1.1 GENERAL ANAESTHETICS AND OXYGEN

ether, anaesthetic (1c) (2)

inhalation

halothane (2)

inhalation

ketamine (2)

injection, 50 mg (as hydro-chloride)/ml in 10-ml vial

nitrous oxide (2)

inhalation

oxygen

inhalation (medicinal gas)

*thiopental (2)

powder for injection, 0.5 g, 1.0 g

(sodium salt) in ampoule

1.2 LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

*bupivacaine (2, 9)

injection, 0.25%, 0.5%
(hydrochloride) in vial
injection for spinal anaesthesia,
0.5% (hydrochloride) in 4-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution

*lidocaine

injection, 1%, 2%
(hydrochloride) in vial
injection, 1%, 2% (hydrochloride)
+ epinephrine 1:200 000 in vial
injection for spinal anaesthesia,
5% (hydrochloride) in 2-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution
topical forms, 2-4% (hydrochloride)
dental cartridge, 2% (hydrochloride)
+ epinephrine 1:80 000

Complementary drug

ephedrine (C)
(For use in spinal anaesthesia
during delivery to prevent hypotension)

injection, 30 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml in
1-ml ampoule

1.3 PREOPERATIVE MEDICATION & SEDATION
FOR SHORT-TERM PROCEDURES

atropine

injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule

chloral hydrate

syrup, 200 mg/5 ml

*diazepam (1b)

injection, 5 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule
tablet, 5 mg

*morphine (1a)

injection, 10 mg (sulfate or
hydrochloride) in 1-ml ampoule

*promethazine

elixir or syrup, 5 mg
(hydrochloride)/5 ml

2.1 NON-OPIOID ANALGESICS & NSAIDs

acetylsalicylic acid

tablet, 100-500 mg
suppository, 50-150 mg

*ibuprofen

tablet, 200 mg, 400 mg

paracetamol

tablet, 100-500 mg
suppository, 100 mg
syrup, 125 mg/5 ml

2.2 OPIOID ANALGESICS

*codeine (1a)

tablet, 30 mg (phosphate)

*morphine (1a)

injection, 10 mg (sulfate or
hydrochloride) in 1-ml ampoule
oral solution, 10 mg (hydrochloride
or sulfate))/5 ml
tablet, 10 mg (sulfate)

Complementary drug

*pethidine (A) (1a, 4)

injection, 50 mg
(hydrochloride) in 1-ml ampoule
tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg (hydrochloride)

2.3 DRUGS USED TO TREAT GOUT

allopurinol (4)

tablet, 100 mg

colchicine (7)

tablet, 500 μg

2.4 DISEASE-MODIFYING AGENTS USED IN RHEUMATIC DISORDERS

azathioprine (2)

tablet, 50 mg

chloroquine (2)

tablet, 100 mg, 150 mg
(as phosphate or sulfate)

cyclophosphamide (2)

tablet, 25 mg

methotrexate (2)

tablet, 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)

penicillamine (2)

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

sulfasalazine (2)

tablet, 500 mg

*chlorphenamine

tablet, 4 mg (hydrogen maleate)
injection, 10 mg (hydrogen
maleate) in 1-ml ampoule

*dexamethasone

tablet, 500 μg, 4 mg
injection, 4 mg
dexamethasone phosphate
(as disodium salt) in 1-ml ampoule

epinephrine

injection, 1 mg (as hydro-
chloride or hydrogen tartrate)
in 1-ml ampoule

hydrocortisone

powder for injection, 100 mg
(as sodium succinate) in vial

*prednisolone

tablet, 5 mg

4.1 NON-SPECIFIC

*charcoal, activated

powder

ipecacuanha

syrup, containing 0.14% ipecacuanha
alkaloids calculated as emetine

4.2 SPECIFIC

acetylcysteine

injection, 200 mg/ml
in 10-ml vial

atropine

injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule

calcium gluconate (2, 8)

injection, 100 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

deferoxamine

powder for injection, 500 mg
(mesilate) in vial

dimercaprol (2)

injection in oil, 50 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

*DL-methionine

tablet, 250 mg

methylthioninium chloride
(methylene blue)

injection, 10 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

naloxone

injection, 400 μg (hydrochloride)
in 1-ml ampoule

penicillamine (2)

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

potassium ferric hexacyano-
ferrate (II) × 2H₂O (Prussian blue)

powder for oral
administration

sodium calcium edetate (2)

injection, 200 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

sodium nitrite

injection, 30 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

sodium thiosulfate

injection, 250 mg/ml
in 50-ml ampoule

carbamazepine (10, 11)

scored tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg

*diazepam (1b)

injection, 5 mg/ml in 2-ml
ampoule (intravenous or rectal)

ethosuximide

capsule, 250 mg
syrup, 250 mg/5 ml

magnesium sulfate

injection, 500 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule
and 10-ml ampoule

phenobarbital (1b, 11)

tablet, 15-100 mg
elixir, 15 mg/5 ml

phenytoin (7, 11)

capsule or tablet,
25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg (sodium salt)
injection, 50 mg
(sodium salt)/ml in 5-ml vial

valproic acid (7, 11)

enteric coated tablet,
200 mg, 500 mg (sodium salt)

