mg/ml (hydrochloride) in 5‐ml vial.
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acetylsalicylic acid Tablet: 100 mg.
Complementary List
streptokinase Powder for injection: 1.5 million IU in vial.
Tablet: 5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg.
simvastatin*
* For use in high‐risk patients.
miconazole Cream or ointment: 2% (nitrate).
selenium sulfide Detergent‐based suspension: 2%.
Cream (as mupirocin calcium): 2%.
mupirocin
Ointment: 2%.
Cream: 1%.
silver sulfadiazine a
a >2 months.
Cream or ointment: 0.1% (as valerate).
betamethasone a
a Hydrocortisone preferred in neonates.
calamine Lotion.
hydrocortisone Cream or ointment: 1% (acetate).
Lotion: 25%.
benzyl benzoate a
a >2 years.
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Cream: 5%.
permethrin
Lotion: 1%.
barium sulfate Aqueous suspension.
Complementary List
barium sulfate [c] Aqueous suspension.
meglumine iotroxate Solution: 5 g to 8 g iodine in 100 ml to 250 ml.
15.1 Antiseptics
chlorhexidine Solution: 5% (digluconate).
15.2 Disinfectants
16. DIURETICS
Injection: 10 mg/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
furosemide Oral liquid: 20 mg/5 ml [c].
Tablet: 10 mg [c]; 20 mg [c]; 40 mg.
hydrochlorothiazide Solid oral dosage form: 25 mg.
Complementary List [c]
hydrochlorothiazide Tablet (scored): 25 mg.
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mannitol Injectable solution: 10%; 20%.
Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml; 10 mg/5 ml; 25 mg/5 ml.
spironolactone
Tablet: 25 mg.
17. GASTROINTESTINAL MEDICINES
Complementary List [c]
Age‐appropriate formulations and doses including lipase,
pancreatic enzymes
protease and amylase.
17.1 Antiulcer medicines
Powder for oral liquid: 20 mg; 40 mg sachets.
omeprazole
Solid oral dosage form: 10 mg; 20 mg; 40 mg.
Injection: 25 mg/ml (as hydrochloride) in 2‐ml
ampoule.
ranitidine
Oral liquid: 75 mg/5 ml (as hydrochloride).
Tablet: 150 mg (as hydrochloride).
Injection: 4 mg/ml in 1‐ml ampoule (as disodium
phosphate salt).
dexamethasone Oral liquid: 0.5 mg/5 ml; 2 mg/5 ml.
Solid oral dosage form: 0.5 mg; 0.75 mg; 1.5 mg;
4 mg.
Injection: 5 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml [c].
metoclopramide a
Tablet: 10 mg (hydrochloride).
a Not in neonates.
Injection: 2 mg base/ml in 2‐ml ampoule (as
hydrochloride).
Oral liquid: 4 mg base/5 ml.
ondansetron a
Solid oral dosage form: Eq 4 mg base; Eq 8 mg base;
Eq 24 mg base.
a >1 month.
Retention enema.
sulfasalazine Suppository: 500 mg.
Tablet: 500 mg.
Complementary List
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Retention enema.
hydrocortisone Suppository: 25 mg (acetate).
(the only applies to hydrocortisone retention
enema).
17.4 Laxatives
Tablet: 7.5 mg (sennosides) (or traditional dosage
senna
forms).
Powder for dilution in 200 ml; 500 ml; 1 L.
glucose: 75 mEq
sodium: 75 mEq or mmol/L
chloride: 65 mEq or mmol/L
potassium: 20 mEq or mmol/L
citrate: 10 mmol/L
osmolarity: 245 mOsm/L
glucose: 13.5 g/L
oral rehydration salts sodium chloride: 2.6 g/L
potassium chloride: 1.5 g/L
trisodium citrate dihydrate+: 2.9 g/L
+ trisodium citrate dihydrate may be replaced by
sodium hydrogen carbonate (sodium bicarbonate)
2.5 g/L. However, as the stability of this latter
formulation is very poor under tropical conditions, it
is only recommended when manufactured for
immediate use.
Solid oral dosage form: 20 mg.
zinc sulfate* * In acute diarrhoea zinc sulfate should be used as an
adjunct to oral rehydration salts.
fludrocortisone Tablet: 100 micrograms (acetate).
hydrocortisone Tablet: 5 mg; 10 mg; 20 mg.
