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RF_DR_14_SUDHA

REVIEW OF MORBIDITY A,ND MORTALITY PROFILE OF PONDICHERRY
&

REQUIREMENT OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE

Paper to be presented

by
Pro f.P.Rajaram,

Di rec tor-Professor

Head oPtitre Dept.of OBGY &
Dean
31PM ER,

Pondicherry-6

at
Regional Workshop on

"Essential Drugs in Primary
(Bangalore,

27

Health Care in India

& 28 th Dune 1990)

M

•' !

that in the existing system political will and beaurocratic
machinery only can implement laws strictly if they want to.

This will help the clinician practice essential drugs concept

to bring down mortality and morbidity.

The problem of high mortality and morbidity amongst
mothers and children are vital for us to tackle in order to

break this vicious cycle.

it is necessary to

Therefore,

draw up a contingency plan to identify

the causes of mortality

and morbidity in the population and take preventive measures.
The lack of epidemiological data on Perinatal morbidity
for example that cover a region if not a
keenly

felt.

nation has been

The non-representative hospital data proved

ineffective in dealing with diseases.
Pondicherry occupies a unique status on the Indian

health map.

It is a

centrally administered Union Territory

with huge amounts of money pumped in for a population of
0.8 million. A'.verage amount spent on per capita in Pondicherry

is fa.125/- compared to fa.23/- in the rest of India.

If you

look at the Annual Report of Pondicherry Health Services,

it

is obvious that for ika some reason or the other chapter on
mortality and morbidity is mission.

This shows

the importance

given by Demographers and Administrators to mortality and

morbidity studies.

However,

in 1909 statistics a

glance at

item 1 5 on vital statistics the following is printed.

3

TABLE - 1 :

Vital

Statistics:
Po ndi cherrv

1. Birth Rate

©

2.

Death Rate

3.

Infant Morta1i ty .

22.2

Rest of India

2000 AD

31 .0

7.3

21 .0

9.0

12.0'

38.0

'> 1 06

<_ 60

I also failed to understand the implication of the
statistics given in the ileport on health care from the following

tables:
TABLE - IJi: PATIENTS TREATED IN MEDICAL

U. P.D.

INSTITUTES ('1989}
(Govt.Report).

INPATIENT

TOTA.L

h• PONDICHERRY:
1.

Institu te

9,60,426

48,846

10,09,272

2.

Health Centres

7,38,071

3,118

7,41 ,1 89

9,83,020

1 , 075

9,84,095

Gran d T o ta 1:

20,67,556

3. Dispensaries

8. KA BAIKAL
PIAHE i
YA,NAM

0.

is beyond my imagination approx.

Insured persons & their famili^es:

10,00,000

5,1 0,01 7
3.5 million +

Sidha + Ayurveda.
Total population is - 0.8 million.

Patients - 3.5 million

4.

5
TABLE - :U;

Ai. Mobile Dental Unit:
Male :

- .867 : 698 : 1892

Female : Children

Tooth out

- 760

Filled in
etc.

- 671

Rotten
( Ca ri es)
etc.
-

B. Artificial Limbs (10),

2577

Calipers (34)

Others (83)

C. Food, water & Drug
analysis.

10,662 samples.

-

TABLE - Vh

A. Government Pharmacy Drugs
Supplied value.

P.-..43,21 ,1 95.80

The following tables illustrate the mortality and

Morbidity pattern of the region and are self e>planatory.

I

shall discuss its impact on health care later on.
TABLE -VU; CAUSES OF FIkTERNAL FlORTnL ITY 1980-88) TOTuL - 1 63_.

A. Direct Causes:
1 . Sepsis (67)

2. Haemorrhage (29)
3. Toxemia

(24)

4. Rupture uterus (13)
5. Amniotic fluid embolism(6)
B. Associated Cause (1 7)

Pondy (in'io)

India (in%)

41 .1

28.4

1 7.79

22.2

14.72

9.89

7.97

N.A>.

3.68

N.A.

1 0.42

26.1 5

4.29

7.35

1 . Anaemia
4
2. Cardiac
7
3. Hepatitis 6
C, Unrelated (7)
Asthma, Ca.cx.,etc.

6

TABLE -VUIzMATERNAiL MORTALITY (OIPHEf?)

A'.ge:

8

Less than 14 y e3 r s

8.

C.

20 - 29 yrs.

. .

32

More than 30 yrs,

. .

36

Parity!
Primies .

... 23

Multies

. .

50

Grand Multies

. .

14

Duration of Hospital Stay:
Less than 24 hrs.

..

40

2 - 4 day s.

. .

20

More than 6 days

..

26

Maternal deaths are preventable tragedies killing

more than half a million women every year arotnd the world.

Many of these deaths are inaccurately classified and many
others are not reported at all,

but now demographic technique

have clarified causes of maternal mortality and improved
estimates of rates/

7
HURBIlI TY

7'

2.

PATTERN IN JIPMER OpD;

System involved.

1984
No.

/’u Of
total

1 908
No.

% of
total

Infectious diseases

44343

30.08

44637

3 7.01

Gastrointestinal 4
dental,

1 51 53

1 3.35

22385

1 8.56

3.

Orthopaedics

1 0902

9.60

1 9 51 0

16.18

4.

Respiratory

6956

6.1 3

1 2950

1 0.73

5.

Ear and Mastoid

5042

4.44

6820

5.63

6.

Skin

48 54

4.31

4890

4.06

7.

Miscellaneous

2368

2. 08

3836

3.25

8.

Renal and Genito-urinary

21 63

1 .90

3053

3.25

9.

Cardiovascular «
Lymphatic

2224

1 .96

3890

3.25

Ophthalmology

2079

1 .83

3336

2.76

11 . Ha ematologic

2391

2.10

321 3

2.66

1 2. Psychiatric

1 558

1 .37

3200

2.65

229 2

1 0.

1 3.

Gynaeco logic

2.01

311 0

2.57

14. Malignancy

1 736

1 .52

2474

2.05

1 5. Pregnancy & ito
complications.

3242

2.85

2378

1 .97

’ 6»

Symptomatic

1 690

1 .48

2240

1 .85

1 7.

Injuries

1 07IJ

■"M .05-

1975

1.57

1 8.

Nutritions

1 401

1 .23

18 73

1 .57

19. Nervous system

1 043

0.92

1020

1 .49

051

0.79

1370

1 .13

280

0.24

665

0.58

90

0.079

1 53

0.126

20.

Endocrine & Metabolic

21 , Benign Neoplasm
22.

Poisoning

8

8

TnBLE-X;. MORBIDITY PATTERN IN R.H.C.,

Morbidity

JIPMER,

1 984

1 988

36%

30%

i)

U.R.I.

31 %

33%

i i)

L . K, I.

5%

5 ‘/o

1 2%

11 %

Helminthiasis

2%

2%

p.U.0.

7%

5%

Myalgia

1 0%

9%

Ana ernia

2%

4'/a

GI I

4%

5%

Genito-urinary disorders

(3.5%

0.4 %

T.B.

0.5%

0.6%

Injury

8%

5%

1 0%

11 %

Eye

3%

2%

ENT.

2%

1%

Dental

2%

2%

Miscellaneous (CVS & CNS,etc.)

1 %

3%

Respiratory Disease

Diarrhoea including dysentry

(Fever)

a Liver

Skin diseases (including scabies)





'

. .. 9 .

*
-



I.

%........ ■>.'

.. , •

’LK.

_

W 9

For Pondicherry

the morbidity pattern is shown in

It is a

huge task to make a comprehensive

doove tables.

list.

After going through we Pound that it is a shear

waste of time to elaborate the morbidity patterns as they
are not reflective of the area and therefore is not valid.

I will now 90 to the second part of my paper i.e,

"Require­

ments of Essential Drugs in Primary Health Care."

The essential drugs are those which are the basic
minimum group of drugs that should be available at all times

in the designated centres i.e.

from Subcentre to eipex insti­

obviously the choice of drugs depend on the morbidity

tution,
pattern.

The Union Territory of Pondicherry has 14 PHCs inclu­

ding 3 Community Health Centres.

A qualitative evaluation

of the few of the Centres showed that 2 doctors,

LHUs and AiNFls

posted are in place and all essential drugs are available.
However,

Labour Rooms and Operation theatres are not functioning.

Ai study of the prescription in the Rural Health Centre

of DIPPIER (Ramanathapuram)
interns^5).

was carried out by one of our

The major factors that influences the prescrip­

tion, are rationality of drug use,

availability of the drugs,

lastly the complaints.

expertise available,

the nature of the patient and

They are directly related to one

another.(Tab 1e XI).

...10.

10

TRBLE - XI .

RATIONALITY
EXPERTISE

<------------ ?

AVAILABILITY

PATIENT «—> COMPLIANT

The aims of the study was to collect and criti colly

analyse various prescriptions and estimate the extent of
drug misuse.

tained by

Medical

Record Section,

Drug Registers main­

Pharmacy and prescription were studied for the

following diseases:
T»BLE - XII;

1 . Myalgia
2.

Peptic Ulcer Syndrome

3.

Anaemia

4.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

5.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections

6.

Vomiting

7.

Aicute Gastro-enteritis

8.

Tuberculosis

9.

Leprosy

Majority of prescriptions are made by those who are
undergoing Internship and are mostly either not supervised or
inadequately guided.

The number of prescriptions given and the drugs given
are illustrated in the following tables at 3IPMER adopted PHC.
.. .11 .

11

TAGLE - XIII:

DISEASES & DRUGS.GIVEN

Illness

Drugs given

No .o f
prescription.

/□of
prescription

Myalgia

Aspirin
0 CT/FST
Liv.52
Calmpos e
Vit.C.

50
44
1 2
1 4
8

1 00%
88%
24%
28%
1 6%

Other Drugs: I 1TS/Cardinal each in 2 cases.
P ep tic
ulcer
Syndrome.

Tab.FITS
-

1
2
1
1

tds
tds
b.d.
O.D .

54%
1 4%
1 0%
1 2%

32
7
5
6

Other Drugs - Caimpose, OCT,

FST

Ana emia

FST
OCT
Deworming agent
Polybion Inj.
Inferon Inj.

50
38
4
6
1 1

1 00%
76%
8%

1 2%
22%

Vomi ting

In j .flelodopramide
T.St ernetil
B CT/ FST

5
45
1 0

1 0%
90%
20% .

Cough expectorant
E. N.Urops
T.Piriton
Syp.Phenergen
T. Aspiri n
Paracetamol
Fl.V.drops & Vitamin
Septran
Procaine penicillin

38
20
39
18
32
22
40
1 4
18

76%
40%
78%
36%
64% .
44% ■
8 0%
28%
36/0 •

-*

U.R.I.

...12.

-: 12 : -

Drugs used

Illness

prescription.

% of
.
prescription

L.R.I.

Cough Expectorant
T.Piriton
Syp.Phenergen
Paracetamol
Vi tami n s
Septra n
Procaine Penicillin
Oral Penicillin
Tetracy cline
Ampicillin

1 9
12
11
38
32
1 5
11
1 8
3
3

38%
24%
22%
76%
64%
30%
22%
36%
6%
6%

Acute Gastroenteriti s.

ORS Packets
Cap. Tetracy cline
T.Metronidazole
T. Fu ro xo n e

50
1 4
12
10

100%
28%
24%
20%

Tuberculosis '
(Total) 14
cases.

INH
INH
INH
INH
INH

7
1
2
3
1

50%
8%
13%
21%
8%

Leprosy

DOS alone
HOT

+ EMB
+ THIO
+ MIR
+ RHP + EHD
alone

44
25

CONCLUSIONS:

In order to arrive at the requirements of Essential

Drugs in Primary Health Care,

it is necessary

to revidw the

morbidity and mortality patterns but certainly not the

which it is being done.

way in

Unless a revamp of the whole system

is carried out it is difficult for us to develop strategies
to implement the concept of essential drugs.

...13.

13

REFERENCES;
1.

Ba 1asub ramanian, K.

Global Marketing of Pharmaceuticals!

Paper presented at Global

Prescription for Disaster:

Development and Environment Crisis - Has Man a

Penang, Malaysia,
2.

Islam,

N.

Prescriptions and Professionals.

Med.Assoc., 1 988,

3.

86!

Rational Drug use:

0.Indian

48-51.

World Health Organisation:

action Programme

Future?

5-9 April 1987.

National Drug Policy and

A Model Curriculum (draft).

85.6,

Geneva:

Drug

World Health Organisation,

1 985.
4.

Task

Force on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity:

of Health and Family Welfare,
5.

Subramanian,

S.

Govt.of India,

Personal Communication.

1 990.

----- oOo------

Ministry

Neu Delhi.

OIpMER Intern,

M IQ • 2-

REVIEV? OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY PROFILE OF_KERALA

AND
REQUIREMENTS

OF.

ESSENTIAL DRUGS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

DR. Ko RAJAN,
Professor and ICDS Consultant,
Dept. of Community Medicine,
T.D. Medical ©ollege,
Alleppey, Kerala
and
SRIo E.N. GOVINDAN NAMPOOTHIRI,
Asst.Professor of Statistics,
Dept, of Community Medicine,
ToDo Medical College,
Alleppey, Kerala®

1,

.INTRODUCTION

lol. General
Kerala State came into existence on 1st

November 1956°

The location of the State is

at the southern tip of Indian Peninsula between

8° 17’ to 12° 47’ north latitude and 74° 52
*
77° 24
*

1.2.

to

east longitude.

Area and Population

The area of Kerala ie 38, 864 Sq.KM which
is 1.18 percent of the area of the Indian

Union.

The population of Kerala has been

growing rapidly in recent years.

During the

40 year period from 1901 to 1941, the population
of the State almost doubled from 63.96 lakhs
to 110.30 lakhs and it almost doubled again in

the next 30 years reaching 213.47 lakhs in
1971.

According to 1981 census, population

of Kerala is 254.5 lakhs and a recent estimate
(1990) shows that population at present is
296.7 lakhs.

Contd...2

*"2°"

1,3.

Unique features of the Population of Kerala
As already mentioned, the population of

Kerala is 254.5 lakhs (1981 census),

The sex

ratio of the State is 1032 females per
1000 males as per 1981 census as against 955

for India as a whole,

A peculiar feature of the

sex composition of the State is that in all the
Gensus period 1901-1981, females outnumbered
males, while opposite is

the other States,

the case with most of

The density of the population

of the State (655 per Sq.KM.) is the highest
among the States of India,

The death rate of

The

the State is lowest among Indian States.

expectation of life at birth of femal.es is higher
than that of males.

In this respect, Kerala is

different from India and other States and resembles

many of the advanced countries of the world.

The

level of general literacy is the highest among
Indian States and is double that of India.

The health status of a population can be

assessed by the prevailing

mortality and

mox'bidity pattern of the community.

It is expected

that an analysis of the mortality and morbidity

pattern prevailing in Kerala may help the health

administrators and planners to develop their
strategy, in order to attain the national goal
of "Health for all by 2000 AD" on the basis of

primary health cane approach.
2.1^ Mortality and Morbidity pattern.

Changes in the mortality and morbidity are
studied under the following heads (1) Mortality

profile (2) Morbidity profile.

Contd

5

Sol,,!. Mortality profile
Usual measures of mortality used to study

the earliei- and prevailing pattern of mortality
are:

(1)

Crude death rate

(2)

Infant mortality rate

(3)

Expectation of life at birth.

2.1.2. Availabilitj__of_data

The census estimates provide the mortality
rate for the decades.

These are used along with

SRS annual estimates ( sample registration system)
for the recent years.
2.1.3.

Crude death rate

The census estimates provide the data for the
various decades.

These estimates along with the

recent estimates(as given by sample registration

system) is presented in Table I.