Complementary drug

*clonazepam (B) (1b)

scored tablet, 500 μg

6.1 ANTHELMINTHICS

6.1.1 INTESTINAL ANTHELMINTHICS

albendazole

chewable tablet, 400 mg

levamisole

tablet, 50 mg, 150 mg
(as hydrochloride)

*mebendazole

chewable tablet, 100 mg, 500 mg

niclosamide

chewable tablet, 500 mg

praziquantel

tablet, 150 mg, 600 mg

pyrantel

chewable tablet, 250 mg
(as embonate)
oral suspension, 50 mg
(as embonate)/ml

6.1.2 ANTIFILARIALS

diethylcarbamazine

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg
(dihydrogen citrate)

ivermectin

scored tablet, 3 mg, 6 mg

Complementary drug

suramin sodium (B) (2, 7)

powder for injection,
1 g in vial

6.1.3 ANTISCHISTOSOMALS AND OTHER
ANTITREMATODE DRUGS

praziquantel

tablet, 600 mg

triclabendazole

tablet, 250 mg

Complementary drug

oxamniquine (C) (8)

capsule, 250 mg
syrup, 250 mg/5 ml

6.2 ANTIBACTERIALS

6.2.1 BETA LACTAM DRUGS

*amoxicillin

capsule or tablet, 250 mg,
500 mg (anhydrous)
powder for oral suspension,
125 mg (anhydrous)/5 ml

ampicillin

powder for injection, 500 mg,
1 g (as sodium salt) in vial

benzathine

powder for injection,

benzylpenicillin

1.44 g benzylpenicillin
(= 2.4 million IU) in 5-ml vial

benzylpenicillin

powder for injection,
600 mg (= 1 million IU),
3 g (= 5 million IU)
(sodium or potassium salt) in vial

*cloxacillin

capsule, 500 mg, 1 g (as sodium salt)
powder for oral solution, 125 mg
(as sodium salt)/5 ml
powder for injection, 500 mg
(as sodium salt) in vial

phenoxymethylpenicillin

tablet, 250 mg
(as potassium salt)
powder for oral suspension, 250 mg
(as potassium salt)/5 ml

procaine benzylpenicillin

powder for injection,
1 g (= 1 million IU),
3 g (= 3 million IU) in vial

Restricted indications

*amoxicillin +
*clavulanic acid (D)

tablet, 500 mg + 125 mg

ceftazidime (D)

powder for injection, 250 mg
(as pentahydrate) in vial

*ceftriaxone (D)

powder for injection, 250 mg
(as sodium salt) in vial

imipenem +

powder for injection, 250 mg

cilastatin (D)

(as monohydrate) + 250 mg,
(as sodium salt)
500 mg (as monohydrate) +
500 mg in vial (as sodium salt)

6.2.2 OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS

*chloramphenicol (7)

capsule, 250 mg
oral suspension, 150 mg
(as palmitate)/5 ml
powder for injection, 1 g
(sodium succinate) in vial

*ciprofloxacin

tablet, 250 mg
(as hydrochloride)

*doxycycline (5, 6)

capsule or tablet,
100 mg (hydrochloride)

*erythromycin

capsule or tablet, 250 mg
(as stearate or ethyl succinate)
powder for oral suspension, 125 mg
(as stearate or ethyl succinate)
powder for injection, 500 mg
(as lactobionate) in vial

*gentamicin (2, 4, 7, 11)

injection, 10 mg, 40 mg
(as sulfate)/ml in 2-ml vial

*metronidazole

tablet, 200-500 mg
injection, 500 mg in 100-ml vial
suppository, 500 mg, 1 g
oral suspension, 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

nalidixic acid (8)

tablet, 250 mg, 500 mg

nitrofurantoin (4, 8)

tablet, 100 mg

spectinomycin (8)

powder for injection, 2 g
(as hydrochloride) in vial

*sulfadiazine (4)

tablet, 500 mg
injection, 250 mg (sodium salt)
in 4-ml ampoule

*sulfamethoxazole +
trimethoprim (4)

tablet, 100 mg + 20 mg,
400 mg + 80 mg
oral suspension,
200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml
injection, 80 mg + 16 mg/ml
in 5-ml and 10-ml ampoule

trimethoprim (8)

tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg
injection, 20 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