18.2 Androgens
Complementary List
testosterone Injection: 200 mg (enanthate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
18.3 Contraceptives
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ethinylestradiol + norethisterone Tablet: 35 micrograms + 1 mg.
Tablet: 30 micrograms; 750 micrograms (pack of
levonorgestrel
two); 1.5 mg.
estradiol cypionate + medroxyprogesterone acetate Injection: 5 mg + 25 mg.
copper‐containing device
condoms
diaphragms
Two‐rod levonorgestrel‐releasing implant, each rod
levonorgestrel‐releasing implant
containing 75 mg of levonorgestrel (150 mg total).
18.4 Estrogens
* glibenclamide not suitable above 60 years.
Injection: 40 IU/ml in 10‐ml vial; 100 IU/ml in 10‐ml
insulin injection (soluble)
vial.
Injection: 40 IU/ml in 10‐ml vial; 100 IU/ml in 10‐ml
intermediate‐acting insulin vial (as compound insulin zinc suspension or
isophane insulin).
Complementary List [c]
metformin Tablet: 500 mg (hydrochloride).
18.6 Ovulation inducers
Complementary List
clomifene Tablet: 50 mg (citrate).
18.7 Progestogens
Complementary List [c]
Lugolʹs solution Oral liquid: about 130 mg total iodine/ml.
potassium iodide Tablet: 60 mg.
propylthiouracil Tablet: 50 mg.
19. IMMUNOLOGICALS
All tuberculins should comply with the WHO Requirements for Tuberculins.
tuberculin, purified protein derivative (PPD) Injection.
All plasma fractions should comply with the WHO requirements.
Injection.
antivenom immunoglobulin*
* Exact type to be defined locally.
19.3 Vaccines
Selection of vaccines from the Model List will need to be determined by each country after consideration
of international recommendations, epidemiology and national priorities. The list below details the
vaccines for which there is either a recommendation from the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on
Immunization (SAGE) (http://www.who.int/immunization/sage_conclusions/en/index.html) and/or a
WHO position paper (http://www.who.int/immunization/documents/positionpapers/en/index.html). This
site will be updated as new position papers are published and contains the most recent information and
recommendations.
All vaccines should comply with the WHO Requirements for Biological Substances.
WHO noted the need for vaccines used in children to be polyvalent.
BCG vaccine
cholera vaccine
diphtheria vaccine
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
hepatitis A vaccine
hepatitis B vaccine
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influenza vaccine
Japanese encephalitis vaccine
measles vaccine
meningococcal meningitis vaccine
mumps vaccine
pertussis vaccine
pneumococcal vaccine
poliomyelitis vaccine
rabies vaccine
rotavirus vaccine
rubella vaccine
tetanus vaccine
typhoid vaccine
varicella vaccine
yellow fever vaccine
Injection: 500 micrograms in 1‐ml ampoule; 2.5 mg
neostigmine (metilsulfate) in 1‐ml ampoule.
Tablet: 15 mg (bromide).
Injection: 50 mg (chloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
suxamethonium
Powder for injection (chloride), in vial.
vecuronium [c] Powder for injection: 10 mg (bromide) in vial.
Complementary List
Injection: 1 mg in 1‐ml ampoule.
pyridostigmine
Tablet: 60 mg (bromide).
azithromycin Solution (eye drops): 1.5%.
gentamicin Solution (eye drops): 0.3% (sulfate).
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tetracycline Eye ointment: 1% (hydrochloride).
Solution (eye drops): 0.5% (hydrochloride).
tetracaine a
a Not in preterm neonates.
Solution (eye drops): 0.25%; 0.5% (as hydrogen
timolol
maleate).
21.5 Mydriatics
Solution (eye drops): 0.1%; 0.5%; 1% (sulfate).
* [c] Or homatropine (hydrobromide) or
atropine* a
cyclopentolate (hydrochloride).
a >3 months.
Complementary List
epinephrine (adrenaline) Solution (eye drops): 2% (as hydrochloride).
Complementary List
bevacizumab Injection: 25 mg/ml.
22.1 Oxytocics
Injection: 200 micrograms (hydrogen maleate) in 1‐
ergometrine
ml ampoule.
Tablet: 200 micrograms.*
* For management of incomplete abortion and
miscarriage, and for prevention of postpartum
haemorrhage where oxytocin is not available or
misoprostol cannot be safely used.