TABLE_I
DEATH RATES IN KERALA
Rate per 1000

population

Period

Kerala

India

19U

38.7

47.2

1921

33.8

36.3

1931

29.1

31.2

1941

22.3

27.4

1951
1961

16.9

22.8

9.3

19.0

1971
1981

9.3
6.6

12.5

1986

6.2

11.9

1988

6.2

10.9

14.2

Contd..o4

The table reveals that the death rate has come
down to very low levels.

These rates are also

very low compared to India,

The death rate has

started their downward trend by the begining of

this century.

Initially, decline was slow, but

accelerated by fifties.

The present rate of

Kerala is well comparable as that of developed

countries.
2,1,4,

Rural Urban. Variation
There is not much rural urban differences in

death rate in Kerala compared to other States
of India & India as a whole ( see Table 2 )

T1HU8

II

g?gAI.._gggAK„yAgIATION IN CRUDE_ DEATH RATLIN

KERA1A

Rural

Period

Urban

___ Kerala

India_

Kerala

I960

7,1

13,7

6.5

7.9

1981

6.7

13.7

5,8

7.8

1982

6.6

13.1

6.6

7.4

1985

6.7

13.0

6.7

7,7

1984

6,2

13.8

7.3

8.6

1985

6,5

13.0

6.6

7.8

1986

6,0

12,2

6.9

7.6

India-

A noteworthy feature of mortality pattern of
Kerala is the lower mortality rates

in rural

areas.
2.1.5.Infant mortality rate
The infant mortality which st normally

accounts for heavy toll of life, has shown a

more steeper fall in comparison with general
mortality.( see Table 5)

Contd..o.5

TABLE III

INFANT MORTALITY RATE IN KERALA
Rate per 1000 live births

Period

India

Kerala

1911

242

204

1921

210

174

1951

175

178

1941

153

174

1951

120

16.1

1971

61

146

1981

37

110

1982

30

105

1983

33

105

1984

29

104

1985

32

95

1988

27

94

Kerala State has recorded

the lowest IMR of

27 per 1000 live births among all the States in
1988o
It is worthy to note that IMR in Kerala
is just less than | of the national average.,

2olo6, Expectation of life at_birth
The expectation of life at birth and at other

ages show the net effect of the differential
mortality of various age groupso

The value of

expectation of life at birth for Kerala is given
in Table 4f together with those of India for

comparison.

Oontd.o. 6

TABLE IV
EXPECTATION OF LIFE AT BIRTH IN .KERALA
Expectation of life at birth ( yrs)

_

Males

.

Females



Kerala

India

Kerala

India

1911

25.49

19 0 4

27,41

20.9

1921

29.54

26.9

32,>70

26,6

1931

33.19

32.1

35=00

31,4

1941

39.89

32.5

42.34

31.7

1951

46.17

41.9

50,00

40.6

56.2

46.4

60,00

44.7

1961

(1966)

(1966)

1971

60,57

50.9

61,16

50,00

1988

67.00

55,60

70.00

54.0

From the table it is evident that expectation

of life at birth has been rising in Kerala and
females have higher life expectancy than males ,
Higher life expectancy of females - a pattern of
highly economically advanced countries - is a

unique feature of Kerala,
of life of females

'Higher expectation

may be due to the fact that

females have a lower IMR than males, as against
a higher IMR for females for the other States

of India,

The sex ratio of Kerala also supports

the above argument.

Kerala is unique in sex

ratio5 1032 females per 1000 males; reflecting

a differential mortality improvement,
3,

MORTALITT

TREND

The picture that emerges from the above
analysis is that the mortality rates started

their jg downward trend much earlier in Kerala than

in the rest of India,
fact

It is a well recognised

that extend-of mortality is influenced by
Contd...;7

■7-

the environmental condition of the State and

Socio-economic condition of the population.
Also effect of mortality on the different age
group of the population varies as many of the

morbid conditions are selective with respect to
age.

The available evidence shows that there has

been steady and early decline in mortality rates
in Kerala.

The factors responsible for this

may be;

1.

High level of literacy

2,

High level of personal hygiene

Scattered nature of the houses
( may be responsible for the high standard
of environmental hygiene)

4.

Universal availability of health and medical
facility both in rural and urban areaso

5o

Control of Communicable diseases, may be

to a large extent responsible for the
early decline in mortality rate in Kerala.

egs Cholera, Plague, smallpox.

Also

sharp decline in deaths due to Malaria

due

Maataria due to impact of eradication

programme in the State.
Si40 MORBIDITY PATTERN
4o1o Availability of data and its limitations

Comprehensive and detailed informations on
morbidity and mortality in Kerala during the early

and present pees? period are not readily available.
However, morbidity and mortality statistics based
on hospital records are available from the publi­
cations of Central Bureau of Health Intelligence,

Govt.of India.

The data reported by CBHI have

the limitation that they are based on hospital
statistics and may not be comparable due to

incomplete coverage during the period of reference.

Hence one may be cautious while interpreting
the results

Contd..,8

4.

2<> Morbidity and mortality pattern due_to Communicable

diseases;

Morbidity and mortality pattern for
selected Communicable Diseases in Kerala for

the period (1966-1907) is presented in Table® 5.
Malaria

The highest reported incidence rate (No.of

cases per 100,000 population) was reported for
Malaria during

the period 1983-85. There after­

wards there is a small but steady downward trend
in the incidence of Malaria.

The death rate

(No.of deaths per 100,000 population) is very
negligible? however it shows a steady and declin­
ing trend.

The clinical records reveal that

most of the cases of Malaria are imported cases
from neighbouring States.

Tuberculosis

A recent estimate reveals that 3.72 lakhs
persons are suffering from Tuberculosis in

Kerala, out of which 93000 are
cases.

sputum positive

Out of 14 districts in the State short

course chemotherapy is in operation ,
-Ol fidisIdLcts .
(pilot study)An upward trend in the prevalence

of Tuberculosis is observed during the period
under reference except for the period 1983-85

( See Table 5)

The death rate is declining

steadily during the reported period.

The rate

declined from 7.2 per 100,000 population during
1966-70 to 1.01 in 1987.

Cholera

During the period under report

largest

number of cases of Cholera was reported in the

period 1971-75.

Thereafter there is a steep

decline in the incidence.

The death rate of 0.45

during 1971-75 is the highest.

However the

overall picture is that death rate is in the

declining side:
?
*
Contd«.«9

MOBBIDIK AND MORTALITY BATE PER .100,000 POPULATION DUE TO SELECTED

COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN KERALA
SI.
..

Name of the

————'
cases
deaths
(average)
(average)

p

.

L

s

r

i

1971-75

oases
(average)

o

deaths
(average)

d

1985-35
cases
deaths
(average)
(average)



cases
(average)

1987
deaths
(average)

lil—---- £_2j---------------------- -------------------------- Ul,------------______________ (6j_____ (7)_______________ ______________ {21__________ £101 -.....
Xo

Malaria

0.6
(123)

0.02
(3)

Nil

15
(3921)

0.005
(1)

13
(3772)

0.005
(1)

(774)

2.

Leprosy

124
(25526)

0.20
(42)

+

+

+

+

271
(76041)

Sil

3.

Tuberculosis

151
(31090)

7.2
(1477)

175
(39007)

1.91
(424)

166
(44504)

0.74(198)

208
(58367)

1.01
(285)

4.

Diphtheria

■8
(1718)

0.99
(203)

2
(488)

0.05
(11)

1
(357)

0.01
(2)

1
(270)

0.003
(1)

5.

Whopping Cough

18
(3765)

0.40
(83)

141
(31318)

0.06
(13)

43
(11409)

0.01
(2)

40
(11121)

0.01
(3)

6.

Tetanus

2.21
(455)

2
(391)

0.36
(79)

0.70
(183)

0.04
(12)

0.70
(184)

0.15
(42)

11
(2354)

Contd...<x»/o

10

(3)

(2)

(1) '

(4)

(5)

(9)



(10)

(6)

(7)

0.13
(35)

3
(775)

0.23
(65)

(8)

7.

Polio

2.0
(410)

0.16
(32)

0.70
(166)

0.05
(12)

1
(377)

8.

Measles

14
(2877)

0.14
(28)

125
(27701)

0.03
(6)

88
(23569)

0.003
(1)

154
(45181)

O.06
(16)

9.

Biteric Fever

73
(14962)

1.72
(354)

69
(15267)

0.21
(46)

136
(36403)

O.01
(5)

34
(9544)

*4
0
(10)

10.

Cholera

7
(1408)

0.33
(68)

109
(2428)

0.45
(101)

0.40
(80)

O.03
(7)

0.50
(131)

0.03
(7)

11.

Bysentry

204
(42112)

2.57
(530)

2064
(458140)

0.29
(64)

2414
(497369)

0.21
(44)

2637
(738467)

0.24
(68)

12.

Gastroenteritis

+

+

+

+

86
(23021)

‘ 0.68
(181)

200
(56086)

0.65
(181)

13.

Viral hepatitis

56
(11636)

1.42
(292)

96
(21417)

0.14
(31)

47
(12640)

0.04
(12)

54
(15130)

0-09
(25)

14.

Influenza

119
(24586)

0.33
(68)

1942
(43H26)

0.01
(2)

2062
(552595)

0.003
(1)

2899
(811848)

Nil

15.

STD

0.13
(26)

15
(3283)

0.01
(2)

44
(11854)

Nil

59
(16413)

Nil

Note: 1.
2.

12
(2505)

+ Data not available
Heported cases are shown within the brackets.
1/

-U”
Leprosy

The State has an estimated case load of
1.4 lakhs of Leprosy patientso

The estimated

prevalence rate is 5.8 per 1000 population which

is slightly higher than that of India (5.7/100,06§k

population).

The registered prevalence rate for

the State is 3 per 1000 population while for

India it is 4.9.

Out of 14 districts in the

State, 6 districts have prevalence rate less

than 5$ 7 districts have prevalence rate between

5 end 9 and only one district (Palghat) has

prevalence rate 10.

This means that the whole

State is moderately endemic area for Leprosy,,

Only one district viz. Alleppey for which prevalence

rate is 6.6

is under MDT since 1987-88.

The

data presented in the table reveal that morbidity

due to leprosy is showing

an upward trend while

the death rate due to leprosy is declining,

recording no death during 1987o
gilariasis
The largest single endemic tract of B.Malayi

infection is along the cost of central part of
Kerala stretching over an area of 1970 Sq.KM

covering Quilon, Alleppey, Ernakulam and
Trivandrum districts.

It is estimated that

population exposed to the risk is 4 million in
1970 and about 6.63 million people are exposed

to the risk of filariasis in the State at present.

During 1976, persons having clinical manifestation

is 1.81 lakhs in Kerala and no.of persons carrying
microfilaria in their blood is 2.03 lakhs.
Official reports of delimitation survey held
during 1955-62 recorded that in Kerala, Alleppey

District in the worst affected area (Mf rate
d

12.8%; Disease rate *=■ 11.77%).

The recent

surveys recorded a Microfilaria rate of 2.08%
during 1986 and rate has reduced to 1
62%
*

during

1988 for the State.
Contd..ia

About 2.83

million people axe at present

protected against Filariasis in the State.
Childhood Diseases

The incidence rate and death rate of both
Diptheria and Tetanus show a declining trend
daring the period of reference.

A high incidence

rate of 141/100,000 population is recorded for
Who'yping Cough during the period 1971-75; but

thereafter a steep decline is registered.

Incidence rate of Polio is very low but registered
a very small increase from 2 to 3 during the
periodo

Death rate due to Polio also shows a

more or less similar picture.,

Incidence rate of

Measles shows an increasing trend, but death

rate due to it records a downward trend.

Other Diseases
The incidence rate of Enteri^cfever shows,
an upward trend during 1966-85(increased from

73 to 136); but register
after.

(Rate is 34

a sharp decline there­

during the year 1987).

The

death rate reveals a steady and declining trend
(Declined from 1.72 to 0.04).

The incidence of

Viral hapatitis record a fluctuating trend over
the period.

The

death rate due to Hepatitis

dropped from 1.42 to 0.09 during the period;
recording a declining trend.

The incidence rates

of Dysentery,Influenza and STD show fast and upward
trend whereas death rates due to above diseases

registered a downward trend during the period.
4.3« Morbidity and Mortality pattern due to non-communi

Unlike the data on Communicable diseases,

the informations on nonr-Communicable diseases are
not

readily available.

Other reliable sources

are sought to obtain the relevant information.

The data reported in this study are from the
following sources;

Contd...«13>

-ri(1)

P.G.K. Panikar and C.R.Soman, Health

Status of Kerala, Centre for Develop­
ment Studies, Trivandrum.

(9)

Annual administration report (1989) analysis of 'ROME’ data - Dept.of

Community Medicine, T.D. Medical College,
Alleppey - 5.

(3)

(unpublished)

Annual administration report (1989)
Medical College Health Unit, Ambalapuzha,

Medical College, Alleppey.(unpublished)

Cardio-vascular diseases such as Hypertensive
heart diseases, Ischaemic heart diseases,

Cerebro vascular accidents etc. contribute 11.7%
of the total admissions in the Medical College

Hospital Trivandrum in 1978.

Cancer shows 12.9%

Accidents and injury 12.5%, Endocrine disorders
5.3%, Diseases of the nervous system 4.5%

Disease of the Genito-Urinary system 5.6% of the
total admission.

The percentage of death (25.2) due to Cardio-

vaacular diseases stand first

in the Medical

College Hospital,Trivandrum.

The share of cancer

to mortality is 17% of all deaths.

The deaths

due to Central nervous system is 6%, Accidents
and Poisoning contribute 12.3% of all deaths.

The data on Nutritional Status show that
percentage of persons with PEM is highest in

Kerala (26.8% of the population is deficient in
both protein and calorie ) Distribution of pre­
school children based on Gomez classification
reveals that 4.8% of children in Kerala are
severely mal-nourished and 33.5% children modera­
tely mal-nourished; giving a total of 38.3% for
the two groups put together. This percentage
figure is lower than in other States.

Contd.,..l/j

—1Z^—
Morbidity pattern as registered in medical

camps organised 'by Department of Community
Medicine, Medical College, Alleppey and

out patient register of Medical. College Health
Unit, Ajnbalapuzha , Alleppey (1909) is considered

nextXSee
TABLE VI

MORBIDITY PATTERN AS RECORDED IN THE MEDICAL

COLLEGE HEALTH UNIT, AMBALAPUZHA,
ALLEPPEY - 1989

(Nou-•Communicable diseases)

Name of the diseases

Medical Camps

Medical College
Heal tlx Unit

(%)_

i

20

Hypertension

i

—-

Cataract

i

1

1.

Anaemia



3o


Diabetes

i

Total

(3102)

—®Total(63645)

The Analysis reveals that anaemia is a
major health problems in the rural areas of

Kerala.,
The foregoing discussion e reveals that the

dominant disease groups are (1) diarrhoeal
disorders (2) Eilariasis(3) Leprosy (4) TB
(5) Enteric fever (6) Influenza (7) STD (8) Wdrm

infection (9) Cancer (10) Hypertension

(11) Nutritional deficiency diseases0
5o..MORBIDITY TREND

The mortality is showing "h downward trend
whereas morbidity is showing an upward trend in
Kerala

inspite of the fact that Kerala has a

wider network of health infrastructure.
Contd»J67

The reasons may be
(1)

The people are more health conscious and
therefore they go for prompt treatment
even for minor and negligible illness.

Henoe more cases are recorded®

(2)

The same disease may be occuring to the
same person in different times.

So each

time at the time of reporting, case is

recorded as a new one.
(3)

Duo to the high price of the essential drugs

x

patient may not follow the full course of

the

drug.