Complementary drugs

chloramphenicol (C)

oily suspension for injection,
0.5 g (as sodium succinate)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

clindamycin (B) (8)

capsule, 150 mg
injection, 150 mg
(as phosphate)/ml

Restricted indications

vancomycin (D)

powder for injection 250 mg (as
hydrochloride) in vial

6.2.3 ANTILEPROSY DRUGS

clofazimine

capsule, 50 mg, 100 mg

dapsone

tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

rifampicin

capsule or tablet, 150 mg, 300 mg

6.2.4 ANTITUBERCULOSIS DRUGS

ethambutol (4)

tablet, 100-400 mg
(hydrochloride)

isoniazid

tablet, 100-300 mg

isoniazid + ethambutol (5)

tablet, 150 mg + 400 mg

pyrazinamide

tablet, 400 mg

rifampicin

capsule or tablet, 150 mg, 300 mg

rifampicin +
isoniazid (5)

tablet, 60 mg + 30 mg, 150 mg + 75 mg,
300 mg + 150 mg
tablet, 60 mg + 60 mg, 150 mg + 150 mg
(for intermittent use 3 times weekly)

rifampicin + isoniazid +
pyrazinamide (5)

tablet,
60 mg + 30 mg + 150 mg,
150 mg + 75 mg + 400 mg
tablet, 150 mg + 150 mg + 500 mg
(for intermittent use 3 times weekly)

rifampicin + isoniazid +
pyrazinamide + ethambutol

tablet, 150 mg + 75 mg +
400 mg + 275 mg

streptomycin (4)

powder for injection,
1 g (as sulfate) in vial

Complementary drug

thioacetazone +

tablet, 50 mg + 100 mg,

isoniazid (A) (5, 7)

150 mg + 300 mg

Additional reserve antituberculosis drugs for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis should be used in specialized centres only with WHO-recommended TB control strategy, DOTS, and treatment programmes.

6.3 ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS

amphotericin B (4)

powder for injection, 50 mg in vial

*fluconazole

capsule, 50 mg
injection, 2 mg/ml in vial
oral suspension, 50 mg/5-ml

griseofulvin (7)

capsule or tablet, 125 mg, 250 mg

nystatin

tablet, 100 000, 500 000 IU
lozenge, 100 000 IU
pessary, 100 000 IU

Complementary drugs

flucytosine (B) (4, 8)

capsule, 250 mg
infusion, 2.5 g in 250 ml

potassium iodide (A)

saturated solution

6.4 ANTIVIRAL DRUGS

6.4.1 ANTIHERPES DRUGS

aciclovir (8)

tablet, 200 mg
powder for injection, 250 mg
(as sodium salt) in vial

6.4.2 ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS

Adequate resources and specialist oversight are a pre-requisite for the introduction of this class of drugs.

nevirapine (8)

tablet, 200 mg
oral solution, 50 mg/5 ml

zidovudine (8)

capsule, 100 mg, 250 mg
injection, 10 mg/ml in 20-ml vial
oral solution, 50 mg/5 ml

Drugs for treatment of HIV/AIDS include nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and protease inhibitors (PIs). Zidovudine and nevirapine have been shown to reduce or prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV infection. This is the only indication for which they are included here. Single drug use with zidovudine, except in pregnancy, is now regarded as obsolete be-cause of the development of resistance. Triple therapy is beyond the budgets of most national drug programmes and therefore HIV/AIDS treatment policies must be de-cided at country or institutional level.

6.5 ANTIPROTOZOAL DRUGS

6.5.1 ANTIAMOEBIC AND ANTIGIARDIASIS DRUGS

*diloxanide

tablet, 500 mg (furoate)

*metronidazole

tablet, 200-500 mg
injection, 500 mg in 100-ml vial
oral suspension, 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

6.5.2 ANTILEISHMANIASIS DRUGS

*meglumine antimoniate

injection,
30%, equivalent to approx.
8.5% antimony, in 5-ml ampoule

pentamidine (5)

powder for injection, 200 mg,
300 mg (isetionate) in vial

Complementary drug

amphotericin B (B) (4)

powder for injection,
50 mg in vial

6.5.3 ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS

(a) FOR CURATIVE TREATMENT

*chloroquine

tablet, 100 mg, 150 mg
(as phosphate or sulfate)
syrup, 50 mg
(as phosphate or sulfate)/5 ml
injection, 40 mg (as hydro-
chloride, phosphate or sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

primaquine

tablet, 7.5 mg, 15 mg
(as diphosphate)

*quinine

tablet, 300 mg (as bisulfate or sulfate)
injection, 300 mg (as dihydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

Complementary drugs

*doxycycline (B) (for use only in
combination with quinine)

capsule or tablet,
100 mg (hydrochloride)

mefloquine (B)

tablet, 250 mg (as hydrochloride)

*sulfadoxine +
pyrimethamine (B)

tablet, 500 mg + 25 mg

Restricted indications

artemether (D)

injection, 80 mg/ml
in 1-ml ampoule

artesunate (D)

tablet, 50 mg

(b) FOR PROPHYLAXIS

chloroquine

tablet, 150 mg
(as phosphate or sulfate)
syrup, 50 mg (as phosphate
or sulfate)/5 ml

doxycycline

capsule or tablet,
100 mg (hydrochloride)

mefloquine

tablet, 250 mg (as hydrochloride)

proguanil (for use only in
combination with chloroquine)

tablet, 100 mg
(hydrochloride)