Vaginal tablet: 25 micrograms.*
* Only for use for induction of labour where
appropriate facilities are available.
Complementary List
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mifepristone* – misoprostol*
Tablet 200 mg – tablet 200 micrograms.
Where permitted under national law and
where culturally acceptable. * Requires close medical supervision.
22.2 Antioxytocics (tocolytics)
Complementary List
intraperitoneal dialysis solution
Parenteral solution.
(of appropriate composition)
Injection: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml
ampoule.
chlorpromazine
Oral liquid: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/5 ml.
Tablet: 100 mg (hydrochloride).
Injection: 5 mg in 1‐ml ampoule.
haloperidol
Tablet: 2 mg; 5 mg.
risperidone Oral solid dosage form: 0.25 mg to 6mg.
Complementary List
Injection: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 2‐ml ampoule.
chlorpromazine [c] Oral liquid: 25 mg (hydrochloride)/5 ml.
Tablet: 10 mg; 25 mg; 50 mg; 100 mg (hydrochloride).
Injection: 5 mg in 1‐ml ampoule.
haloperidol [c] Oral liquid: 2 mg/ml.
Solid oral dosage form: 0.5 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg.
clozapine Solid oral dosage form: 25 ‐ 200 mg.
Complementary List [c]
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Solid oral dosage form: 20 mg (as hydrochloride).
fluoxetine a
a >8 years.
lithium carbonate Solid oral dosage form: 300 mg.
Tablet (enteric‐coated): 200 mg; 500 mg (sodium
valproic acid (sodium valproate)
valproate).
Complementary List
Concentrate for oral liquid: 5 mg/ml; 10 mg/ml
(hydrochloride).
Oral liquid: 5 mg/5 ml; 10 mg/5 ml (hydrochloride).
methadone*
* The square box is added to include buprenorphine. The
medicines should only be used within an established
support programme.
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Inhalation (aerosol): 100 micrograms (as sulfate) per
dose.
Injection: 50 micrograms (as sulfate)/ml in 5‐ml
ampoule.
salbutamol
Metered dose inhaler (aerosol): 100 micrograms (as
sulfate) per dose.
Respirator solution for use in nebulizers: 5 mg (as
sulfate)/ml.
26. SOLUTIONS CORRECTING WATER, ELECTROLYTE AND ACID-BASE
DISTURBANCES
26.1 Oral
oral rehydration salts See section 17.5.1.
potassium chloride Powder for solution.
26.2 Parenteral
Injectable solution: 5% (isotonic); 10% (hypertonic);
glucose
50% (hypertonic).
Injectable solution: 4% glucose, 0.18% sodium
chloride
(equivalent to Na+ 30 mmol/L, Cl‐ 30 mmol/L).
glucose with sodium chloride Injectable solution: 5% glucose, 0.9% sodium
chloride (equivalent to 150 mmol/L Na+ and
150 mmol/L Cl‐); 5% glucose, 0.45% sodium chloride
(equivalent to 75 mmol/L Na+ and 75 mmol/L
Cl‐) [c].
Solution: 11.2% in 20‐ml ampoule
(equivalent to K+ 1.5 mmol/ml, Cl‐ 1.5 mmol/ml).
potassium chloride Solution for dilution: 7.5% (equivalent to K
1 mmol/ml and Cl 1 mmol/ml) [c]; 15% (equivalent
to K 2 mmol/ml and Cl 2 mmol/ml) [c].
Injectable solution: 0.9% isotonic (equivalent to Na+
sodium chloride
154 mmol/L, Cl‐ 154 mmol/L).
Injectable solution: 1.4% isotonic (equivalent to Na+
167 mmol/L, HCO3‐ 167 mmol/L).
sodium hydrogen carbonate
Solution: 8.4% in 10‐ml ampoule (equivalent to Na+
1000 mmol/L, HCO3‐1000 mmol/L).
sodium lactate, compound solution Injectable solution.
26.3 Miscellaneous
water for injection 2‐ml; 5‐ml; 10‐ml ampoules.
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calcium Tablet: 500 mg (elemental).
Oral liquid: 400 IU/ml.
cholecalciferol* [c] Solid oral dosage form: 400 IU; 1000 IU.
* Ergocalciferol can be used as an alternative.