So naturally we can expect

repeated attack of the same disease.

This

is again reported and treated with another

costly drug and again discontinued by the
patient due to his economic backwardness.

This is again recorded as a now one.
Also by prescribing and introducing a set

of lowcost

essential drugs,this vicious

circle can be broken.

(4)

Detection of more hidden cases from the

community by intensive activities of the

health workers.
(5)

(The high morbidity rate may be due the fact

of treating the symptoms while neglecting
the underlying causes0
6.

REQUIREMENTS OP ESSENTIA! DRUGS IN PRIMARY

HBAXTH

OARjB_

The main problem in making the essential drugs
available in the Primary Health Oentres in ths
limited financial allocation. The total budget
provision for drugs for a primary health centre in
uouolly one fifth of the actual need. Naturally,
there will be a gap between supply and demand of
drugrj in the Primary Jloolth Contras,

Oontd...,/(a

-Ko­

to

overcome the situation of short supply of

drugs, -the doctor incharge of the Primary Health

centres should be trained to prepare the indent in

such a manner that it bridges the gap between supply

Importance should be given to cheap,

and demand.

and primary drugs based on the prevailing morbidity

pattern of the
local
*

Costly drugs should be

area.

relegated to the background.
Analgesics, antipyretics which are essential for

distribution in immunization carnps should be availa­
ble through-out the year.

Anti helminthics,

haematinics, vitamins, anti-diarrhoeals, antiflatulants, antacids, antibiotic creams; simple anti-biotics

are the drugs essential for primary health care.
Drugs alone will not solve the problem if

repeated attacks of the same illness occur in the
community.

Therefore, equal importance should be given

for the distribution of drugs and organisation of
health education campaign to give basic knowledge

about the prevention of illness to the people.

<o ■ 1

jklST

OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS FOR

PRIMARYI

HEALTH

CARE

Essential drugs for the Anganwadi
1.

VitoA.Solution

2.

Iron and Folic Acid Tablets

3.

0 R S Packet

4.

Chloroquin tablet

5.

Paracetamol tablet

6.

Mebendazole tablet

7.

Chlorpheneramine tablet

8.

Gentian Violet granules

9.

Terramycin eye ointment

10.

Benzyl Benzoate emulsion

11.

Merctirochrome powder

Contdoo... 17

“ r/ “•

II

Centre



A» Drugs suggested for the Arganwadi

Bo Additional drugs,

lo Aspirin
2o Metoclopramide
3.

Contraceptive pills

4» Tablets and injections of methergine
III.Eagontial drugs for the Primary Health Centre

Ao Drugs listed for Sub Centre
Bo Additional drugs.

1.

Amoxycillin

2,1

Doxycycline

3o Chloramphenicol
4.

Penicillin (Procaine & Benzathine)

5 o Digoxin
6O Isosorbide dinitrate
7.

Phenobarbitone

8O Promethazine syrup

9o Glybenclamide tablets

10o Furazolidine
llo Metronidazole

12o Theophylline
13o Aluminium hydroxide

14o Chlorpromazine
15® BoComplex

16o Diazepam

17 o Antitubercular
*

drugs

180 .Anti-leprosy drugs
19» Diethyl-caJf&amazine

20 o I’rimaquin
21o Cotrimoxazol

22O Predhisolone
23® Atropine 10 eye drops

24o Homptropine 20 ayp dropfi

?r'„ Pi io-nrqi'l no

t,<!n

»'U, ll.vdri.oo.iU: LnOha eye 0 in. I lueti t;
•'/;< Aii jj.i 'nieil;rs von,.,-,

il.ydt’t'Ob.lij vn liiinzlde
Cento.....jf.

— IS



294

Tincture Iodine

30.

Whitfields ointment

31®

Xylocaine 4%, 2% and Jelly

32.

Injo Aminophylline

33o

Injo Adrenaline

34.

Inj. Demathasone

35®

Inj. Chlorpheninamine maleate

36.

I.V® fluids (Ringer lactate, 5% detrose, 5% dextrose

37o

Inj.normal saline

38o

Inj,atropine

39.

Inj.potassium chloride

40o

Injosodium bicarbonate

41o
42.

Injofrusemide
Inj.morphine^pethidine

43o

Inj.diazepam

saline)

44,1

Inj.oxytocin

45.

Inj.Paracetamol .

46. Ohlorhexidine solution
47. Vaccines, DPT, OPV, Measles, BOG, IT, DT and
rabies, anti cholera, anti typhoid.

Anti­

The health status of any community can be
assessed by the prevailing morbidity and mortality
status. So the analysis of morbidity and mortality
pattern will be very useful for the health planners,
especially in the context of our aim to attain the
Goal of "Health for all by 2000 AD" on the basis of
Primary Health Care approach. Usual indices vis,,
Crude Death Rate, Infant Mortality Rate and Expeotartion of life at Birth are used to study the mortality
pattern of Kerala. The Death Rate has come down to
Very low level in Kerala and it is even comparable to
that of other well developed nations. No appreciable
rural urban differences in mortality rate exist in
Kerala. The lowest Infant Mortality Rate is recorded
in Kerala amongst the other States in India.
Oontd.9,*«|(|

- iq

Expectation of life at birth has been rising in
Kerala and females have a higher life expectancy

- a pattern existing in economically well
advanced countries - is a unique feature of Kerala,

The

analysis reveals that mortality rates started

their downward trend in Kerala much earlier than

that of rest of India,

Analysis ©f Morbidity

pattern indicate that morbidity rate (due to

Communicable and non-Communicable diseases) is

showing an upward trend wheras death rate due to

these diseases register a downward trend during
recent years.

The following communicable and non-communicable

diseases are prevalent in rural areas of Kerala for
which elementary drugs are necessary in the Primary

Health Centres and Sub Centres,

Adequate inservice

training should be given to the medical and para­

medical staff working in these health institutions
along with the supply of the drugs.

Malaria, leprosy, Tuberculosis, Measles,

Enteric fever, Dysentry, Gastro-enteritis, Influenza
Anaemia, Helminthiasis, Scabies, Diphtheria,

Whooping cough, Tetanus, Bronchitis, Asthma, Urinary
infection, Rheumatic fever, Hypertension are the

common disease prevalent in the area,
Supply of drugs for the Anganwadi, Sub centre and

Primary Health Centre should be based on the preva­

lence of the above diseases,

A suitable mechanism

has to be developed for the continuous supply of

these drugs to the District Stores for its final
delivery to the Primary Health Centres and Sub Centres,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are deeply indebted to

Dr»Saramma Joseph, Principals,

T»DoMedical

College Alleppey for her guidance,

supervision and permission to present
this paper0

Vie acknowledge with thanks for
the service of all members of staff
especially to SmtoK.K<,Bajamma, U<,D<>Typist

and SrioToRoBajagopalan Nayar, Artist cum
Photographer of this department for

their sincere work at very short notice
without which the paper would not have
been completed in timeo

OFEROCES

lo

Government of India, Health Statistics of

India (1966-70), CBHI, DGHS, New Delhi (1975)
2„

Government of India, Health. Statistics of India

(1971-75), CBHI,DGHS, New Delhi (1976)
3o

Government of India? Pocket Book of Health


r c'

.... H;7:. OHMGM

New Delhi (1978),



Government of India? Health Statj.stics of India

1981 CBHI, DGHS, New Delhi (1982),


Government of India, Docket Book of Health

..

■■

197t; OIHI,DGHS,New Delhi

(1979)

6c,

Government of India? Health Statistics of India
1984 CBHI,DGHS, New Delhi (1984)

7o

Government of India? Health Statistics of India

1985? CBHI,DGHS, New Delhi(1985)»
8O

Government of India? Health Information of India

1286, CBHI,DGHS, New Delhi ( 1988)
9o

Government of India, Health Information India...

1987, CBHI, DGHS, New Delhi (1988)
10o

Government of Kerala, Health Profile Kerala
1990 -- Deptoof Health and Family Welfare,Trivandrum
Kerala (1990),

11,

Mahendra Dutta & Bhaain VIP® Communicable Diseases,
Pattern of Morbidity and Mortality in Iflndia,
CBHI, DGHS, New Delhi (1979)

12<>

Kurup, R.S, et®al, Fact Book on Population and

Family Planning, DRC, Bureau of Economics and

Statistics, Trivandrum (1975)«

- SA-

13®

Sarama S.P® et®al, 'Current estimates of
Filariasis problem in India” The Journal

of Communicable Diseases Vol. 9, No ® 2(1977)
14®

Panikar, P.G.K. and Soman, C.R.Health Status

of Kerala, Centre fox’ Development Studies,

Trivandrumo

15®

Dept®of Community Medicine,

"Annual Administra­

tion Report, analysis of ROME data 1989 ,

T.DoMedical College Alleppey, Kerala
<0 unpublished).
16o

Medical. College Health Unit "Annual Administration
Report, Ambalapuzha"

(Unpublished^ T®D®Medical

College, Alleppey - 1989 (Unpublished)

17®

Government of India, National Leprosy Eradication
Programme in India 1987 - Facts and Figures on

Leprosy,

Leprosy division, DGHS, Ministry of Health

and Family Welfare, New Delhi ( 1987)
18s

Dept.of Community Medicine, Proposal for permanent
Filaria Research Unit of ICMR at T.D.Medical
College, Alleppey,

T.D. Medical College, Alleppey

1986 ( unpublished)®

"ESSENTIAL

DRUGS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

IN INDIA"

BY:

DR. S.B. DIXIT,
M.D
PROFESSOR AND HEAD
DEPARTMENT OF PREVENTIVE AND SOCIAL MEDICINE,
GOA MEDICAL COLLEGE,
BAMBOLIM P.O. SANTA CRUX,
GOA 403005, •
(0) 3668/5440.

DR, MRS. MACULA DIXIT, M.D.

C.M.O.
CENTRAL HOSPITAL,
T1SCA USGAON,
GOA.

ESSENTIAL DRUGS, IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
- IN INDIA. "

India, is: committed to attend the goal of Health for all by the year

2000 jW through the universal provision of Primary Health care services,,
Provision of essential drugs, is. considered to be an important element

amongst the 7 elements of Primary Health cars.

In India Primary Health care is provided by many workers, example,
community Health worker(villago Health guide), Anganwadi warkor, Dais,

Multipurpose health workers, traditional birth attendants/trained birth
attendants. Most of them are provided with a medicine kit for treatment

of minor ailments.
The national health policy provides the universal comprehensive
Kro-ncJi'v
Primary health care services relevant to th® actuarl needs and priorities:
of the country at a cost which people can afford, insuring tbht the plan­

ning and implementation of the various health programmes is through the

organised involvement and participation of the community adequately
utilising the services being rendered by voluntary organisation active

in health sectors.
All governments to formulate national imjiikh Etyjifcsri policies, stra­

tegies and plans of action to launch and support Primary health care as
a part of national health system,provide community health care, attend

to vulnerable’ and underserved groups.'

Primary health care strategy calls for a sustained efforts to stimu­
late and organise the community to give itself a health system

econo-

mically, socio-culturally and techndioiijlcally appropriate t© meet the

specific health needs.
Despite the fact.that a high.proportion of the health budget of the
countries in the region is spent on drugs, the rural population often has.

no assess to the life saving and essential drugs. Scarce national resources

are often wasted on less essential'drugs which are marketed in the develop­
ing countries whore the drugs consumption pattern often docs not reflect

the real health needs. In countries where health for all has received

endorsement as. policy at the highest offic/ial level,at least 5% of C.1P

is spent on health. km A reasonable percentage is devoted to 1st level
contact .care including availability of atleast 20 essential drugs within

one hour. walk.

Comprehensive drug policy can bring about a radical change in the
present situation by streamlining every aspect of the pharmaceutical end

system. This, would ensure the availability of essential drugs of
high

quality,

safbpy and efficacy at reasonable prices and their proper

utilisation by health person. VJHO had' an important role of technical co­

operation in the formulation'of drug policy. There is also the need for
the proper selection of traditional medicines of established efficacy for

use in Primary health care, linked with the expanded use of traditional
medicine is the need for Organised training programme for traditional.
practitioners in the preventive■and promotivc aspect of primary health Care

The "essential drug monitor" is a newspaper-letter produced and '
distributed by the WHO action programme on essential drugs and vaccines,
Since the action programme was launched in 1981 more than 100 countries '
have/ cither drawn up essential dnhg list or started projects in support
of Primary health care providing reliable essential drugs and vaccines
which, ■
1.

meets pco/ples common health needs

2.

has significant therapeutic value. ■

3.

are acceptably safe .

4.

offer satisfactory value for money.
A- conference of experts on the national use of drugs was convcilod

by WHO in Nairobi(kenya)

from 25th to 29th November, 1985.

The dxperts supported the need for government to adopt a national
drug policy based on the essential drugs concept as a part of their
national health policy for attaining the goal of health for all by year

2000. The aim of a national drug policy Dr. Mahler said.would be to ensure
C&nSCant

'

the/a-vailability of efifiicacdous drugs of acceptable■quality and safety t®
all in need of-them, such drugs must be really required for maintaining

peoples health.and combating disease. It was emphasised that good manufa­
cturing practices and quality control were integral parts of’drug regula­
tion.

It was generally felt that pharmaceutical industry has major-rcspon- ■
sibility for compling with- established norms and avoiding different stand­

ards in different countries. WHO agreed to issue mod&l data sheets and

formularies for those drugs included in the WHO model list of essential
drugs for government use,
,

The experts recognised that for making drug use more rational, app-

ropratc national legislation was required, the main responsibilities of

all those concerned inlmaking drug use. move rational lies .with the govern­
ment, pharmaceutical industry, prescribers, medical colleges, teaching

institutions and professional organisations, the public, patient and

consumer groups and the-.mass madia.

3
It is estimated that there are between 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 drug

products- available today in the world market, the WHO has determined that
fewer than 250 of these drugs are essential, to treat most of the illnesses

experienced by majority of world’s population.
It is useful to have available standard list of drugs'and equipment,
reduced to the minimum that take into account the epidemiological situation

as

all as the resourdes available.

The problems involved in providing essential drugs presents an almsst
overwhelming challenge to all countries. Drug selection is difficult main­
ly because of the variety of drugs from which to choose, drug procurement

problems includd the’number of possible drug Kpnxd sources, the complexity •
of estimating needs and the difficulties of arranging payment for the drugs

that arc needed. Drug distribution required the carefully planned inter­

action of transportation, storage and management system. Appropriate drug

use relies on training and public education. ihese problems'are magnified

in developing countries where infrastructure and.resourdes; are often s
scarce. The policy decision related to essential drugs are made at several

levels the strategies may be at National, community and individual level.

The section on national strategies discusses drug selection, supplies,
costs, distribution system and regulation. The section on communtiy stra­
tegics covers, needs, assessment, storage, stock control and training and

finally consumer education and patient information are discussed under
individual strategics.,
DRUG SELECTION.

The drug selection process is made difficult by the vast number of..
available prescription and'non-prescription system items. All of these/
.medicines are created from approximately 250 activd substances which are

the chemicals in drugs responsible for the therapeutic 'dffect. It has
been estimated that there arc on the average 70 different brand names for
each drugmoalelecL Uday-.



Prepar/ation with no known therapeutic value include many vitamins,

tonics and cough preparations which are available without prescription.

In 1982 a panel of exports has.compiled a list of 230 drugs, and a model

list of 22 drugs for use in primary health care. More than SO countries

have developed national formularies or drug lists based on the WHO model
list of essential drugs. International non-proprictary generic names for
drugs are used'and combinetiion drugs are avoided unless they, meet an' im­

portant specific therapeutic need.