6.5.4 ANTIPNEUMOCYSTOSIS AND
ANTITOXOPLASMOSIS DRUGS

pentamidine (2)

tablet, 200 mg, 300 mg

pyrimethamine

tablet, 25 mg

sulfamethoxazole +
trimethoprim

injection, 80 mg + 16 mg/ml
in 5-ml and 10-ml ampoule

6.5.5 ANTITRYPANOSOMAL DRUGS

(a) AFRICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS

melarsoprol (2)

injection, 3.6% solution

pentamidine (2)

powder for injection, 200 mg,
300 mg (isetionate) in vial

suramin sodium

powder for injection, 1 g in vial

Complementary drug

eflornithine (C)

injection, 200 mg (hydro-
chloride)/ml in 100-ml bottles

(b) AMERICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS

benznidazole (7)

tablet, 100 mg

nifurtimox (2, 8)

tablet, 30 mg, 120 mg, 250 mg

6.6 INSECT REPELLENTS

diethyltoluamide

topical solution, 50%, 75%

7.1 FOR TREATMENT OF ACUTE ATTACK

acetylsalicylic acid

tablet, 300-500 mg

ergotamine (1c) (7)

tablet, 1 mg (tartrate)

paracetamol

tablet, 300-500 mg

7.2 FOR PROPHYLAXIS

*propranolol

tablet, 20 mg, 40 mg
(hydrochloride)

8.1 IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS

Adequate resources and specialist oversight are a pre-
requisite for the introduction of this class of drugs.

*azathioprine (2)

tablet, 50 mg
powder for injection, 100 mg
(as sodium salt) in vial

*ciclosporin (2)
(for organ transplantation)

capsule, 25 mg
concentrate for injection,
50 mg/ml in 1-ml ampoule

8.2 CYTOTOXIC DRUGS

Adequate resources and specialist oversight are a pre-
requisite for the introduction of this class of drugs.

asparaginase (2)

powder for injection,
10 000 IU in vial

bleomycin (2)

powder for injection, 15 mg
(as sulfate) in vial

calcium folinate (2)

tablet, 15 mg
injection, 3 mg/ml in 10-ml ampoule

chlorambucil (2)

tablet, 2 mg

chlormethine (2)

powder for injection, 10 mg
(hydrochloride) in vial

cisplatin (2)

powder for injection,
10 mg, 50 mg in vial

cyclophosphamide (2)

tablet, 25 mg
powder for injection,
500 mg in vial

cytarabine (2)

powder for injection,
100 mg in vial

dacarbazine (2)

powder for injection,
100 mg in vial

daunorubicin (2)

powder for injection,
50 mg (as hydrochloride) in vial

dactinomycin (2)

powder for injection
500 µg in vial

*doxorubicin (2)

powder for injection, 10 mg,
50 mg (hydrochloride) in vial

etoposide (2)

capsule, 100 mg
injection, 20 mg/ml in 5-ml ampoule

fluorouracil (2)

injection, 50 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

levamisole (2)

tablet, 50 mg
(as hydrochloride)

mercaptopurine (2)

tablet, 50 mg

methotrexate (2)

tablet, 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)
powder for injection, 50 mg
(as sodium salt) in vial

procarbazine

capsule, 50 mg (as hydrochloride)

vinblastine (2)

powder for injection,
10 mg (sulfate) in vial

vincristine (2)

powder for injection,
1 mg, 5 mg (sulfate) in vial

8.3 HORMONES AND ANTIHORMONES

*prednisolone

tablet, 5 mg
powder for injection, 20 mg,
25 mg (as sodium phosphate or
sodium succinate) in vial

tamoxifen

tablet, 10 mg, 20 mg (as citrate)

8.4 DRUGS USED IN PALLIATIVE CARE

The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recommended that all the drugs mentioned in the WHO publication Cancer Pain Relief: with a Guide to Opioid Availability, 2nd edition, be considered essential. The drugs are included in the relevant sections of the model list according to their therapeutic use, e.g. analgesics.