Oral liquid: 250 micrograms/ml (10 000 IU/ml).
ergocalciferol
Solid oral dosage form: 1.25 mg (50 000 IU).
iodine Iodized oil: 1 ml (480 mg iodine); 0.5 ml (240 mg
iodine) in ampoule (oral or injectable); 0.57 ml (308
mg iodine) in dispenser bottle.
sodium fluoride In any appropriate topical formulation.
Complementary List
calcium gluconate Injection: 100 mg/ml in 10‐ml ampoule.
budesonide Nasal spray: 100 micrograms per dose.
ciprofloxacin Topical: 0.3% drops (as hydrochloride).
Nasal spray: 0.05%.
xylometazoline a
a Not in children less than 3 months.
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Solution or gel: 7.1% (digluconate) delivering 4%
Chlorhexidine
chlorhexidine (for umbilical cord care) [c].
Complementary List
ibuprofen Solution for injection: 5 mg/ml.
Solution for injection:
prostaglandin E Prostaglandin E1: 0.5 mg/ml in alcohol.
Prostaglandin E 2: 1 mg/ml.
Suspension for intratracheal instillation: 25 mg/ml
surfactant
or 80 mg/ml. (checking with INN – Secretariat )
29.2 Medicines administered to the mother
Injection: 4 mg/ml dexamethasone phosphate (as
dexamethasone
disodium salt)
Complementary List
azathioprine Tablet: 50 mg.
hydroxychloroquine [c] Solid oral dosage form: 200 mg (as sulfate).
methotrexate Tablet: 2.5 mg (as sodium salt).
penicillamine Solid oral dosage form: 250 mg.
Suppository: 50 mg to 150 mg.
Tablet: 100 mg to 500 mg.
acetylsalicylic acid* (acute or chronic use)
* For use for rheumatic fever, juvenile arthritis,
Kawasaki disease.
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Table 1: Medicines with age or weight restrictions
atazanavir >25 kg
atropine >3 months
benzyl benzoate >2 years
betamethasone topical preparations Hydrocortisone preferred in neonates
cefazolin >1 month
ceftriaxone >41 weeks corrected gestational age
diloxanide >25 kg
doxycycline >8 years (except for serious infections e.g. cholera)
efavirenz >3 years or >10 kg
emtricitabine >3 months
fluoxetine >8 years
ibuprofen >3 months (except IV form for patent ductus arteriosus)
mefloquine >5 kg or >3 months
metoclopramide Not in neonates
ondansetron >1 month
saquinavir >25 kg
silver sulfadiazine >2 months
tetracaine Not in preterm neonates
trimethoprim >6 months
xylometazoline >3 months
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Annex 1: Explanation of dosage forms
A. Principal dosage forms used in EML - Oral administration
Term Definition
Refers to tablets or capsules or other solid dosage forms such as ʹmeltsʹ
that are immediate‐release preparations. It implies that there is no
difference in clinical efficacy or safety between the available dosage
forms, and countries should therefore choose the form(s) to be listed
Solid oral dosage form depending on quality and availability.
The term ʹsolid oral dosage formʹ is never intended to allow any type of
modified‐release tablet.
Refers to:
uncoated or coated (film‐coated or sugar‐coated) tablets that are
intended to be swallowed whole;
unscored and scored*;
tablets that are intended to be chewed before being swallowed;
Tablets tablets that are intended to be dispersed or dissolved in water or
another suitable liquid before being swallowed;
tablets that are intended to be crushed before being swallowed.
The term ʹtabletʹ without qualification is never intended to allow any
type of modified‐release tablet.
Refers to a specific type of tablet:
chewable ‐ tablets that are intended to be chewed before being
swallowed;
dispersible ‐ tablets that are intended to be dispersed in water or
another suitable liquid before being swallowed;
soluble ‐ tablets that are intended to be dissolved in water or another
suitable liquid before being swallowed;
crushable ‐ tablets that are intended to be crushed before being
swallowed;
scored ‐ tablets bearing a break mark or marks where sub‐division is
Tablets (qualified)
intended in order to provide doses of less than one tablet;
sublingual ‐ tablets that are intended to be placed beneath the tongue.
The term ʹtabletʹ is always qualified with an additional term (in
parentheses) in entries where one of the following types of tablet is
intended: gastro‐resistant (such tablets may sometimes be described as
enteric‐coated or as delayed‐release), prolonged‐release or another
modified‐release form.
* Scored tablets may be divided for ease of swallowing, provided dose is a whole number of tablets.