-

4

-■

'

DRUG SUPPLIES

There is an increasing tendency to use drugs as the treatment of choice

for all kinds of disease as., a. result treatment other than drugs are too
often overlooked.
More developing countries relies on- import of large part^ of their

annual drug need^ to reduce the need for foreign exchange , some developing
countries have adopted policies’that facilitate local production of drugs.
There.policies include restrictions onjimporta of foroigg products, in

so .e countries local repackaging of imported bulk shipments.have been
instituted.

National drug production is also being encouraged through the increased
use of herbs. The national corporation of herbal' medicine in the peoples
Lc<Jei on

republic of China reduces 5,700 types of medicinal plants and 7,00,000 tons

of herbs annually. In Philippines

mjcxe

whcreqthorbilist have long provided

rural medical care the ministry of health is

encouraging research on medi­

cinal plants. Factories are being setup to process herbs and the national

formulary lists more than 30, medicinal, plants. Quality assurance is critical
to all drug programmes. WHO, has instituted a certification. scheme that pro­
vides 'importing countries with information, on whether or not a- product has
cj m&nQjfic.ldr'e ■

been approved.use cn iJi

REDUCING■COST
In any country cost is a central issue in drug selection procurement

and availability while the annual per capita consumption of pharmaceuticals
irideveloping countries is small in'comparison to that of developed countries
•I
.fesM-'-ti ve
(US dollars 16 and US dollars 50) drug purchases can sometime account for
nearly half of the health budget. Several stops may be taken to cut this

Cost.
- limited formulary can’bring about, significant saving.in'the cost of

procurement, handling, stocking and training...- Bulk purchases

'.. '•< ....

.

..

.....

- competativo biddings. UNICEF has taken advantage of both bulk purchase
and competativo bidding to save money by purchasing drugs- for over 100

countries.
- uce of generic - ordering drugs by their generic name

- dosage forms - in general tablets or capsules arc the least expensive
dosage form. .

.

I

-

5 ' - •

Distribution System

Most countries have a private market system,' often practitioners
also dispense.. Many/ countries also dispense' free or^suhsidised drugs
through the national health system. In Philippines, Mozambique and

Haiti the government has also attempted to extend drug access to
iaolatelcommunities by establishing rural pharmacies that sell essential

drugs at'small profit.

Co-operatives are currently operating in Thailand and- experimen­
tal trial in Philippines are financed as revolving funds started with
money raised by the-community. Transporting drugs is a serious problem,

long delays or exposure to heat may causd drugs to expire, loss and
cf
theft are also serious concerns. Some creative attempts to solve these
problems under Kenya’s new management system of drug supplies which

started in 1981, sealed prepackaged’ s ration kits of essential drugs
.are sent out to health posts.- The kits uf sxxoitiRi dtaagx

xxh

contain 39 items for health centres and 31 items for dispensaries.
Tanzania has also started using a similar system.

Regulation
In general over the counter ^OTC) drugs decrease medical staff

requirements, decrease the cost of'Uandling and managing drugs through .

public health system and increase the availability of medicine in

isolated areas. Disadvantage is;-the misuse by consumer and may delay
some people from urgently needed medical attention. Cuba and Bangla­

desh have severly limited OTC preparation.
Community Stategies

Needs assessment:- can be based on the pattern of previous use, or—on
epidemiological data on diseaser incidence and prevalence.'Estimated

basis jon use are less helpful if • the previous use record reflects
shortages of supplies or if population is changing quickly dur to

influx or outflow. A micro-computer model for planning drug require­
ment has. been developed that can calculate heeds based on both and

this has been tested,in Indonesia and Morocco.

Drug Storage:- Heat .and moisture especially in tropical countries can
cause drugs to deteriorate, this can be reduced by choosing a shady
breezy location and by providing adequate ventilation.•Refrigeration

is necessary to maintain a' cold chain for vaccine. All drugs should
be labelled with at least their classification name, dosage form,
strength and.date of expiry.

..6/-

:

-

6

-

Stock Control:- Procedured include



- checking system against-order records for damage and expiry date.
- arrange drugs alphabetically, by therapeutic category, clinical

'indication, frequency of use or a combination of these methods,.
Estimating Drug Needs;• Morbidity based needs estimates are calculated by first listing
the expected symptoms, number of cases, and proposed treatment,, The

expected'number of cases can be estimated by using survey data. Course
of treatment information from the national formulary is then added to
the above estimates of number of cases to give estimated total drug

requirements. An initial order increase of 25% will cover the contigencies for wastage and to provide for reserve if need -increases. Re­
cord keeping and timely re-ordering will facilitate the supplies.

Training and continuing education for both prescribers and dis­
pensers are important in any essential drug system. PHC workers who
prescribe medicines needs to be trained in the indications for an

safe prescription-of the selected drugs. WHO has drafted drug infor­

mation sheets for a whole list of essential drugs that can be adopted

by each country. Each sheet list the drug name, indications, recommen­
ded dosages, precautions, adverse effects, interactions and directions

for storage.
Individual Strategies

Consumer education and patient information are tcro important ways to
infuse appropriate drug use. Underuse and overuse of drug is a problem,

common belief is that purchased medicine is.better than what can be
prepared at home. These attitudes can result in waste of resources

and can contribute to' problems like drug resistance. Social marketing'
is one useful approach that examine such community attitudes and has

been used in several countries to promote ORT and contraceptive use. . •
Patient information
If patients understands what kipd of mddicines they are taking and why

and importance of finishing the full course of treatment, compliance
can/ be increased. All prescriptions and OTC preparations should he
labelled with information that includes the drug name, form, strength,

proper, dosage and any warning, contraindications or special instruc­
tion for use. Drug information material have been developed for patient
who cannot read. They use pictures to represent the mx amount of modi-.

cine to be taken at different time of the day, in.some cases these

material also represnnts the illness for wh/ich :the medicine is being
used. Pakistan has recently decided that package inserts are to be

-

7

-

printed in the national language Urdu and English. In Kenya the

government

is supporting .a programme to improve the supply of es­

sential drugs to church related rural health-institutions and to

train the staff of these bodies in the rational use of the drugs.
All government dispensaries- and health centres in the country receive

standard kadi kits of essential drug.



■ Essential drugs are vital to primary health care. The provision
of these drugs is a complex challenge that needs to: be met at the

national, community and individual levels while tho-establishment of
the.drug formulary and standardized treatment schedule is best done
as a national policy. There.are important drug issues that need to

be adressed at other levels by health workers and programme ipanagers
as well. Needs assessment, storage, stock control, training and public

education are all necessary to make the best possible use of drags tin t
are available. National drug policy can' only .succedd when the community
and individual strategies are in place.

Guidelines for f ormuln;hixig.dram..policies.
Its objective should be-to strengthen the national capabilities of

developing countries in the proper selection, production, supply,

distribution and uud use of drugs to-meet their health needs. The
programme should assess-the .availabilikjt resources such aw manpower,

raw material, finance, technical skill and technology and aim at creating^in infrastructure for an efficient drug supply system and the
achievement of self sufficiency in essential drugs and vaccine. Role
of public sector is important in insuring a constant supply of depend­
able quality.
In India main health problems are of communicable diseases, mal-

nuttition, environmental sanitation, population .explosion, medico­
social problems and medical care problem. Most of these are preventable

and curable. Although drug constitute only a. small part of health care
yet vital and essential. There is a need to prepare a list of essential

drugs appropriate to local needs, these drugs should be made available
with the health guide, ANW, MPW and PNC.
In order- to'have the optimum utilization of the essential drugs
the government may bring out a model list of drag for different regions/

state depending on the morbidity pattern^ the epidemiological situation

and the budgetary allocation.
I am furnishing herewith the list of essential drag for
j. Tire kit of VHG/ANW

and

Essential drug® at the subcentre level on annexuro 1
2.
3.

Essential drugs at PH6 on annexuro 2
List of essential, drugs based on WHO recommendations on annexure 3

,

4)

s



Essential drugs to be used in aciiite respiratory infection-.
annexure 4

.• <

In Goa we nave carried out 2 studies one on the morbiaity
profile-.or rural . children and the other study was on moroidity
profile of an urban sGuiemen of Goa. In both these studies the

first 5 causes of morbidity are:-

1)

Respiratory infection

2)

infective & Parasitic diseases

’5) Gastro-intestinal disorders

4)

Malnutrition

5)

Skin infection

Since ARI constitute fthe major cause of morbidity among
under five, recommended treatment schedule is also included for
the use of.primary health. care workers, in Annexure

IV. They

.should be trained in the . aiagnosis and. management of ARI

It is also recommended that the quantity of the drugs should

depend- on the seasonal trend- and sickness load, regular monitoring

and evaluation is nedded in order to ensure availability of drugs.
Judicious use of drugs also should be. done.

c\
References

Beverley & Dullen' :

Proper use of the right drug, a complex
task.
World Health Forum 1988.


WHO: ,

Vol. 9, No. 2.
Report of the conference of experts Nairobi

1985 “ The rational use of drugs'1

WHO:

The use of essential drugs.
IRS. No.722
1985

DIRECTIONS/5.2. 1985: Programme for appropriate technology in
.health.
reprinted in India by UNICEF 1988.
ARI hews:

Issue No.15 AHRTAG London August 1987.

WHO Chronicle:

Rational use of drugs

40 (1)
WHO Chronicle:

:

5-5 (1986)

Exchange on experience on Primary Health

care.
58(4);

187-189 (1984)

WHO

The world drug situation

WHO

' Guidlines for developing drug polices 1983

Sisastiieird:

National drug policy

jctober 1987

WHO

Essential drug Monitor

No I 6 1988

1988.

ANNEXURE - 1

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION

MODEL LIST OF DRUGS
FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
The following list of 22 drugs was selected by WHO from the full
model list of essential drugs as those which might be appropriate for

administration by a tradiational healer or community health worker..
In practice this list needs to be modified for each country to reflect

the disease patterns, existing medical coverage, and level of trainings
Drug

To Treat

acetylsalicylic acid

pain, fever, inflamation

activated charcoal

swallowed poisons

antacid

indigestion, heartburn, and stomach ulcers

antihemcrrhoidql drug

hemorrhoids or piles

atropine

muscle spasms

benzoic acid+salicylic acid

fungal infections

benzyl benzoate

scabies and lice

calamine lotion

skin irritation

chlorhexidine solution

skin infections

chloroquine

malaria

chlorphenamine

allergiv reactions

ephedrine

asthma

ergometrine

postpartum hemorrhage

ioding

iodine deficiency, infections

ipecacuanha

swallowed poisons(causes vomiting)

iron/folic acid

anemia

lindane

scabies and lice.

mebendazole

parasitic diseases

oral rehydration salts(OkS)

diarrheal dehydration

paracetmol

pain and fever

piperazine

ascaris and pinworm

tetracycline eye ointment

conjunctivitis.

ANNEXURE - 2

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SUGGESTED FOR THE KIT OF C.H. V./V.H. G.
1.

ORS packets

2.

Chloroquine tablets

3.

paracetamol tablets

fejrhRH 4O Mebendazole tablet
5o Vitamin A solution
Go Iron and folic acid tablet

7. Mercurochrome powder

8.

Chlorpheniramine maleate tablet

9.

Gentian violet granules

10.

Boraspitit ear drops

11o Acriflavine powder

12.

Terramycin eye ointment

13.

Benzyl Benzoate emulsion

14.

Cotrimoxazole

15.

Oxyphemonium bromide tablet

16o

Chlorine Tablets (For chlorination of water)

17.

Zinc sulphate eye drops 0.25%

EiiXential drugs at the sub-centre will be the same as above plus
the drugs mentioned below;-

1.

Aspirin

2.

Metoclopramide X Bills

3.

Contraceptive - Pij.ls

4.

Tablet and Injection Methergin

5.

Activated charcoal.

ANNEXURE _ 3

V

ESSENTIAL DRUGS AT THE PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRES
As Drugs listed for sub-centrs

Bo Addition'll Drugs.
1.
Amoxycillin
2,
Doxycycline
3.
Chloramphenicol
4.
Penicillin (Procaine & Benzathine)
5.
Digoxin
6.
Propranolol
7® Dihydrallazine
8. I so sorbide dinitr&te
9.
Phenobarbiton®
10.
Promethazine syrup
11.
Glybenclamide tablet
12.
Amitriptyline
15.
Furnzolidine
14.
Metronidazole
15.
Theophylline
16.
Alluminium hydroxide
17.
Chlorpromazine
18.
B. Complex
19.
Vitamin D
20.
Diazepam
21. Anti~tubercular drugs (available under NTCP)
22.
Anti Leprosy drugs (available under NLEP)
25.
Diethyl - carbamazine
24. Primaquin
25. Sulfadoxide hydrochlorade
26.
Cap Gynae T/P
27.
JDsoxsuprine hydrochloride
28.
Povidine Iodine vaginal pessary
29.
Tab. Prednisolone
30,
Atropine 1% eye drops
31. Homatropine 2% eye drops
33.
Pilocarpine 2?4 eye drops
33. Hydrocortisone eye ointments
34.
Hydrochlorothiazide
35. Antionake venom
36.
Chlorhexidine solution
37.
Tincture Iodine
38.
Whitfield’s ointment
39.
Xylocaine 4%, 2?» and Jelly
40.
Inj. Aminophylline
41.
Inj. Adrenaline
42.
Inj. Dexamethasone
43.
Inj. Chlorpheniramine Malaate
44.
I.V. Fluids (Ringer Lactate, 5% Dextrose, 5%0extrose salina)
45.
Inj. Normal salina
46.
Inj. Atropine
'
\
47. Inj. Potassium chloride
48.
Inj. Sodium Bicarbonate.
49.
Inj. Frusemide
'i
50.
Inj. Morphine/Pethidine
51.
Inj. Diazepam
I
52.
Inj. Oxytocics
53.
Vaccines - DPT, RKOPV, Measles, BCG, TT, DT and nntirabies

ANNSXURE - 4
Recommended treatment schedules

Cotrimoxazole:twice a day for five days

Amoxicillin:three times a day for five days
Age
less than 2
2-71 months one to four
*
months
(6-9kg) „
years(lO-19kg)
Dose

62.5mg

125mg

250mg

Tablets
(250mg)

quarter

half

1

Syrup
2.5ml
(125mg/5ml)

5ml

10ml

(1 adult tablet=80mg trimethoprim+400mg sulphametho' .
xazole
1 paediatric tablet=2Omg trimethoprim-s100mg sulphamethoxazole;
5ml syrup=40mg trimethoprim
*
,
200mg sulphamethoxazole)
i
Age
less than 2
2-11 months
one to four jtears
*
months
(6-9kg)
(10-19kg)
Tablets
Adult
quarter
half
1
Paediatric 1
2
3

Ampicillin:four times a.iday for five days
A
2^-11 months one to four
age
less than 2
(6-9kg)
years(10-19kg)
*
months
Dose
250mg
250mg
125mg

Note;for infants less than one month old, give half a ;
paediatric tablet,or1.25ml syrup.Cotrimoxazole should
not be given to infants who are prematuree or jaundiced

Tablets
(250mg)

procaine penicillin (intramuscular injection) once a
day for five days:

half

Syrup
2.5ml
(250mg/5ml)

1

■ 5ml

1

Syrup

2.5ml

5ml

7»5ml

Age

less than 2
*
months

2-11 months
(6-9kg)

one to four years
(10-19kg)

Dose

200,000units

400,000units

800,000units

5ml

:4
REVIEW OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY PROFILE OF TAMIL NADU AND
REQUIREMENTS OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS IN PRIMARY HBAIffi CARE

K.G. KAMAIA
**

A. PARTIIASARATHY-1'

TAI-HL NADU la rapidly trying to catch up KERAIA in bringing
down its IMR to tho

Health for all 2000 AD target level.