*biperiden

tablet, 2 mg (hydrochloride)
injection, 5 mg (lactate)
in 1-ml ampoule

levodopa +
*carbidopa (5, 6)

tablet, 100 mg + 10 mg,
250 mg + 25 mg

10.1 ANTIANAEMIA DRUGS

ferrous salt

tablet, equivalent to 60 mg iron
oral solution, equivalent to
25 mg iron (as sulfate)/ml

ferrous salt + folic acid
(nutritional supplement for use
during pregnancy)

tablet, equivalent
to 60 mg iron +
400 µg folic acid

folic acid (2)

tablet, 1 mg, 5 mg
injection, 1 mg (as sodium salt)
in 1-ml ampoule

hydroxocobalamin (2)

injection, 1 mg
in 1-ml ampoule

Complementary drug

*iron dextran (B) (5)

injection, equivalent to 50 mg
iron/ml in 2-ml ampoule

10.2 DRUGS AFFECTING COAGULATION

desmopressin (8)

injection, 4 µg (acetate)/ml
in 1-ml ampoule
nasal spray, 10 µg (acetate)/
metered dose

heparin sodium

injection, 1000 IU/ml,
5000 IU/ml, 20 000 IU/ml
in 1-ml ampoule

phytomenadione

injection, 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule
tablet, 10 mg

protamine sulfate

injection, 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

*warfarin (2, 6)

tablet, 1 mg, 2 mg and 5 mg
(sodium salt)

11.1 PLASMA SUBSTITUTES

*dextran 70

injectable solution, 6%

*polygeline

injectable solution, 3.5%

11.2 PLASMA FRACTIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE¹

Complementary drugs

*factor VIII concentrate (C) (2, 8)

dried

*factor IX complex (coagulation
factors II, VII, IX, X) concentrate (C) (2, 8)

dried

12.1 ANTIANGINAL DRUGS

*atenolol

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg

glyceryl trinitrate

tablet (sublingual), 500 µg

*isosorbide dinitrate

tablet (sublingual), 5 mg

*verapamil (10)

tablet, 40 mg, 80 mg
(hydrochloride)

12.2 ANTIARRHYTHMIC DRUGS

*atenolol

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg

digoxin (4, 11)

tablet, 62.5 µg, 250 mg
oral solution, 50 µg/ml
injection, 250 µg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

lidocaine

injection, 20 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

verapamil (8, 10)

tablet, 40 mg,
80 mg (hydrochloride)
injection, 2.5 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

Complementary drugs

epinephrine (C)

injection, 1 mg
(as hydrochloride)/ml

isoprenaline (C)

injection, 20 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml

*procainamide (B)

tablet, 250 mg,
500 mg (hydrochloride)
injection, 100 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

*quinidine (A) (7)

tablet, 200 mg (sulfate)

12.3 ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS

*atenolol

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg

*captopril

scored tablet, 25 mg

*hydralazine

tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg
(hydrochloride)
powder for injection, 20 mg
(hydrochloride) in ampoule

*hydrochlorothiazide

scored tablet, 25 mg

methyldopa (7)

tablet, 250 mg

*nifedipine (10)

sustained-release formulations
tablet, 10 mg

*reserpine

tablet, 100 µg, 250 μg
injection, 1 mg in 1-ml ampoule

Complementary drugs

prazosin

tablet, 500 µg, 1 mg (mesilate)

*sodium nitroprusside
(C) (2, 8)

powder for infusion,
50 mg in ampoule

12.4 DRUGS USED IN HEART FAILURE

*captopril

scored tablet, 25 mg

digoxin (4, 11)

tablet, 62.5 µg, 250 µg
oral solution, 50 µg/ml
injection, 250 µg/ml in 2-ml ampoule

dopamine

injection, 40 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml in 5-ml vial

*hydrochlorothiazide

tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg

12.5 ANTITHROMBOTIC DRUGS

acetylsalicylic acid

tablet, 100 mg

Complementary drug

streptokinase (C)

powder for injection,
100 000 IU, 750 000 IU in vial

12.6 LIPID-LOWERING AGENTS

The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recog- nizes the value of lipid-lowering drugs in treating patients with hyperlipidaemia. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutaryl- coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors, often re- ferred to as “statins”, are potent and effective lipid- lowering drugs with a good tolerability profile. Several of these drugs have been shown to reduce the incidence of fatal and non-fatal myocardial infarction, stroke and mor- tality (all causes), as well as the need for coronary by- pass surgery. All remain very costly but may be cost- effective for secondary prevention of cardiovascular dis- ease as well as for primary prevention in some very high- risk patients. Since no single drug has been shown to be significantly more effective or less expensive than others in the group, none is included in the model list; the choice of drug for use in patients at highest risk should be decided at national level.