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Term Definition
Refers to hard or soft capsules.
Capsules The term ʹcapsuleʹ without qualification is never intended to allow any
type of modified‐release capsule.
The term ʹcapsuleʹ with qualification refers to gastro‐resistant (such
capsules may sometimes be described as enteric‐coated or as delayed‐
Capsules (qualified)
release), prolonged‐release or another modified‐release form.
Preparations that are issued to patient as granules to be swallowed
without further preparation, to be chewed, or to be taken in or with
water or another suitable liquid.
Granules
The term ʹgranulesʹ without further qualification is never intended to
allow any type of modified‐release granules.
Preparations that are issued to patient as powder (usually as single‐
Oral powder dose) to be taken in or with water or another suitable liquid.
Liquid preparations intended to be swallowed i.e. oral solutions,
suspensions, emulsions and oral drops, including those constituted from
powders or granules, but not those preparations intended for oromucosal
administration e.g. gargles and mouthwashes.
Oral liquids presented as powders or granules may offer benefits in the
Oral liquid
form of better stability and lower transport costs. If more than one type
of oral liquid is available on the same market (e.g. solution, suspension,
granules for reconstitution), they may be interchanged and in such cases
should be bioequivalent. It is preferable that oral liquids do not contain
sugar and that solutions for children do not contain alcohol.
B. Principal dosage forms used in EMLc - Parenteral administration
Term Definition
Injection Refers to solutions, suspensions and emulsions including those
constituted from powders or concentrated solutions.
Injection (qualified) Route of administration is indicated in parentheses where relevant.
Injection (oily) The term injection is qualified by (oily) in relevant entries.
Intravenous infusion Refers to solutions and emulsions including those constituted from
powders or concentrated solutions.
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C. Other dosage forms
Mode of Term to be used
administration
To the eye Eye drops, eye ointments.
Topical For liquids: lotions, paints.
For semi‐solids: cream, ointment.
Rectal Suppositories, gel or solution.
Vaginal Pessaries or vaginal tablets.
Inhalation Powder for inhalation, pressurized inhalation, nebulizer.
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Index
abacavir (ABC) .......................................................... 11 calamine ..................................................................... 23
acetazolamide ............................................................ 30 calcium ....................................................................... 34
acetic acid ................................................................... 34 calcium folinate ........................................................... 18
acetylcysteine .............................................................. 4 calcium gluconate ................................................. 4, 34
acetylsalicylic acid .................................... 2, 17, 23, 35 capreomycin ................................................................ 10
aciclovir ................................................................ 11, 29 carbamazepine ...................................................... 4, 32
albendazole .............................................................. 5, 6 carboplatin ................................................................... 18
allopurinol ............................................................. 18, 35 cefalexin ....................................................................... 6
amidotrizoate ............................................................ 24 cefazolin ....................................................................... 6
amikacin ....................................................................... 10 cefixime ........................................................................ 6
amiloride .................................................................... 24 cefotaxime ...................................................................... 7
amiodarone .................................................................. 21 ceftazidime ..................................................................... 7
amitriptyline .......................................................... 2, 31 ceftriaxone ................................................................... 7
amlodipine ................................................................. 21 charcoal, activated ...................................................... 4
amodiaquine .............................................................. 14 chlorambucil ................................................................ 18
amoxicillin ................................................................... 6 chloramphenicol ......................................................... 8
amoxicillin + clavulanic acid..................................... 6 chlorhexidine ............................................................ 24
amphotericin B .................................................... 11, 14 chlorine base compound ......................................... 24
ampicillin ..................................................................... 6 chloroquine .................................................... 15, 16, 35
anti‐D immunoglobulin (human) .......................... 28 chloroxylenol ............................................................. 24
antitetanus immunoglobulin (human) ................. 28 chlorpromazine ......................................................... 31
antivenom immunoglobulin ................................... 28 chlorpromazine ............................................................ 31
artemether .................................................................. 14 cholecalciferol ........................................................... 34
artemether + lumefantrine ...................................... 15 cholera vaccine .......................................................... 28
artesunate ................................................................... 15 ciclosporin ................................................................... 18
artesunate + amodiaquine ....................................... 15 ciprofloxacin .......................................................... 8, 34
artesunate + mefloquine .......................................... 15 clarithromycin ............................................................. 8
ascorbic acid .............................................................. 33 clindamycin ................................................................... 9
asparaginase ................................................................ 18 clofazimine .................................................................. 9
atazanavir ................................................................... 13 clomifene ...................................................................... 27
atracurium ................................................................. 29 clomipramine ............................................................ 32
atropine .............................................................. 1, 4, 30 clotrimazole ............................................................... 11
azathioprine ........................................................... 17, 35 cloxacillin ..................................................................... 7
azithromycin ......................................................... 7, 29 clozapine ...................................................................... 31
barium sulfate ........................................................... 24 coagulation factor IX................................................... 21