National

programmes like Universal Immunization Programme, Diarrhoeal Disease
Control Programme^ Vit. A

prophylaxis, Anaemia prophylaxis etc. have

already gained momentum over the last five years and have started
yielding

good results.

The -Jxend of morbidity now seems to be

from Respiratory Infection followed by Gastro enteritis and other
infections in that order'.

While' planning for the prioritization and

requirements of essential drugs in Primary Health Care, it is necessary
that we critically review tho morbidity and mortality pattern of the

given region with particular reference to their changing trends over
the proceeding ten years.

present such a

An attempt is made in this paper to

situational analysis to ensure a practical oriented

approach in the procurement and use of essential drugs in primary

Healih Care.

In any primary health care system, the morbidity and
mortality pattern of the priority group will eventually give us
tile ideal essential drugs

that are needed for primary health care.

This priority group are the children especially the newborns, infants

and the under 5
s,
*

pregnant and lactating mothers and the Geriatric

problems oriented old age population.

Let us therefore analyse the

mortality and morbidity pattern of this group.

Again the representative

samples of this group could be approached from the field based data

* Consultant Pediatrician & Asso. Prof, of Pediatrics

** Director & Professor of Pediatrics

Institute of Child
Health and Hospital
for Children,
Madras.

as ’Jail as the Institutional data.

In this communication, ’Hie

figures for -the entire state of Tamil Nadu and the figures obtained

from ihe Institute of Child Health, Madras are utilised and analysed.
Het ’is first critically review and analyse the figures obtainable

through the Civil and Sample Registration Systenvj (CSRS) of Tamil Nadu

State.

The total population of Tamil Nadu is 484
08
*

lakhs (1981) with

a HYP of 553.97 lakhs (1990) distributed in 25 revenue districts.

Each

revenue districts is further split into 2 or 5 health unit districts
for better delivery of the welfare schemes under Primary Health Care (PHC)

The DHO’s (District Health Officer) look after the PHC's apart from the
district and these health unit districts are grouped into 7 regions

under the guidance

and administrative control of the Regional Deputy

The system is working

Director of Public Health & Preventive Medicine.'
very well with good coordination.

In Tamil Nadu, the CRS is in vogue in all districts and the

SRS is conducted in selected rural and urban areas.

The efficiency

of births registration is 70-75% and that of Deaths registration is
60-65%

The following table gives the vital rates as per CRS & SRS

for the year 1981 to 1988.

TABLE

I

VITAL BATES AS PER CRS & SHS 1981 - 1988

IDAI'IIL NADU

CRS

SRS

YEAR

BR

DR

rm

BR

rm

DR

1981

18.94

5-98

55.22

28.0

11.8

91

1982

18.52

5.86
6.20

30.11

. 27.0

11.2

32.51

27.9

1.1.7

85
88'

29.86

28.0

10.8

78

28.47

24.7

9.5

81

1985

18.79

1984

17.98

1985

17
07
*

55
7
*
30
*
5

1986

17.26

5-54

28.51

25.8

9.5

80

1987
1988

17.17
16.^6

74
*
5

29.25

24.0

9-9

76

79
*
5

28.00

22t5

^2

14

8.9

rm

PROVISIONAL 1909

SRS:

BR

21.6

DR

69



3



You could, see from the above table as to how the SRS gives

more reliable information

than the CRS.

However it is gratifying to

note tlie decline in BR, DR. and H® to 22.5, 9.2 and 74 in 1988;

an

overall decline when compared to the 1931 figures.

The Medical Registration system (MRS) is being conducted in
54 selected primary health centres so as to identify the most probable
This is very essential for a reliable Mortality

cause of death..

For instance in the table given below, you could see

statistics.

the . distribution of infant deaths as different components.
II

TABLE

DISTRIBUTION OF P®. NMR, AND'PNMR

1984 - 1986

-

TAMIL NADU

1984

%

1985

%

1986

%

Early neonatal

42.7

54-5

45.2

55.6

45.5

57.0

Late Neonatal

13.6

Neonatal

56.3

71.90

56.4

69.7

57.1

71-55

Post neonatal

22.0

23.10

24.9

30.63

22.7

28.45

MORTALITY RATE



Infant

11.2

78.3

81.3

11.6

79.8
i

As per SRS data more than 50% early neonatal deaths and
70% Neonatal deaths are recorded.

For the year 1986, the following

are the P® components:
Bay I to Day 7

57?z’

Day 8 to Day 30

14-5%

Day J1 to D 365

28.5%

: 4

:

The following table gives you Infant Death by age groups

for the years 1981 - 1988.

TABLE

III

INFANT DEATHS BY AGE GROUP 1981-38

AGE GROUP

TAMIL NADU

1985
1984
0/ .
%
/0

1986

a/o

1987
%

. %

40.46

44.62

46.50

45.42

34.62

17.05

15.00

14.79

60.11

61.67 ■ 61.50

60.20

38.33

38.50

39.79

24.66

24.48

23.87

23.70

15.23

13.85

14.63

16.09

1981

1982

1983

%

%

%

40.44

39.57

34.70

Over 1 week
under 1 Mon.

17.11

17.12

20.59

17.85

Neon?, tai

57.55

56.74

55.09

58.31

Post Neonatal

42.45

43.26

44.91

41.69

39.81

over 1 month
upto 6 month

'24.71

28.26

30.30

25.78

Over 6 month
upto 1 year

17.74

15.00

14.60

17.91

Under 1 week

25.49

1980

Lot us now see tha mortality pattern of the Infant Deaths in the

neonatal period.

TABLE

IV

INFANT DEATHS BY CAUSES 1987 & 1988

S.ilo.

CAUSE OF DEATH

Under 1 wk

CRS

TAMIL NADU

Over 1 week
under 1 mon.

TOTAL

%
1988

1988

1987

1988

1987

1929

1988
1720

1987

1. RESP. DIS.

497

454

2426

2174

14-58 14.47

2. OTHER FEVERS

1124

949

768

710

1892

1659

11.57 11.04

5. DIARRHOEA

166

166

161

208

327

374

1.97

4. HEART DISEASES

85

206

33

62

118

268

O.71

1.78

87

68

23

101

91

0.61

0.61

1987

5. TUBERCULOSIS

14

2.49

t 5- s

What is happening to infants, is shown in the next table
TABLE

INFANT DEATHS BY CAUSES

198?

OVER 1 MONTH
UPTO 6 MONTH %

V

- 1988

CRS

' TAMIL NADU

TOTAL %
(of all causes

over 6 months
upto 1 year %

1907

1988

1987

1988

1987

1988

1 . OTHER FEVER

22.46

21.89

21.32

2.’RESP. DIS.

9.82

11.71

18.77
9.04

15.48
13.02

14-85
12."89

11-33

5-11

5.72

2.51
1.02

1.14

2.08

0.54

0.67

5. DIARRHOEA

8.76

11.51
10.11

4. HEART DISEASES

2.24

2.53

12.35
2.80

5. TUBERCULOSIS

0.40

0.59

O.48 '

From the above 5 tables we could, infer

1) On an average 4$“ of infant deaths occur during the early-

neonatal period.
2) 60% deaths are in the neonatal period.
5) As per CHS, respiratory diseases take a major toll in the

early neonatal period.

The second major cause of death is ’fever’

4) Among the late neonates, fever is the predominant cause.
4»i
itf A. fcj by,
5) Respiratory system diseases are the major causes oaths'
v-ojartir tn<> A>Jyr
n
.
early-neonates^ -Jefj^-major cause/ is ’fever’.
mA.

We will now present the

mortality statistics from a

major urban Pediatric Institute viz. Institute of Child Health
and Hospital for Children, Madras.
Table VI shows you the average inpatient percentage

specialitywise

6

TABLE

VI

, PERCENTAGE Oj? INPATIENTS SPECIALITYWISE 1989 .
INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH & HOSPITAL FOR CHILDREN, MADRAS.

8 .No .

SPECIALITY

Admissions

Treated.

Death

%

1.

Medical

18788

17795

1259

7.1

2.

Newborn Medical

2581

2500

587

23.5

3.

SURGICAL

3259

3318

81

2.4

4.

New born surgical

494

583

155

26.6

5.

VACCINE PREVENTABLE DIt>2/kS3S

8J0

888

69

7.8

6.

CARDIOLOGY

91

135

24

17.8

7.

NEUROLOGY

313

357

1

0.3

8.

RESPIRATORY UNIT

105

308

9

2.9

9.

GASTROENTEROLOGY

330

465

27

5.8

396

52

13.1

2144 •

34

1.6

485.!

1

0.2
0.2

.

10.

NEPHROLOGY

218

11.

HEMATOLOGY

2041

12.

E.N.T.

447

13.

ORTHOPAEDICS

483

519

1

14.

CARDIOTHORACIC

111

142

2

1.4

15.

UROLOGY

87

96

1

1.0

30158

30131

2303
f ■' '1

7.6

TOTAL

,

_

!



I

<
•«’5'

s 7 :

Table VII shows agewise classification of inpatients.
TABES VII

AGEVIS S C lASSIPIGATIOil OF INPATIEiTTS

& DEATHS IN °/a

1989

AGE GROUP

TREATED

PERCENTAGE

DEATHS

PERCENTAGE

0-6 days

8J5

2.8

416

18.1

7-27 days

1758

5.8

258

11.2

28 days - under’ 1 Yr.

8551

28.5'

777

33.7,

■Infants
(0 - 1 Yr)

11124

56.9

1451

63.0

1 Yr - 3 i’rs.

7575

24.5

406

17.6
7.7

3 Yrs - 5 Yrs

3554

11.7

176

5 Yrs & above

8097

26.9

270

11.7

2503

7.6

TOTAL

50151

Table VIII shows the place of residency of the cases

treated at the Institute of Child Health, Madras.
TABLE

VIII

GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF CASES TREATED AT INST. OP CHILD HEALTH. 1?89

MADRAS CITY

MADRAS SUBURBAN

OTHER DISTRICTS

15101

8285

5542

1203

50.1%

27.^

18.4’4.

4.0?o

OTIER STATE

5 8 :
Table IX shows mortality % specialitywise

for 'the year 1989

relating to the Institute of Child Health, Madras.
TABUS IX

MORTALITY % SPECIALITY WISE, INST. OF CHILD HEALTH .MADRAS. 1989

1) General Medial

...

7.0%

2) Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

...

81 .5%

5) Vaccine Preventable Diseases Unit

7.8%

4) Newborn - Medical

...

25.^

5) Newborn - Surgical

...

2.0%

6) Pediatric Surgical Intensive Care Unit

50.0%

7) Respiratory Diseases

...

2.9% «•

8) Cardiology

...

17.6$ *

9) Gastroenterology

... .

5.8% *

1O) Haematology

...

1.6% *

11) Nephrology

...

15.0%

12) Neurology

...

i----- ■----- ----- ---- - ---------- -

*



0.5% *
----------------------------------------- 1

Chronic cases

Table X shows the major causes of morbidity and mortality for

1989 of all cases treated at the Institute of Child Health and
Hospital for Children, Madras. ’

9

TABLE X
MAJOR CAUSES OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY - 1989

S.No.

MAJOR DISEASES “

ALL PATIENTS

HEN BORN PATIENTS

' Total
cases

Deaths

To tel
cases

Deaths

10 Respiratory infections

7882

207

483

55

2. Gastroenteritis

5576

372

357

26

3 = Nutritional deficiencies

5055

67

18

4

4. Conditions originating
in the perinatal period

2J01

385

2049

373

5» Septicaemia

1380

177

635

90

6. Cardiovascular diseases

1043

22

0

0

7• Tuberculosis

1032

50

0

0

80 Anaemias

880

23

0

0

9« Measles

506

42

0

0

455

0

0

0

10. Helminthiasis



S)
You could, see from the above table that the _4€F major medical
oases of mortality as seen from a major urban. Pediatric Institute sta­

tistics are!
1) Respiratory infections
2) Gastroenteritis

Nutritional deficiencies
4)

Condition originating in the perinatal period

5)

Septicaemia

6)

Cardiovascular diseases

7)

Tuberculosis

0) Anaemias

9) ^easles

. ESSENTIAL

DRUGS

In Tamil Nadu, the following drugs are supplied at the
subcentre levels

l) Tab B Complex

2)’Tab B1B6
j) Tab. Cotrimaxazole (adult) for children above 5 years
4) Tab. Cotrimaxazole (child) for 1 to 5 years

5)

Syp. Paracetmol

6)

Syp. Cotrimaxazole for infants

7)

Syp. Multivit.

8)

syp. Vitamin

9)

ORS packets

■|0) VST tablets

1l) Gentamycin Eye/ear drops
12) Nitrofurdcin oint.

A-fc the primary Health Centre level, the following drugs are

made available.'

Drugs listed at Subcentre level

A)

1.' Penicillin tablets

B)

2.

Chlorophenicol capsules

J. Phetiobarbitone tabs
*
4

Pura2i)lidine tabs

5.

Netranezpil tabs

6.

Diazepam

7.

A T T

8.

Antileprosy drugs (NIEP)

drugs (NTCP)

9.

Tincture Iodine

10.

Inj. Aminophylene

11.

Inj .

12.
*
13

-DaM |>

e

Inj. Dexaraethazone

?V fluids 5>“ dextrose saline

14. IV fluids wf normal saline
15, Inj. Sodium Bicarbonate

16.

All vaccines.

11 :

MORPAUTY STATUS Vs.-ESSENTIAL DRUGS

Let .us now analyse the above mortality figures and the drug
availability

It will not be out of place here if I quote

in Tamil Nadu.

the recent findings

of an International workshop on Rational use of

antibiotics in the community held at Christian Medical College Hospital
Vellore India.

Out of 5, four clinical condition viz. Urinary Tract

infection, Pneumonias, Fevers of short duration and surgical wound

infection are quoted here with relation to their drugs therapy.
It was found that
l) In 71% °f UTI's, one antibiotic was used and in 28.?%
more antibiotics.

Norflaxacin (25.7%), Ampicillin (20.,

Cotrimaxazole (16.?%), Gentamycin (l0.2,'o) and Nalidixic acid (0.5%) were
the drugs used in that order.’

2) In pneumonias 49% of cases received two antibiotics and
JO.&> received single drug.

The freqh- antibiotics used, were Penicillin

or Ampicillin either alone or in combination with Gentamycin.

3? In fevers of short durations 7®° of patients received one
antibiotic and 2zJ% two or more antibiotics.

Ihe commonly used drugs

were Cotrimaxazole, Ampicillin, Chloromphenicol and Erythromycin.

4) In surgical wound infection almost all received one or more

antith tics,$Tombination of 2 or J

antibiotics were common.

Ampicillin,

Gentamycin, (cotrimaxazole either alone or in combination with Hetranidyzole

are the common antibiotics preferred.
This study was conducted in Vellore, North Arcot Ambedhkar and

Thiruvannamalai Sambuvaroyar districts in 1989-90 by questionnaire method.!

• 12 :

It could, be seen from the

above example and. our mortality analysis

in Tamil Nadu that Respiratory infection^are a major problem followed

by Gastroenteritis and fevers of short duration.
FUTURE HEEDS BASED Oil PAST AND PRESENT REALITIES:
l) It is our recommendation that the National ARI control programme is
introduced soon to detect early cases of pneumonia at the subcentre/PHC

level itself so that ARI mortality could be considerably brought down,
the ideally suited primary drug is cotrimaxazole, penicillin, ampicillin,

Amoxylin, gentamycin etc.

are cUuyA ^CliACefor secondary and tertiary

levels care.

2) Liberal distribution and use of OKS packets have
diarrhoeal mortality to a greater extent.

brought down the

Limited drugs like

gentamycin, nalidixic aoid etc. are sufficient oven at MIC lev&l for

complicated cases.,

-

Liberal use of iron folio acid tablets JO - 50 - 40 regimes has

considerably brought down pregnancy associated anaemias.