13.1 ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS

benzoic acid + salicylic acid

ointment or
cream, 6% + 3%

*miconazole

ointment or cream, 2% (nitrate)

sodium thiosulfate

solution, 15%

Complementary drug

selenium sulfide (C)

detergent-based
suspension, 2%

13.2 ANTI-INFECTIVE DRUGS

*methylrosanilinium chloride
(gentian violet)

aqueous solution, 0.5%
tincture, 0.5%

neomycin + *bacitracin (7)

ointment, 5 mg
neomycin sulfate
+ 500 IU bacitracin zinc/g

potassium permanganate

aqueous solution, 1:10 000

silver sulfadiazine

cream, 1%, in 500-g container

13.3 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIPRURITIC DRUGS

*betamethasone (3)

ointment or cream,
0.1% (as valerate)

*calamine lotion

lotion

*hydrocortisone

ointment or cream, 1% (acetate)

13.4 ASTRINGENT DRUGS

aluminium diacetate

solution, 13% for dilution

13.5 DRUGS AFFECTING SKIN
DIFFERENTIATION AND PROLIFERATION

benzoyl peroxide

lotion or cream, 5%

coal tar

solution, 5%

dithranol

ointment, 0.1-2%

fluorouracil

ointment, 5%

*podophyllum resin (7)

solution, 10-25%

salicylic acid

solution 5%

urea

ointment or cream, 10%

13.6 SCABICIDES AND PEDICULICIDES

*benzyl benzoate

lotion, 25%

permethrin

cream, 5%
lotion, 1%

13.7 ULTRAVIOLET-BLOCKING AGENTS

Complementary drugs

topical sun protection agent with
activity against UVA and UVB (C)

cream, lotion or gel

14.1 OPHTHALMIC DRUGS

fluorescein

eye drops, 1% (sodium salt)

*tropicamide

eye drops, 0.5%

14.2 RADIOCONTRAST MEDIA

*amidotrizoate

injection, 140-420 mg iodine
(as sodium or meglumine
salt)/ml in 20-ml ampoule

barium sulfate

aqueous suspension

*iohexol

injection, 140-350 mg iodine/ml
in 5-ml, 10-ml and 20-ml ampoule

*iopanoic acid

tablet, 500 mg

*propyliodone
(For administration only into
the bronchial tree).

oily suspension,
500-600 mg/ml
in 20-ml ampoule

Complementary drug

*meglumine iotroxate (C)

solution, 5 - 8 g iodine
in 100-250 ml

15.1 ANTISEPTICS

*chlorhexidine

solution, 5%
(digluconate) for dilution

*ethanol

solution, 70% (denatured)

*polyvidone iodine

solution, 10%

15.2 DISINFECTANTS

*chlorine base compound

powder (0.1% available
chlorine) for solution

*chloroxylenol

solution, 4.8%

glutaral

solution, 2%

*amiloride (4, 7, 8)

tablet, 5 mg (hydrochloride)

*furosemide

tablet, 40 mg
injection, 10 mg/ml in
2-ml ampoule

*hydrochlorothiazide

tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg

spironolactone (8)

tablet, 25 mg

Complementary drug

*mannitol (C)

injectable solution, 10%, 20%

17.1 ANTACIDS AND OTHER ANTIULCER
DRUGS

aluminium hydroxide

tablet, 500 mg
oral suspension, 320 mg/5 ml

*cimetidine

tablet, 200 mg
injection, 200 mg in 2-ml ampoule

magnesium hydroxide

oral suspension,
equivalent to 550 mg
magnesium oxide/10 ml

17.2 ANTIEMETIC DRUGS

metoclopramide

tablet, 10 mg (hydrochloride)
injection, 5 mg (hydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

*promethazine

tablet, 10 mg,
25 mg (hydrochloride)
elixir or syrup, 5 mg
(hydrochloride)/5 ml
injection, 25 mg (hydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

17.3 ANTIHAEMORRHOIDAL DRUGS

*local anaesthetic, astringent and anti-inflammatory drug

ointment
or suppository

17.4 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS

hydrocortisone

suppository, 25 mg
(acetate)
*retention enema

*sulfasalazine (2)

tablet, 500 mg
suppository, 500 mg
retention enema

17.5 ANTISPASMODIC DRUGS

*atropine

tablet, 0.6 mg (sulfate)
injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule

17.6 LAXATIVES

*senna

tablet, 7.5 mg (sennosides)
(or traditional dosage forms)

17.7 DRUGS USED IN DIARRHOEA

17.7.1 ORAL REHYDRATION

oral rehydration salts (for glucose-
electrolyte solution)

powder, 27.9 g/l

17.7.2 ANTIDIARRHOEAL (SYMPTOMATIC) DRUGS

*codeine (1a)

tablet, 30 mg (phosphate)

Components

g/l

sodium chloride

3.5

trisodium citrate dihydrate²

2.9

potassium chloride

1.5

glucose

20.0

18.1 ADRENAL HORMONES AND
SYNTHETIC SUBSTITUTES

*dexamethasone

tablet, 500 µg, 4 mg
injection, 4 mg dexamethasone
phosphate (as disodium salt)
in 1-ml ampoule

hydrocortisone

powder for injection, 100 mg
(as sodium succinate) in vial

*prednisolone

tablet, 1 mg, 5 mg

Complementary drug

fludrocortisone (C)

tablet, 100 µg (acetate)