BCG vaccine ............................................................... 28 coagulation factor VIII ................................................ 21
beclometasone ........................................................... 32 coal tar ........................................................................ 23
benzathine benzylpenicillin ...................................... 6 codeine ......................................................................... 2
benznidazole ............................................................. 17 condoms ..................................................................... 27
benzoyl peroxide ...................................................... 23 copper‐containing device ........................................ 27
benzyl benzoate ........................................................ 23 cyclizine ....................................................................... 2
benzylpenicillin ........................................................... 6 cyclophosphamide ........................................................ 18
betamethasone .......................................................... 23 cycloserine ................................................................... 10
bevacizumab ................................................................ 30 cytarabine .................................................................... 18
biperiden .................................................................... 19 dacarbazine .................................................................. 18
bisoprolol ............................................................. 21, 22 dactinomycin ............................................................... 18
bleomycin ..................................................................... 18 dapsone ........................................................................ 9
budesonide .......................................................... 32, 34 daunorubicin ............................................................... 18
bupivacaine ................................................................. 1 deferoxamine............................................................ 4, 20
caffeine citrate ........................................................... 34 dexamethasone ..................................... 2, 3, 19, 25, 35
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dextran 70 ................................................................... 21 gentamicin ............................................................. 8, 29
diaphragms ................................................................ 27 gliclazide .................................................................... 27
diazepam ............................................................ 3, 4, 32 glucagon ..................................................................... 27
didanosine (ddI) ....................................................... 12 glucose ........................................................................ 33
diethylcarbamazine .................................................... 6 glucose with sodium chloride ................................ 33
digoxin .................................................................. 21, 22 glutaral ....................................................................... 24
diloxanide .................................................................. 14 glyceryl trinitrate ...................................................... 21
dimercaprol .................................................................... 4 griseofulvin ............................................................... 11
diphtheria antitoxin ................................................. 28 Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine ................... 28
diphtheria vaccine .................................................... 28 haloperidol ............................................................ 3, 31
docetaxel ...................................................................... 18 halothane ..................................................................... 1
docusate sodium ......................................................... 3 heparin sodium ................................................... 19, 20
dopamine ...................................................................... 22 hepatitis A vaccine ................................................... 28
doxorubicin .................................................................. 18 hepatitis B vaccine .................................................... 28
doxycycline ...................................................... 8, 15, 16 human normal immunoglobulin................................. 20
efavirenz (EFV or EFZ) ............................................ 12 hydralazine ................................................................ 22
efavirenz + emtricitabine + tenofovir .................... 13 hydrochlorothiazide .......................................... 22, 24
eflornithine ................................................................ 17 hydrocortisone .......................................... 3, 19, 23, 26
emtricitabine (FTC) .................................................. 12 hydroxocobalamin ................................................... 19
emtricitabine + tenofovir ......................................... 13 hydroxycarbamide ................................................. 18, 20
enalapril ..................................................................... 22 hydroxychloroquine..................................................... 35
ephedrine ........................................................................ 1 hyoscine butylbromide .............................................. 3
epinephrine (adrenaline) ......................... 3, 21, 30, 32 hyoscine hydrobromide ............................................ 3
ergocalciferol ............................................................. 34 ibuprofen ......................................................... 2, 17, 35
ergometrine ............................................................... 30 ifosfamide ..................................................................... 18
erythromycin ............................................................... 8 imipenem + cilastatin .................................................... 7
estradiol cypionate + medroxyprogesterone indinavir (IDV) ......................................................... 13
acetate ..................................................................... 27 influenza vaccine ...................................................... 29
ethambutol ................................................................... 9 insulin injection (soluble) ........................................ 27
ethambutol + isoniazid .............................................. 9 intermediate‐acting insulin .................................... 27
ethambutol + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + intraperitoneal dialysis solution ................................. 31
rifampicin ................................................................. 9 iodine .......................................................................... 34
ethambutol + isoniazid + rifampicin ....................... 9 iohexol ........................................................................ 24
ethanol ........................................................................ 24 ipratropium bromide ............................................... 32
ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel ........................... 26 isoflurane ..................................................................... 1
ethinylestradiol + norethisterone ........................... 27 isoniazid ....................................................................... 9
ethionamide .................................................................. 10 isoniazid + pyrazinamide + rifampicin ................. 10