Same should be

encouraged.

4) Sffective coverage of TT2 of eligible pregnant women lias brought down

the incidence of Neonatal Tetanus to I.4/1OOO LB in Tamil Nadu.
Deaths are rather unheard of.

Maternal



5)Remarkable decline in Vaccine preventable diseases

(Diphtheria 98%)

Rertussis (60%), Tetanus older children (50%), Tetanus new born (97j)

Poliomyelitis (60%) are attributable to over 80% immunization coverage with
DPT 3 and OPV 5.

Measles remains to be combated yet with only 50%

Measles vaccine coverage.'

: 13 :
6)

In ICDS project areas of Tamil Nadu 57 projects are mostly in rural

sectors, the H'lH has come down and. VPD’s have declined,.

Acute respiratory

infections including measles related pneumona need to be cotabated.
?)

Perinatal and Neonatal care has to be intensified as still 60%

_f IMR are attributable to this vital period of the infant's life.

It may therefore be concluded that the rational approach to
Essential drug therapy in primary health care should be based on

prioritization of the causes of morbidity and mortality, taking into

consideration the MCH care intervention and non intervention areas.

A

close coordination between the planners and the health personnel involved

in primary health care is the need of the hour.'

ACKNOv/LEDCTIEHT

We are grateful to the following officers for their guidance and
help in providing tine statistical data.

l) Dr. M.G. Muthukumaraswamy, Director of Primary Health Csntres, Madras
2) Dr. A. Ramalingeswara Rao, Director of Public Health & Preventive
Medicine, Madras
3)

Dr. E.S. Rahavendra, Director of Public Health & Preventive Medicine
(Training and Continuing Medical Education)

4)

Hr. A. Kuppuswamy, Additional Director of Public Health and

5)

Mrs. Mercy Ebehezer,- Statistical Officer, Directorate of PH <x PM, Nadrai

Preventive Medicine & State Immunization Coordinator.

o) Thiru S. Sivaretnam, Sr. medical Reco.rd Officer, Institute of
Child'Health, Madras.
7)
Thiru D. Natarajan, PC to the Director, Institute, of Child Health
Hospital for Children, Madras for secretarial Assistance.

: 14 ’•

REFEREtICSS:’
l) Profile of Infant Mortality in Tamilnadu. Mrs. Mercy Ebenaser -

Personal Communication

2) Year Book 1339, Medical Records Department, Institute of Child Health &
Hospital for Children, Madras. Ed. S. Sivaretnam
j) North Ajcot Hiiruvannamalai Districts Health Information Bulletin -

Nathi - Vol. 7 No. 4 - April 90
4) Essential drugs in Primary Health care - Workshop proceedings.’ Indian
■ Journal of Pediatrics. Vol. 56 No.1 Dinesh Paul.

'M:/-

.

HEALTH FOR ALL -

w)

ALL FOR HEALTH

W

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988

MESSAGE FROM

DR U KO KO
Regional Director
World Health Organization
Regional Office for South-East Asia
New Delhi

When disease strikes, as it so often does, it has to be fought with potent weapons
and overcome. And an indispensable part of the armamentarium are drugs.

It is, however, not a simple matter. In fact, it is very complex considering
that at any given time, there may be as many as 25,000 drug preparations available
in some countries. To add to the problem, many are not easily available. Those that
are, are usually beyond the means of most.
Keeping all these issues in mind, the World Health Organization convened a
meeting of experts in 1977 which, after considered deliberations, concluded that
about 200 drugs and vaccines could be considered essential to satisfy the health
care needs of the majority of the population. Since then, a remarkable revolution
khas taken place in the area of drugs and pharmaceuticals, with different countries
"further reviewing the list of 200 essential drugs and developing lists more suited
to their specific situation.

WHO's Action Programme on Essential Drugs is aimed primarily to ensure the
regular supply to all people of safe and effective drugs of acceptable quality at
the lowest possible cost. This is very much in keeping with the Declaration of
Alma-Ata, which, while identifying the eight essential elements of primary health
care as the keys to achieve the goal of health for all by the year 2000, listed
essential drugs as a major element. For it is only when such drugs are easily
available and rationally used that the war against disease will eventually be won.
It is hoped that "an informed public" will find the contents of these papers
informative and useful and thus be better equipped for this war.

WH040/1988/0ctober/l

The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does
not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained from:
Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for
South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India.

HEALTH FOR ALL ALL FOR HEALTH
ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988

In this world, there is, on the one hand, an over-consumption oi drugs
and on the other an appalling dearth. Millions of people are compelled to
go without medicines that could save their lives, prevent them from
having to endure an existence of physical handicap, or relieve them of
intolerable suffering.

The WHO Action Programme on Essential Drugs and Vaccines seeks to ensure that
all people, wherever they may be, are able to procure the drugs they need at a
price they can afford.

WH040/1988/0ctober/2

The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does
not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained from:
Public Information Unit, World Health Organization,
Regional Office for
South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India.

HEALTH FOR ALL ALL FOR HEALTH
ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988

FACTS

If prophylaxis is one side of the coin, therapy with essential
drugs is the other in health care. It plays an important
role in protecting, maintaining and restoring health
of the people - and at a cost most can afford.

THE PROBLEM

- There is a high level of morbidity, particularly in the developing countries.

- People want their illness to be relieved or cured expeditiously without being
subjected to the ill-effects of therapy. They also want it at a price they can
afford.
- There is a plethora of drugs available in all countries marketed by the
pharmaceutical industry not necessarily to fulfil the needs of any particular
country or people.
- To meet the needs of the sick, there
resources, both manpower and financial.

is

a great

strain on

the

country's

- Several countries are spending almost upto 40 per cent of their total health
budget on drugs.
- Large resources are spent on "fire fighting" illnesses with the result that for
the more important promotive, preventive and rehabilitative health activities
resources become scarce.
ESSENTIAL DRUGS

Essential drugs form an important element of primary health care. While drugs do not
buy health, they certainly save lives and money when used discriminatingly. The
indiscriminate use of drugs does not merely lead to expending of scarce resources
which could otherwise have been spent for buying nutritious food which is so
WH040/1988/0ctober/ 3

The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does
not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained from:
Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for
South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India.

essential drugs save lives and money

important to health, but the injudicious use of drugs could also cause what are
called "drug-induced diseases", for example, blood disturbances caused by analgin.

Most countries in the world spend large sums of money on drugs. It is reported
that the world market of pharmaceuticals at the retail prices has almost reached
US$100 billion. Several developing countries are spending as much as 40% of their
health budget on purchasing drugs. Since a substantial portion of the total health
care budget is thus spent on drugs, the cost of health care has risen and funds
available for the more important promotive and preventive activities have become
scarce. Although this is indeed a global problem, it has affected developing
countries more acutely due to the very limited financial resources available in such
countries.
Concept of Essential Drugs
It is now recognized that it is possible to treat most patients using only a few Ay,
drugs which have proven therapeutic value, assured quality, and are economically
priced. Such drugs are to be considered as "essential drugs", indicating thereby
that they are necessary for the health needs of the population of a country.
Essential drug care is thus a public health approach in drug selection.

Unfortunately, most countries have not accepted this concept, despite the fact
that the indiscriminate use of drugs may lead to "drug-induced distress" and to the
expenditure of valuable and scarce resources. It is now known that the excessive use
of antibiotics and other inappropriate drugs to treat infections has given rise to a
predominance of micro-organism resistance to several commonly used antibiotics. This
has illustrated how important it is to use appropriate drugs depending upon the type
of disease, the environmental situation, the competence of health personnel, other
characteristics and dietetic habits, bringing benefits both to the patient and to
the community.
Advantages of Essential Drugs

1.

Fewer drugs would mean less storage space, money, infrastructure for purchases,
efforts for distribution and quality assurance.

2.

There would be improvement in drug management, dissemination of information to
health personnel and the community, improved patient compliance, better
monitoring of drug adverse reactions, if any, and their prompt treatment.

3.

Fewer drugs would tend to stimulate local production of pharmaceuti- cals,
wherever feasible, sparing valuable foreign exchange for more important
community needs.
H

HEALTH FOR ALL ALL FOR HEALTH
ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988

RATIONAL USE OF DRUGS

"A desire to take medicine is, perhaps, the great feature
which distinguishes man from other animals".

- Sir William Osler, 1891.

Human beings have for centuries employed simple, low-cost traditional remedies for
centuries to relieve their ailments and diseases. Some of these remedies did cure or
at least provide symptomatic relief. Most produced some mild reactions but rarely
any ill-effects in a patient. The last four decades have, however, seen a large
number of potent drugs being added to the therapeutic armamentarium of the
physician. The value of world consumption of drugs has increased dramatically to
over 100 billion US dollars.

In the developing countries this is indeed a problem. To begin with, very
scarce resources are provided for health development, with not more than 3-4% of the
total public sector budget outlay spent on health. Yet, many of the countries con­
tinue to expend 30-40% of their valuable resources on buying drugs. In the markets
of the developing countries are seen a large number of drugs and their combinations.
Patients, with fevers which are usually self-limiting, are treated with, and even
rdemand, potent medicines like antibiotics. Sometimes as high as 70% of drug prescrip­
tions are for combination products. Doctors use one or sometimes a combination of
antibiotics to bring about a "quick cure", not realising how dangerous it is to
expose human systems to very potent chemicals which are alien to the human body.

In one country in the South-East Asia Region of WHO, there are some 20
different drugs to treat pain and some 15 different drug combinations to treat
allergy. Doctors, . flooded with literature on different drugs manufactured by
pharmaceutical companies, are often bewildered and even unable to remember the
ingredients of a drug combination which they prescribe for their patients. Since
most drug products are marketed under a brand name, prescribing physicians are
unable to recall what active substances a brand product contains. These are likely
to lead to errors; prescribing an over-dose or under-dose of a drug results in
serious and harmful consequences.

A new culture has developed. Patients have come to believe too much in the power
of a drug and, with a doctor ready to satisfy the patient's expectations, it is not
uncommon to find that antibiotics are prescribed for a cold, sedatives for a mild
agitation and tonics given to almost every patient for 'building their strength'.
WH040/1988/0ctober/4

The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does
not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained from:
Public Information Unit, World Health Organization,
Regional Office for
South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India.

2

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

There is also the 'injection mania': the patient expects or even demands an
injection, believing in its magic curative properties.
Rational use of drugs implies that doctors and health workers must choose appro­
priate drugs for their patients in adequate dosage and, as far as possible, prescribe
a single drug. Two or more drugs administered together may produce interactions which
could be dangerous or even fatal. Some drugs are known to produce fatal effects when
taken after eating certain types of food. It is, therefore, dangerous to resort to
polypharmacy. Fixed ratio combinations are only justified if they are proven to
improve patient compliance, to assure safety, enhanced effect or to reduce cost of
treatment. The cost of drug treatment must also be taken into account so that
patients are put to minimum financial strain. It must be remembered that a patient
does not choose a drug for himself or herself. It is the prescriber who makes that
choice and thus on the prescriber devolves a great moral responsibility to make an
appropriate choice.

Today's drugs are, indeed, like "specific bullets" aimed against disease. But
they have to be used in appropriate doses and individualized for a patient. There
are many factors which govern drug response: drug absorption, its fate in the body,
its rate of disposal, the nutritional status of a patient, the presence of liver or
kidney disease, the habits of the patient and the patient's environment. It is
indeed a very complex situation. Prescribing drugs is a serious measure, it should
not be taken lightly by a physician.

All drugs produce some degree of ill-effects; some of these are moderate and may
be self limiting. Others may produce fatal reactions. Such disastrous effects may be
seen soon after taking the drug or sometimes may not manifest for days or even years.
In known cases they are seen, in fact, only in the next generation as genetic ab­
normalities or cancer promoting effects., e.g. the drug thalidomide used during preg­
nancy which produced malformed babies having congenital absence of all four limbs.
Irrational use of drugs is harmful not only to the individual patient but also
to the community. Extensive and irrational use of antibiotics has resulted in the
emergence of resistant bacteria which are a source of dangerous and fatal infections
in hospitals (Nosocomial). In a recent outbreak of dysentery in some of the
developing countries patients could not be cured by the available antibiotics,
because the germs had become resistant to the commonly used therapeutic agents.
ROLE OF WHO

WHO has been actively promoting the rational use of drugs. Since physicians,
pharmacists and health workers are all involved in providing primary health care,
WHO is providing appropriate information on drugs to all such groups. WHO has
produced drug information bulletins, a primary health worker manual on essential
drugs, in-service training programmes for rational drug use and drug formularies.
Besides, WHO has emphasized a need to examine and review undergraduate curricula for
medical, nursing and pharmacy students in order to train them in the concept of
essential drugs, and rational prescribing.

One aspect which has often been neglected in the past is information that is
needed to be given to a patient. Ignorance on the part of a patient can be a major
obstacle to the rational use of drugs. The use of mass media to advise the patient
and the community to improve drug compliance must be explored. Educational
materials, posters and handouts have been produced by WHO.

WHO has also promoted research on the socio-economic and behavioural patterns
of communities and on drug utilization studies in developing countries. Such studies
would provide the health planner useful information for evolving appropriate
interventions to encourage rational use of drugs.

The active promotion of essential drug concepts by WHO has also resulted in
restructuring of resource allocations and in the optimal utilization of the
available scarce resources.

HEALTH FOR ALL -

ALL FOR HEALTH

(I®

w

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SA VE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE MONEY

Most developing countries today face a serious financial crisis as a consequence of
global recession. There is great concern at the increasing health costs. Faced with
" little prospects of increased budget allocations and the rising inflationary trends,
health ministries of developing countries have to evolve appropriate strategies to
provide optimum health care within the allocated financial resources.
a

Since there is a high morbidity rate in most developing countries, it is quite
understandable that drugs have to play an important and vital role in health care.
A substantial portion of the health budget is expended on purchase of drugs. In
some countries, the cost being as high as 30% of the health budget outlay, little
funds are spared for the more important preventive and promotive activities.
Economic considerations, therefore, influence health care decision-makers and this
has often resulted in searching for 'short-cuts' in health development rather than
the more important plans for long-term investments which alone can ensure positive
health. Several drugs marketed both in developed and developing countries are priced
high, especially under brand names. Since consumers, namely, the patients, get their
drugs only through the Intermediary of a health personnel, they have hardly any
choice to pick and choose what is most economical to their pockets. This tends to
increase the expenditure of individuals and families, leaving little for other
necessities of life. Besides, the public sector health institutions which cater to
the health needs of the majority in developing countries have to provide greater
outlays on drugs than on immunization, prevention and control of infectious diseases
and promotive activities.

Drug prices have become a nightmare for the common man. Irrespective
of the political or economic value system, it is inevitable that
some patients will not receive the medicines appropriate for
their illness. This is inequitous and it becomes necessary
to ensure that the good of the majority reigns over the
privileges of the few.

WH040/1988/0ctober/5

The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does
not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained from:
Public Information Unit, World Health Organization,
Regional Office for
South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India.

2

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

"Essential drugs", on the other hand, are priced economically and, therefore,
individuals and institutions using only essential drugs spend less on drug bills.
There is, thus, substantial saving for other relevant health development activities.
After all, the per capita health expenditure in several developing countries is only
about USj>3, and even lower in the least developed countries. How important it is,
then, to save every cent for preventing diseases.