18.2 ANDROGENS

Complementary drug

testosterone (C) (2)

injection, 200 mg
(enantate) in 1-ml ampoule

18.3 CONTRACEPTIVES

18.3.1 HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

*ethinylestradiol +
*levonorgestrel

tablet, 30 µg + 150 µg,

*ethinylestradiol +
*levonorgestrel

tablet, 50 µg
+ 250 µg (pack of four)

*ethinylestradiol +
*norethisterone

tablet, 35 µg + 1.0 mg

levonorgestrel

tablet, 0.75 mg (pack of two)

Complementary drugs

*levonorgestrel (B)

tablet, 30 µg

medroxyprogesterone
acetate (B) (7, 8)

depot injection,
150 mg in 1-ml vial

norethisterone
enantate (B) (7, 8)

oily solution, 200 mg/ml in
1-ml ampoule

18.3.2 INTRAUTERINE DEVICES

copper-containing device

18.3.3 BARRIER METHODS

condoms with or without spermicide
(nonoxinol)

diaphragms with spermicide
(nonoxinol)

18.4 ESTROGENS

*ethinylestradiol

tablet, 10 µg, 50 µg

18.5 INSULINS AND OTHER ANTIDIABETIC
AGENTS

*glibenclamide

tablet, 2.5 mg, 5 mg

insulin injection (soluble)

injection,

40 IU/ml in 10-ml vial,

100 IU/ml in 10-ml vial

intermediate-acting insulin

injection,
40 IU/ml in 10-ml vial,
100 IU/ml in 10-ml vial
(as compound insulin zinc suspension
or isophane insulin)

metformin

tablet, 500 m (hydrochloride)

18.6 OVULATION INDUCERS

*clomifene (2, 8)

tablet, 50 mg (citrate)

18.7 PROGESTOGENS

norethisterone

tablet, 5 mg

Complementary drug

medroxyprogesterone acetate (B)

tablet, 5 mg

18.8 THYROID HORMONES AND ANTITHYROID DRUGS

levothyroxine

tablet, 50 µg, 100 µg
(sodium salt)

potassium iodide

tablet, 60 mg

*propylthiouracil

tablet, 50 mg

19.1 DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS

tuberculin,³
purified protein derivative (PPD)

injection

19.2 SERA AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS ⁴

anti-D immunoglobulin
(human)

injection, 250 µg in
single-dose vial

*antitetanus immunoglobulin
(human)

injection, 500 IU
in vial

antivenom serum

injection

diphtheria antitoxin

injection, 10 000 IU,
20 000 IU in vial

immunoglobulin,
human normal (2)

injection (intramuscular)

immunoglobulin,
human normal (2, 8)

injection (intravenous)

*rabies immunoglobulin

injection, 150 IU/ml

19.3 VACCINES ⁵

19.3.1 FOR UNIVERSAL IMMUNIZATION

BCG

diphtheria

pertussis

tetanus

hepatitis B

measles

poliomyelitis

19.3.2 FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS

influenza

meningitis

mumps

rabies

rubella

typhoid

yellow fever

*alcuronium chloride (2)

injection, 5 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

*neostigmine

tablet, 15 mg (bromide)
injection, 500 µg, 2.5 mg
(metilsulfate) in 1-ml ampoule

pyridostigmine bromide (2, 8)

tablet, 60 mg
injection, 1 mg
in 1-ml ampoule

suxamethonium
chloride (2)

injection, 50 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule
powder for injection

Complementary drug

vecuronium bromide (C)

powder for injection,
10 mg in vial

21.1 ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS

*gentamicin

solution (eye drops), 0.3%
(as sulfate)

*idoxuridine

solution (eye drops), 0.1%
eye ointment, 0.2%

silver nitrate

solution (eye drops), 1%

*tetracycline

eye ointment, 1% (hydrochloride)

21.2 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS

*prednisolone

solution (eye drops), 0.5%
(sodium phosphate)

21.3 LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

*tetracaine

solution (eye drops), 0.5%
(hydrochloride)

21.4 MIOTICS AND ANTIGLAUCOMA DRUGS

acetazolamide

tablet, 250 mg

*pilocarpine

solution (eye drops), 2%, 4%
(hydrochloride or nitrate)

*timolol

solution (eye drops), 0.25%, 0.5%
(as maleate)

21.5 MYDRIATICS

atropine

solution (eye drops),
0.1%, 0.5%, 1% (sulfate)

Complementary drug

epinephrine (A)

solution (eye drops), 2%
(as hydrochloride)

22.1 OXYTOCICS

*ergometrine (1c)

tablet, 200 µg (hydrogen maleate)
injection, 200 µg (hydrogen maleate)
in 1-ml ampoule

oxytocin

injection, 10 IU in 1-ml ampoule

22.2 ANTIOXYTOCICS

*salbutamol (2)

tablet, 4 mg (as sulfate)
injection, 50 µg (as sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

intraperitoneal dialysis solution
(of appropriate composition)

parenteral solution

24.1 DRUGS USED IN PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

*chlorpromazine

tablet, 100 mg (hydrochloride)
syrup, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)/5 ml
injection, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml in 2-ml ampoule