ethosuximide .................................................................. 5 isoniazid + rifampicin .............................................. 10
etoposide ....................................................................... 18 isosorbide dinitrate .................................................. 21
ferrous salt ................................................................. 19 ivermectin .................................................................... 6
ferrous salt + folic acid ............................................. 19 Japanese encephalitis vaccine ................................ 29
fluconazole ................................................................. 11 kanamycin ................................................................... 10
flucytosine .................................................................. 11 ketamine ....................................................................... 1
fludrocortisone .......................................................... 26 lactulose ....................................................................... 3
fluorescein .................................................................. 24 lamivudine (3TC) ..................................................... 12
fluorouracil ............................................................ 18, 23 lamivudine + nevirapine + stavudine ................... 13
fluoxetine ......................................................... 3, 31, 32 lamivudine + nevirapine + zidovudine ................ 13
fluphenazine .............................................................. 31 lamivudine + zidovudine ........................................ 13
folic acid ..................................................................... 19 latanoprost) ............................................................... 30
fomepizole ...................................................................... 4 levamisole .................................................................... 5
fresh frozen plasma .................................................. 20 levodopa + carbidopa .............................................. 19
furosemide ........................................................... 22, 24 levofloxacin .................................................................. 10
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levonorgestrel ............................................................ 27 ondansetron ........................................................... 3, 25
levonorgestrel‐releasing implant ........................... 27 oral rehydration salts ......................................... 26, 33
levothyroxine ............................................................ 28 oseltamivir ................................................................. 13
lidocaine ................................................................. 1, 21 oxamniquine .................................................................. 6
lidocaine + epinephrine (adrenaline) ...................... 1 oxygen .......................................................................... 1
lithium carbonate ...................................................... 32 oxytocin ...................................................................... 30
loperamide ................................................................... 3 paclitaxel ...................................................................... 18
lopinavir + ritonavir (LPV/r) ................................... 13 p‐aminosalicylic acid ................................................... 10
loratadine ..................................................................... 4 pancreatic enzymes ..................................................... 25
lorazepam .................................................................... 5 paracetamol ........................................................... 2, 17
Lugolʹs solution ........................................................... 28 paromomycin ............................................................ 14
magnesium sulfate ..................................................... 5 pegylated interferon alpha 2a ...................................... 14
mannitol ............................................................... 24, 25 penicillamine ......................................................... 4, 35
measles vaccine ......................................................... 29 pentamidine ................................................................. 16
mebendazole ............................................................... 5 permethrin ................................................................. 24
medroxyprogesterone acetate ................................ 27 pertussis vaccine ....................................................... 29
mefloquine ........................................................... 15, 16 phenobarbital .............................................................. 5
meglumine iotroxate .................................................... 24 phenoxymethylpenicillin .......................................... 7
melarsoprol ................................................................ 17 phenytoin ..................................................................... 5
meningococcal meningitis vaccine ........................ 29 phytomenadione ...................................................... 19
mercaptopurine ............................................................ 18 pilocarpine ................................................................. 30
mesna ........................................................................... 18 platelet concentrates ................................................ 20
metformin .................................................................. 27 pneumococcal vaccine ............................................. 29
methadone .................................................................... 32 podophyllum resin ................................................... 23
methotrexate .......................................................... 18, 35 poliomyelitis vaccine ............................................... 29
methyldopa ................................................................ 22 polyvidone iodine .................................................... 24
methylprednisolone ..................................................... 19 potassium chloride ................................................... 33
methylthioninium chloride (methylene blue) ....... 4 potassium ferric hexacyano‐ferrate(II) ‐2H20
metoclopramide ........................................................ 25 (Prussian blue) ........................................................ 4
metronidazole ....................................................... 8, 14 potassium iodide .................................................... 11, 28
miconazole ................................................................. 23 potassium permanganate ........................................ 23
midazolam ............................................................... 1, 3 praziquantel ............................................................ 5, 6
mifepristone ................................................................. 31 prednisolone.................................................... 4, 19, 30
miltefosine ................................................................. 14 primaquine ................................................................ 15
misoprostol .......................................................... 30, 31 procaine benzylpenicillin .......................................... 7
morphine .................................................................. 1, 2 procarbazine ................................................................ 18