*fluphenazine (5)

injection, 25 mg
(decanoate or enantate)
in 1-ml ampoule

*haloperidol

tablet, 2 mg, 5 mg
injection, 5 mg in
1-ml ampoule

24.2 DRUGS USED IN MOOD DISORDERS

24.2.1 DRUGS USED IN DEPRESSIVE
DISORDERS

*amitriptyline

tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)

24.2.2 DRUGS USED IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS

carbamazepine (10, 11)

scored tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg

lithium carbonate (2, 4)

capsule or tablet, 300 mg

valproic acid (7, 11)

enteric coated tablet,
200 mg, 500 mg (sodium salt)

24.3 DRUGS USED IN GENERALIZED
ANXIETY AND SLEEP DISORDERS

*diazepam (1b)

scored tablet, 2 mg, 5 mg

24.4 DRUGS USED IN OBSESSIVE
COMPULSIVE DISORDERS AND
PANIC ATTACKS

clomipramine

capsules, 10 mg, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)

25.1 ANTIASTHMATIC DRUGS

*aminophylline (2)

injection, 25 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

*beclometasone

inhalation (aerosol), 50 µg, 250 µg,
(dipropionate) per dose

*epinephrine

injection, 1 mg (as hydrochloride
or hydrogen tartrate) in 1-ml ampoule

ipratropium bromide

inhalation (aerosol), 20 µg/dose

*salbutamol

tablet, 2 mg, 4 mg (as sulfate)
inhalation (aerosol), 100 µg
(as sulfate) per dose
syrup, 2 mg (as sulfate)/5 ml
injection, 50 µg (as sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule
respirator solution for use in nebulizers,
5 mg (as sulfate)/ml

theophylline (10, 11)

tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg

Complementary drug

*cromoglicic acid (B)

inhalation (aerosol),
20 mg (sodium salt) per dose

25.2 ANTITUSSIVES

*dextromethorphan

oral solution,
3.5 mg (bromide)/5 ml

26.1 ORAL

oral rehydration salts (for glucose-
electrolyte solution)

for composition
see section 17.7.1

potassium chloride

powder for solution

26.2 PARENTERAL

glucose

injectable solution,
5% isotonic, 10% isotonic,
50% hypertonic

glucose with
sodium chloride

injectable solution, 4%
glucose, 0.18% sodium chloride
(equivalent to Na⁺ 30 mmol/l
Cl^- 30 mmol/l)

potassium chloride (2)

11.2% solution in
20-ml ampoule, (equivalent to
K⁺ 1.5 mmol/ml, Cl^- 1.5 mmol/ml)

sodium chloride

injectable solution, 0.9%
isotonic (equivalent to Na⁺ 154
mmol/l, Cl^- 154 mmol/l)

sodium hydrogen
carbonate

injectable solution, 1.4%
isotonic (equivalent to Na⁺ 167
mmol/l, HCO₃ - 167 mmol/l)
8.4% solution in 10-ml ampoule
(equivalent to Na⁺ 1000 mmol/l,
HCO₃ - 1000 mmol/l)

* compound solution of
sodium lactate

injectable solution

26.3 MISCELLANEOUS

water for injection

2-ml, 5-ml, 10-ml ampoules

ascorbic acid

tablet, 50 mg

*ergocalciferol

capsule or tablet, 1.25 mg
(50 000 IU)
oral solution,
250 µg/ml (10 000 IU/ml)

iodine (8)

iodized oil, 1 ml (480 mg iodine),
0.5 ml (240 mg iodine) in
ampoule (oral or injectable)
solution, 0.57 ml, (308 mg iodine)
in dispenser bottle
capsule, 200 mg

*nicotinamide

tablet, 50 mg

pyridoxine

tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)

*retinol

sugar-coated tablet, 10 000 IU
(as palmitate) (5.5 mg)
capsule, 200 000 IU (as
palmitate) (110 mg)
oral oily solution,
100 000 IU/ml in multidose
dispenser (as palmitate)
water-miscible injection,
100 000 IU (as palmitate)
(55 mg) in 2-ml ampoule

riboflavin

tablet, 5 mg

*sodium fluoride

in any appropriate formulation

thiamine

tablet, 50 mg (hydrochloride)

Complementary drug

calcium gluconate (C) (2, 8)

injection, 100 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

The following changes in the WHO Model List were approved by the WHO Expert Committee on the Use of Essential Drugs which met in December 1999. The report of the meeting will be published in the WHO Technical Report Series.

Deletions: albumin (human); antiscorpion sera.

Additions: acetylcysteine; rifampicin + isoniazid + pyrazinamide + ethambutol; nevirapine; artesunate; chlorambucil; daunorubicin; ethanol; iohexol.

Replacements: fluconazole to replace ketoconazole; prazosin to replace doxazosin.