mumps vaccine ......................................................... 29 proguanil ................................................................... 16
mupirocin ................................................................... 23 propofol........................................................................ 1
naloxone ....................................................................... 4 propranolol ................................................................ 17
neostigmine ............................................................... 29 propylthiouracil ........................................................ 28
nevirapine (NVP) ...................................................... 12 prostaglandin E ........................................................... 35
niclosamide .................................................................. 5 protamine sulfate ..................................................... 20
nicotinamide .............................................................. 34 pyrantel ........................................................................ 5
nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) ..................... 32 pyrazinamide ............................................................ 10
nifedipine ................................................................... 31 pyridostigmine ............................................................ 29
nifurtimox .................................................................. 17 pyridoxine ................................................................. 34
nitrofurantoin .............................................................. 8 pyrimethamine ......................................................... 16
nitrous oxide ................................................................ 1 quinine ....................................................................... 16
norethisterone enantate ........................................... 27 rabies immunoglobulin ........................................... 28
nystatin ....................................................................... 11 rabies vaccine ............................................................ 29
ofloxacin ..................................................................... 29 ranitidine.................................................................... 25
omeprazole ................................................................ 25 red blood cells ........................................................... 20
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retinol .......................................................................... 34 sulfasalazine ........................................................ 25, 35
ribavirin ...................................................................... 14 suramin sodium ........................................................ 17
riboflavin .................................................................... 34 surfactant .................................................................... 35
rifabutin ...................................................................... 10 suxamethonium ........................................................ 29
rifampicin ............................................................... 9, 10 tamoxifen ..................................................................... 19
risperidone ................................................................. 31 tenofovir disoproxil fumarate ................................ 12
ritonavir ...................................................................... 13 terbinafine .................................................................. 23
rotavirus vaccine ....................................................... 29 testosterone .................................................................. 26
rubella vaccine .......................................................... 29 tetanus vaccine .......................................................... 29
salbutamol ................................................................. 33 tetracaine .................................................................... 30
salicylic acid ............................................................... 23 tetracycline ................................................................ 30
saquinavir (SQV) ...................................................... 13 thiamine ..................................................................... 34
selenium sulfide ........................................................ 23 thioguanine .................................................................. 19
senna ....................................................................... 3, 26 timolol ........................................................................ 30
silver sulfadiazine ..................................................... 23 tranexamic acid ......................................................... 20
simvastatin ................................................................. 23 triclabendazole ............................................................ 6
sodium calcium edetate ................................................. 4 trimethoprim ............................................................... 9
sodium chloride ........................................................ 33 tropicamide ............................................................... 24
sodium fluoride ........................................................ 34 tuberculin, purified protein derivative (PPD) ..... 28
sodium hydrogen carbonate ................................... 33 typhoid vaccine ........................................................ 29
sodium lactate ........................................................... 33 urea ............................................................................. 23
sodium nitrite .............................................................. 4 valproic acid (sodium valproate) ...................... 5, 32
sodium nitroprusside ................................................... 22 vancomycin ................................................................... 9
sodium stibogluconate or varicella vaccine ....................................................... 29
meglumine antimoniate ...................................... 14 vecuronium ............................................................... 29
sodium thiosulfate ................................................ 4, 23 verapamil ................................................................... 21
spectinomycin ............................................................. 8 vinblastine ................................................................... 19
spironolactone ............................................... 22, 24, 25 vincristine.................................................................... 19
stavudine (d4T) ......................................................... 12 warfarin ...................................................................... 20
streptokinase ................................................................ 23 water for injection .................................................... 33
streptomycin .............................................................. 10 whole blood ............................................................... 20
succimer ......................................................................... 4 xylometazoline .......................................................... 34
sulfadiazine ............................................................... 16 yellow fever vaccine ................................................ 29
sulfadoxine + pyrimethamine................................. 16 zidovudine (ZDV or AZT) ...................................... 12
sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim ..................... 9, 16 zinc sulfate ................................................................. 26
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