On an average, it is reported that there are three episodes of illness per year
per person. A middle- or low-income group family of five members has, therefore, to
spend approximately more than 5% of its meagre budget on drugs. Since almost 70% of
the population in a developing country has to depend upon public sector institutions
for health care, there is also a strain on resources allocated to health,
necessitating their optimal utilization. Excessive prescribing, irrational use of
drugs, wasteful expenditure on drugs of doubtful value, wastage due to improper
storage, poor quality of medical care, vagaries of procurement and distribution
systems, are some of the serious problems faced by most developing countries. If
there are too many drugs made available in a country, the drug management system
suffers; besides, the country has also to pay a substantial price for these,
regardless of whether they are obtained through the public or private sectors.

Many countries are still dependent upon international procurement to meet their
drug needs. There is consequently a wasteful expending of foreign exchange which is
so valuable for buying food and other items for socio-economic development. Thus, by
pruning down drug imports and procuring only those drugs which are most essential to
meet health needs of a community, foreign exchange can be saved. The essential drug
concept is, therefore, of significant economic importance to the developing world.
Essential drugs are not patented. These are available under generic names at
economic prices. A regulatory control on quality has, of necessity, to be assured.
These drugs are most cost-effective. They are safe and efficatious. Thus, they not
only save lives but also money, for the individual, the community and the nation.

HEALTH FOR ALL -

ALL F0R HEALTH

wB

W

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988

ESSENTIAL DRUGS : A KEY ELEMENT IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE

4 The International Conference on Primary Health Care

(PHC) held in Alma Ata in
September 19 78 declared, inter alia, that primary health care was the key to
attaining the goal of Health for All by the Year 2000. It stressed that primary
health care should focus on the main health problems in the community and
recommended that primary health should include, at least, the following elements:

1.

Education concerning prevailing health problems and the methods of identifying,
preventing and controlling them;

2.

Promotion of food supply and proper nutrition;

3.

An adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation;

4.

Maternal and child health care, including family planning;

5.

Immunization against major infectious diseases;

6.

Prevention and control of locally endemic diseases;

7.

Appropriate treatment of common diseases and injuries;

8.

Provision of essential drugs.

WH040/1988/0ctober/b

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

2

From the point of view of implementing a good primary health care system
encompassing the whole country it is vital to have a list of drugs which are not
only comprehensive but are chosen as essential on the basis of specific criteria.
These criteria could include disease morbidity patterns, diseases of public health
significance, drugs with high benefit/risk ratio, drugs that are economical and easy
to manufacture, drugs containing a single ingredient, etc. It is equally important
to recognize the value of traditional systems in providing succour and thus include
traditional medicines suitably in the overall lists of drugs for primary health
care. The drugs included in such a list (which can then be termed "essential drugs")
must not only be commensurate with the existing spectrum of disease in the
community/country, but must also be of adequate quality and be available in
abundance at the primary health care level to meet the health needs of the people.

Factors affecting the selection of
drugs for primary health care

A WHO Expert Committee on the Selection of Essential Drugs recommended some time ago^
the compilation of a separate list of drugs appropriate for use in primary health
care. Having regard to situations in which a traditional healer or community health
worker rather than a qualified doctor is the patient's first point of reference,
they selected 22 substances or types of substance .

A model list of drugs for primary health care

acetylsalicylic acid
activated charcoal
an antacid
an antihaemorrhoidal drug
atropina (antispasmodic)
benzoic acid + salicylic acid
benzyl benzoate
calamine lotion
chlorhexidine solution
chloroquine
chlorphenamine
ephedrine (asthma)
ergometrine (postpartum haemorrhage)
iodine
ipecacuanha
iron/folic acid (nutritional supplement during pregnancy)
lindane
mebendazole
oral rehydration salts
paracetamol
piperazine
tetracycline eye ointment

It cannot be emphasized too strongly that, in practice, the selection must be
determined nationally since the training and responsibilities of these workers vary
within wide limits. The following considerations, however, will inevitably influence
the content of the list:

(1) Existing systems of medicine. The establishment of primary health care
services should not result in abrupt disruption of prevailing cultural patterns in
rural communities, but the work of traditional healers should be adapted and
supplemented in such a way as to ensure that innovation is successfully integrated
into existing systems of care.

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

3

(2) The national health infrastructure. The type of primary health care
service that a country requires is dependent upon the proximity and nature of the
first referral facilities. It is still not unusual in some countries for the nearest
permanently manned health post to be one or more days' travelling time from isolated
villages in its catchment area.
(3) Training and supplies. The numbers of trained personnel, the facilities
placed at their disposal, and the supplies entrusted to them determine both the
scope and the limitations of the primary health care system. Workers with one or
more years' vocational training can obviously accomplish more than personnel who
rely upon an intensive course of practical instruction lasting only a few weeks.
But, whatever the circumstances, little can be accomplished unless continuity of
essential supplies and information is assured.

(4) The pattern of endemic disease.
The
prevalence of major endemic
infections and parasitic diseases may vary from region to region, and within a
country in conformity with climatic, geographical, topographical, social, economic,
\and occupational factors. Careful planning and, in some cases, epidemiological
’surveys are required to ensure that the most effective drugs are provided, and to
obtain full benefit from limited resources.

MANAGEMENT OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS

-

a
committee
consisting
of
representatives
pharmacology and pharmacy, and peripheral health workers.

Appoint

from

medicine,

Select and list the essential drugs.

-

Identify drugs and pharmaceuticals under generic names.

-

Provide a cross index of non-proprietary and proprietary names.

-

Prepare concise, accurate and comprehensive drug information.

-

Assure quality, stability and bio-availability of drugs.

-

Organize
efficient
administration
of
drug
supply,
storage
distribution (with a special facility for short-life products).

and

Manage efficiently the drug stock.

-

Plan stock inventory.

-

Control the production and sale of drugs.

-

Conduct

research -

chemical

and pharmaceutical,

to

help

evaluate which

product is best.

The selected drugs can be used effectively and safely by responsible
individuals with little formal medical knowledge. The list is adapted to the needs
of a malarious area (free from chloroquine resistance) where helminthic infestations
are also endemic; the instructions for using the drugs can be based upon the
recognition of a few basic clinical signs and symptoms.
The World
Health
Organization's action
programme
has
resulted
in
a
comprehensive list of 200-250 'essential drugs', including vaccines,
salts,
nutrients and vitamins. It has had a favourable impact on many developing countries
and has helped them in developing their own list of essential drugs for primary
health care. At intervals, a constant evaluation and ranking of products with regard
to their therapeutic value for each indication and the prevailing economic condition
must be undertaken.

HEALTH FOR ALL ALL FOR HEALTH
ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988

ACTION PROGRAMME ON ESSENTIAL DRUGS

Countries in the South-East Asia Region have made determined and concerted efforts
^towards the goal of health for all by the year 2000. Health for All has now become a
* movement for health development,
sharply focusing on improved management,
strengthening of infrastructure and absorbing and applying appropriate health
technology through the primary health care approach.

The last few decades have seen considerable progress in the pharmaceutical
field. While most Governments prior to 1950 were trying to focus their attention
mainly on quality, the thalidomide tragedy brought into sharp focus the problems of
safety of drugs. The growing attention on drug policies has sharpened. Since a
substantial portion of the health budget is being siphoned for drug purchase, the
socio-economic aspects of drugs have attracted a great deal of attention of health
planners and managers in the developing countries. Drug policies have gained added
relevance because of health policies which are aimed at restructuring health
development so as to provide maximum benefit to the under-served and unserved for
achieving health for all by the year 2000.
International actions have, therefore, been centered around ensuring the
accessibility of drugs to the population of developing countries based on their
needs. Pharmaceuticals have thus crossed over from mere technical considerations to
more relevant social and economic considerations.

Realizing that the developing countries are handicapped by meagre financial
resources and that the expenditure of drugs may constitute as much as 40% of their
total health budget, the Twenty-eighth World Health Assembly in 1975 drew attention
to the necessity of "developing drug policies linking drug research, production and
distribution to the health needs of different countries".
The pharmaceutical supply system is one of the most crucial issues in
developing countries. This is reflected in Resolution No. 25 adopted by the Fifth
Conference of Heads of States of Government of Non-aligned Countries held in Colombo
in 1976 which also emphasized the need for cooperation among developing countries in
the pharmaceutical sector.

Drug Policies

While drugs alone are not sufficient to provide adequate health care, they no doubt
play an important role in protecting, maintaining and restoring the health of the

WH040/1988/0ctober/7
The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use a.nd does
not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained from:
Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for
South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India.

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

2

people. This is particularly so in the developing countries where
still continues to be at a high level.

the morbidity

In recent times, there have been unprecedented advances in the field of drug
research. Several transnationals have marketed drugs with not much concern for the
health needs and priorities of developing countries. Thus there are several drugs
for relieving pain and joint swellings, myriads of drugs for blood pressure or
coronary heart disease and many antibiotics for treating infections.

One of the major constraints identified by WHO is the lack of a well-defined
drug policy as a part of a country health policy to ensure supply of essential drugs
for the health systems based on the primary health care approach. Since the aim of
developing a national drug policy is to improve the efficiency of the pharmaceutical
supply system through definite objectives and through cooperation and coordination
between the different sectors involved, WHO, in the South-East Asia Region, has
emphasized a need at the national level to develop a country specific drug policy.

The implementation of the drug policy is through a legal instrument, namely,
legislation, giving both the responsibility and authority to the government to
regulate the pharmaceutical supply system to achieve the objectives of the drug
policy.

Essential Drugs Concept

It is recalled that it is possible to treat most patients with only a few drugs
which have proven therapeutic value, assured safety, and are economically priced.
Such drugs are to be considered as "Essential Drugs" indicating thereby that they
are necessary for the health needs of the population of a country. The Essential
Drugs concept is thus a public health approach in drug selection.

Production Facilities

Several countries in this region have established facilities for production of
drugs. India and Indonesia are self-sufficient in the formulation and also produce
some basic pharmaceuticals or bulk drugs. WHO has collaborated with countries in the!
training of personnel for production, establishment of production technology,
introduction of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and generally strengthening of
infrastructure.

Procurement

Several countries are procuring their drug requirements through import. The
procurement system has to be rationalized through training in managerial processes
and market intelligence which is the pre-requisite for obtaining quality products
from economic sources. The WHO certification scheme is one mechanism utilized by
several countries to assure quality of drugs imported from countries participating
in the scheme.

Quality assurance

The cain thrust of the WHO programme on pharmaceuticals is to develop the
capabilities of the countries of the South-East Asia Region in all aspects of
quality assurance. WHO collaboration is in the field of training manpower, both
technical and managerial; strengthening the infrastructure of the drug testing
laboratories through supply of equipment; introducing methodology for drug analysis,
training of nationals in GMP; developing adverse drug reaction monitoring centres;
establishing a network of collaborating centres, and participating in the WHO
certification schemes.

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

3

SEVEN STEPS TO SUCCESS IN ESSENTIAL DRUGS *
SUPPLY

1. National Drug Policy: Every country's
comprehensive health policy should include
a National Policy on Essential Drugs. WHO's
role is to inform governments about the
basic concept and the benefits. A national
essential drugs policy can provide more
drugs to more people at the same cost or
even less.
2. Selection
of
Essential
Drugs:
Essential
drugs are those that satisfy the health care
needs of the majority of the population. More
than 80 countries have now adopted lists of
essential drugs based on WHO's Model List of
Essential Drugs, as have various nongovern­
mental organizations and UN agencies.

3. Drug Procurement: Often, countries pay more than
they need to for their drugs. UNICEF and WHO help
countries to strengthen their procurement systems and
to
secure,
if necessary and possible,
reliable
financing - internal or external - for their purchases.
of Supply: WHO's goal is to make sure that
people can get the 20 most needed essential drugs whenever
they require them, within an hour's travel.
4. Logistics

5. Proper Use of Drugs: Both health professionals and the general
public are in need of better information and education about when
and how to use drugs. Drug information sheets are being considered
by WHO that would give the indications, contra-indications and
side-effects of essential drugs.
6.
Quality Control: Essential drugs must be of reliable quality as well
as efficacious and safe. Quality has to be assured up to the time that
the drugs are administered, by good manufacturing practices and by
monitoring of products at all stages in the supply line. Any country
lacking quality control laboratories can obtain an assurance of the
the WHO
quality of imported products at the time of export through
Certification Scheme on the Quality of Pharmaceutical Products Moving in

International Commerce.

7.
Training:
Many countries
lack
staff
trained
in
policy
formulation,
selection, procurement, management and use of drugs; in drug legislation and
regulatory control; and in production and quality control. WHO is approaching
universities,
training
schools,
nongovernmental
organizations,
and
the
pharmaceutical industry for help with training materials and courses.

*From World Health, July 1984

4

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

Drug Ethics and Marketing Code

These are issues agitating developing countries for several years.
Some countries
have taken steps for an appropriate drug information system and also for incorporat­
ing in their legislation or regulation such problems as human experimentation, etc.
There is need for a code of ethics for manufacturers, importers, distributors,
prescribers and consumers. WHO has now provided guidelines for Drug Ethics.

Drug Information

Different types of information on drugs are required depending upon the groups to
which they are directed. Clinicians and other health professionals would need to
know more about the mode of action, indications, contra-indications, adverse drug
reactions, drug interactions, dosage required, pharmaceutical preparation, shelf­
life, stability at ambient temperatures etc. Drug information is provided through
several mechanisms such as medical literature, information bulletins, university
courses, product write up, package insert, advertising and through national
formularies, seminars and conferences. In most developing countries information to
consumers is negligible and information to medical and other health personnel is
mostly through manufacturers directly or through their medical representatives.
WHO has supported countries in establishing mechanisms for drug information
such as publication of national formularies and preparation of drug information
sheets.

Community participation

Several countries in the Region have initiated programmes in support of primary
health care through innovative approaches. One such innovation in regard to
availability of essential drugs is through village cooperatives in Thailand and a
similar pilot-scale project in Nepal.

Three thousand villages in Thailand have already successfully started their own
village cooperative medical stores. At the outset, the villages contributed seed
money approximately US$1 each, to start the cooperative store for the purchase o&
* ,
essential drugs. As the amount collected would not allow purchase of a reasonabl^'
stock, the government helped by providing to each cooperative three months supply of
drugs. The village worker responsible for the store, also trained to diagnose simple
problems, sells the drugs at a fixed price (which is at least 20% cheaper than that
available in the market) to the villager. From the money received he is permitted a
deduction of 5% for his personal effort. The remainder is utilized to purchase a
fresh stock hence the imprest stock is replenished. The activity is closely
supervised by the district health authorities. The success of the project can be
evaluated from the fact that it is spreading rapidly to other villages.

Drug Prices

Accessibility of essential drugs to the population in need has to be improved.
Affordability is directly linked with the purchasing power of the population and the
drug prices. Although some countries have controlled drug prices, some people still
cannot afford to buy essential drugs. Several countries have taken initiatives for
appropriate pricing policies.
CONCLUSION

Essential Drugs form an important element of primary health care. When used
appropriately and rationally, they save lives and money. Their indiscriminate use,
however, could expend scarce resources which could be very critical in a developing
country for buying food to improve nutrition and prevent disease.

HEALTH FOR ALL ALL FOR HEALTH
ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY
INFORMATION KIT

OCTOBER 1988
WHO ACTION PROGRAMME ON ESSENTIAL DRUGS

The goal
is to ensure that by 1990, almost all peoples in
developing countries are assured of the supply of essential drugs
when they need these.
The programme is assisting countries
policies and management and improve
pharmaceutical supply system.

to develop rational drug
the efficiency of their

WHO activity is focussed on enabling countries to select a list
of essential drugs and establish mechanisms at country level for
reviewing and updating the list.
In South-East Asia, WHO's major thrust is also to improve the
country capabilities to establish quality assurance programmes at
the national level so as to ensure safety, efficacy and quality
of drugs.

ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION OF WHO

The WHO Action Programme on Drugs has assisted several countries in South-East Asia
to develop drug policies and management and promote the concept of essential drugs.

The total WHO budget for 1988-1989
South-East Asia Region is US$2.04 million.

for

the

Essential

Drugs

Programme

in

In Bhutan US$1.2 million have been mobilized for developing a drug programme
to ensure support to primary health care.

Ten million dollars have been mobilized through S1DA, DANIDA and WHO to assist
Bangladesh to develop a programme on essential drugs.

2.5 million dollars are being mobilized for the essential drugs programme in
Burma.
Nepal has been assisted through extra-budgetary
different facets of the essential drugs programme.

resources

to

strengthen

Sri Lanka has received substantial extra-budgetary resources for developing
drug
policies,
management,
establishment of
an essential
drugs
list
and
qualification of drug requirements based on the morbidity pattern.
WH040/1988/0ctober/8

2

ESSENTIAL DRUGS SAVE LIVES AND MONEY

Photo WHO/C. Stauffer

Towards Implementing the Teaching of Essential Drugs and Rational
Therapeutics in Undergraduate Medical Education
A note for the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS)
By
Drug Action Forum - Karnataka (DAF-K) and Community Health Cell (CHC)
1.

Introduction

1.1

As the RGUHS is in the process of reviewing the II MBBS curriculum it was
considered appropriate to support, the process by putting together current thought
and practice about the teaching of rational therapeutics and essential drugs.
The progressive manner in which the I MBBS curriculum was recently revised
suggests that a similar approach will be adopted for the II MBBS.

1.2

The RGUHS has already stated in its ‘Objectives of Medical Graduate Training’
the need for students to “be familiar with the administration of essential drugs
and their common side effects” (RGUHS, 1997, p4). In this it reinforced the
recommendations of the Medical Council of India (MCI, 1997, p6).

1.3

Concerning Pharmacology, the recent subject-wise curriculum of the MCI,
Regulations states that “the broad goal
is to inculcate the rational and
scientific basis of therapeutics” (ibid p27). Under Objectives it has recognised
the need to “integrate the concept of rational drug therapy in clinical
pharmacology” and “state the principles underlying the concept of Essential
Drugs (ibid, p28). Integration of pharmacology with clinical disciplines and
reinforcement during internship has been highlighted eg., under Community
Medicine to “gain information on Essential Drugs and their usage (ibid, p70).

1.4 These statements are in keeping with recommendations of global bodies such as
the World Health Organization since the mid 1980s (IOCU, 1988). This has
resulted in global awareness and action and in the development of the Educators
for Rational Drug Use (ERDU) which is a “global network of teachers and
administrators of schools of medicine and pharmacy as well as consumer and
public interest groups working to introduce changes in undergraduate medical
and pharmacy curricula by incorporating the concept of essential drugs and
rational drug use (IOCU, 1988, back cover).
Thus the need for teaching regarding Rational Drug Use and Essential Drugs
has received recognition by bodies at different levels. Introducing this teaching in
the affiliated colleges of the RGUHS and influencing knowledge and therapeutic
practice among staff, student and young graduates offers many possibilities and
challenges.

1

2.

3.

The Current Scenario

2.1

Despite recommendations and drug action efforts the current Indian
pharmaceutical scene is flooded with essential, non-essential, bannable and
hazardous drugs prescribed by qualified allopathic doctors and others. There is
evidence of irrational use of drugs. Studies also indicate the strong and
dominant role played by pharmaceutical companies in the education of doctors
and the relatively weaker role played by Universities and medical colleges
particularly in continuing education. The ICSSR-ICMR Health for All report, >381
noted that “eternal vigilance is required to ensure that the health care system does
not get medicalized, that the doctor-drug producer axis does not exploit the
people, and that the abundance of drugs does not become a vested interest in illhealth”

2.2

The growing commercialization of medical practice has aggravated irrational
therapeutic practices. This is occuring alongside an increase in drug prices and in
a situation in which a substantial proportion of the population live in conditions
of poverty. The economic costs to patients, their families and the country
resulting from irrational drug use is difficult to bear and also unnecessary.

2.3

Feedback concerning pharmacology teaching from medical graduates with work
experience in rural and primary health care situations found that coverage was
too theoretical and exhaustive with time spent on drugs not currently in use
(Narayan T & Narayan R, 1993). The making of mixtures and experimental
pharmacology was considered not very useful. Time spent on this could be
diverted to “rational therapeutics focussing also on cost effective management”
and “the use of essential drugs as given by WHO” {ibid, p 34-35).

Suggestions for introducing the
undergraduate medical teaching.

Essential

Drug

Concept

(EDC)

into

3.1 Staff need to be sensitized to the concept through workshops and seminars. The
curriculum needs to be modified and changes defined (IOCU, 1988).
3.2

Specific recommendations include (ibid)'.

A) Student sensitization could begin in the I MBBS through general lectures on
health, sociology and behavioural sciences.
B) The Essential Drug List may be introduced in the first few lectures in
Clinical Pharmacology, including the criteria of need, efficacy, safety and
cost that underline their choice. A few lectures about risk-benefit ratio, cost­
benefit ratio and Iatrogenesis could be included. Different lists for primary,
secondary and tertiary health care need explaining.

2

C)

In paraclinical and clinical departments, problem solving, active learning
methods are encouraged - eg., studying prescriptions, organising integrated
teaching including seminars with general practitioners, and undertaking
small studies based in the teaching hospital, in pharmacies and with general
practitioners. Relating knowledge to practice is important.

D)

The use of case studies giving symptoms and signs of a patient along with a
prescription generate a lot of discussion and learning (NTTC, 1989).

E)

Weekly bedside clinical pharmacology teaching and studying drug dosages,
selection of therapy, antibiotic sensitivity patterns, cost effectiveness, drug
interactions and side-effect are very helpful. Studies of drug utilization
patterns in the community and exposure to traditional medicine / Indian
Systems of Medicine is also suggested. (Thomas M, 1986).

F)

If each medical college could offer CME programmes including contact­
programmes on Clinical Pharmacology and Rational Use of Drugs to its
alumni, it would improve the quality of therapeutics (ibid). This will also
counterbalance the present situation where most continuing education is
through medical representatives and drug companies.

References

1.

MCI, 1997, Medical Council of India Regulations on Graduate Medical
Education, MCI, New Delhi.

2.

RGUHS 1997, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences-Kamataka,
Ordinance Governing MBBS Degree Programme, RGUHS, Bangalore.

3.

IOCU, 1988, Towards Rational Drug Use - Proceedings of the International
Consultation on Rational Drug Use in Undergraduate Medical / Pharmacy
Education, IOCU, Penang.

4.

Narayan T and Narayan R, 1993, Graduate Feedback on Medical Education
based on experience in Peripheral Health Institutions, Community Health Cell,
Bangalore.

5.

NTTC, 1989, Manual for Training on Concept of Essential Drugs and
Rationalised Drug Use, National Teachers Training Centre, JIPMER,
Pondicherry.

6.

Thomas M, 1986, Impact of Clinical Pharmacology in the Training of Physicians,
IJME, 25:2, May-Aug 1986.

7.

ICSSR and ICMR (Indian Council of Social Science Research and Indian
Council of Medical Research), 1981, Health For All - An Alternative Strategy,
Indian Institute of Education, Pune.

3

RATIONAL DRUG THERAPY (PRESCRIBERS’ LEVEL)

BE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT DRUGS IN GENERAL AND THE
PARTICULAR DRUG BEING PRESCRIBED

EDUCATION, INCLUDING CONTINUING EDUCATION

BE AWARE OF THE BANNED AND HAZARDOUS DRUGS
USE ESTABLISHED DRUGS, DO NOT RUSH FOR THE LATEST

USE ONLY DRUGS INCLUDED IN THE FORMULARY
SPECIFY USAGE, DOSAGE FORM, ROUTE OF

ADMINISTRATION, QUANTITY AND DURATION OF
TREATMENT

IMPROVE PRESCRIBING HABITS, DRUGS UPDATE
ATTEND CLINICAL MEETINGS AND SEMINARS

EDUCATE THE PATIENT ON THE CORRECT USE OF THE

DRUG. IMPROVE INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO TAKE THE
DRUG.
BE COST CONSCIOUS

AVOID SHOTGUN THERAPY
DO NOT BE CARRIED AWAY BY THE PROMOTIONAL

ACTIVITIES OF THE FIRMS AND THEIR REPRESENTATIVES
HAVE ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

ADVANTAGES OF THE CONCEPT OF ESSENTIAL DRUGS

MEDICAL

MEDICALLY, THERAPEUTICALLY AND SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND
LIMITS USE OF IRRATIONAL AND HAZARDOUS DRUGS

DECREASE IATROGENESIS
IMPROVES MONITORING OF ADVERSE DRUG REACTIONS

ECONOMIC

PREVENTS WASTAGE OF SCARCE RESOURCES ON NONESSENTIALS

LARGER PRODUCTION OF PRIORITY DRUGS BRINGS DOWN
THEIR PRICES
CURTAILS AGGRESSIVE MARKETING OF NON ESSENTIALS

SOCIAL

RESPONDS TO THE REAL NEEDS OF PEOPLE

DISSEMINATION OF CORRECT INFORMATION TO MEDICAL

PERSONNEL AND CONSUMERS
MAKES IT IMPERATIVE TO DRAW UP PRIORITIES

ADMINISTRATIVE

ORGANISATIONALLY SOUND AND MAKES QUALITY CONTROL EASIER
FACILITATES THE STREAMLINING OF PRODUCTION, STORAGE AND
DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS

HELPS IN CLEAN IDENTIFICATION OF DRUGS
FACILITATES FIXING OF PRICES AS WELL AS REVISION/WITHDRAWAL OF EXCISE

DUTIES AND SALES TAX.

”S. -'.S.

$1.
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fr.li IfU'isdic
. Atrcoine sulphate {Refer Anildolesl
!. Oic/cloaia
i. FiuietLacitie (Refer Anti-Allergicsl
AMI •Al.tfXnffP.S
. OPS Pacteh Fora-ihl
(voerati
(notdeloHydrochl
r children/oride
LAXAnViS

10.?
(filer A^’.i Alhigirsl

5*9/1!

10.* 5
IO.,

O.bij/tl

*l5i/5

2*9

. Ispaghula bust
!. Paraffin, Ihiid •
Glycerine

Granules
liquid b/
S-jppositor
)

-h-

? •»
I. Frrdnjwlonr
2.

*11
Hydrtut

sch.p

(1)

G>

U) .

tirfinn succinate
r-l| t><i
*igir$)

AHU >;^<nc

1. insrha (Flair.)
Inwlu ’Until
?. bl ilrxlmde

(OU/il
(OU/al



8iC3 a?;k-v»jiic

I. I«ipn«i3f
2. Chlorproaiane

S. (ru:efii (Refer Cnli Epileptics)
RCbl'lKIAi
J,. Deriphylhtf
Mnnphylltae
5. Silb-daaol

*,jIGag
K-1

IGvag

2.

<• *eTerbi>lali

?.j
<•1
2.*ag

5. O'.f7'-a
• Anti-tussive
I. Codeine laosphde

j».s»

25ag/al

1 lOag/al
2S«9/al

0.5ag/a|

**
•?.?'

. Zinc 0<He *h(oi(lnl«<
. MhiUitld (oitdaenU
hmrl Beniode (etuljiool
IltoeycindKilncin
Gentiin Violet
*rrioli<e:ofl loinUenU
Penicil ins
Onaycyc1 in
Harflojicio

(6)

51,101 in 5Hal
251,501 in 25d
0.H in SOW
#.5l»$.0.tt in 5NH.
JCffal
7.51 In *110/25 i*p

2. I.V. Sadi.ua Chloride
3. I.V. Oedrose’Saline
<. I.V. Mohr l.aclde
5. I.V. *Sodiu Bicurbonile
6. Pohsdu
*
Chloride
VITAnil S/rtlNERALS
1. Ascorbic Acid
2. ViUain A
i. ViUiin 8 coaplei
SKIM I SIO

(51

(71

w

Jg/JOil Io \

IWag
IU

Tes

30000 1U
Tes

54000 lU/al
Tes

Tes
21 loinlitc

21 (olalitc
251 (eaibi .
Reader, Ola .

II soldi®
*

21 (aiabta

{Refer Anti-licteriils above)
(Refer Mi-liderids above)
<»aj

cn cp.'jfs

•WlEIJilG

* liergt
Hel
2. Oxytocin

«)

I. I.V. Dedrose

l'?«9

5. *
I-.
f
;
F

(2)
(J)
REHTORAHOM AGIO BASE ELECTROLYTE biliace

*jO.2
/al
5 lU/al
10 lU/al

Telrtcyclh?
PilocJrpine
Kuailropine
Chloriipheoicol

II (oinltenl
Il (drops)

Il (drops) {
ll (oiatieat
0.(1 (drops)
-A-

Ill

(2)
EMRGEO DRUGS

1. Oxygen cylinders on trolleys, with
(lew Beiers and task
2. Dopa.ine
J. Hydro cortisone
4. lignocaine 5. Atropine
6. Sodiua Bicarbonate
7. Fralideriae
B. Adrenaline
9. F.ephen ter tine
10. Ihnnilol
II. ,'Vgnnshi S-llphale
12. Iracbestwr set, 24, 27, 30, 34
. ACCESSORIES

ID

(41

(21

(5)

(51
4* width

H. Surgical Spirit

200ag/5il
(Refer Horiones)

11 , 21
(Refer in Antispasiodicsl
(Refer Rehydra I ion)
(Refer Antidotes)
(Refer Anti-Allergicsl
(Refer SmreUcs)
(Peter kJidotes)

1. Vater (or injection
2. *n:i/di.;g pero.ide
3. ChlorLecidine
4. Absorbent Colton
5. Sauce, stall I large
4, Bandage
7. Butterfly (scalp) venesets, 18, 21, 24
8. Sutures
Black braid'd silk - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, J, 3.0
Kersilk - 1.0, 2.0, 1.0
Catgut, plain - 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3, 3.0
Catgut, chrc.ic - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3.0
Prol
Vicrylene,- al5.0,rauaati
4.0,c3.0- I, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0
Cotton thread
9. Suture Needles
10. Ilypoderiic Needles
11. Gloves, surgical, 4, 4U/2, 7
12. R>-les lubes

Catheters, Foley's, S, 12, 16, 20
21. Bleaching powder

0.5g poad./vlal
1 in 1000/11 aap
ISag/al aap
2(1 in 35011
501 in aap

VACCINES I SIRA

10.1

Aipules

61 Solution
41 W/V Liquid

2. Essential drogs in Priiary Health Care in India, Southern region list,
prepared at National Seminar conducted by NIPCCO.
3.I. lists
o( drugs received froi Government and other sources.
CHAI-CHAI (oriulary.

(61

SI.
Ko.
(II

Nau of Drug
(2)

MAESIIKI CS
I. Ether, Anaesthetic
2. Halothane
3. Ttiiopenlil
4. Nitrous Oiide
5. Oxygen

Tablets
(31

Capsule
(4)

Injections
• (51

AKflOOfES

Syruo
(61

4. Indonethac in
5. Pentazocine Lactate
3. Pethidine
MH-fllLKGiCS

.hlorpbrniranins nitrate
2. -frwUwHne

0.5, ><p

Inhalation

(Refer Emergency Drugs)

W0»g.
300>g
2ODi
(GOagq

>

300ag.Z2al.aap

125q/5il

J0ag/a|
SO.g/al

4ag
ICug
25.,

Sq/Sal

1 in 1000, hl up

4. Deianellusvne

Xag/al, 2al vial

Anli-hehinlhic
1. Nebendazole
Anti-aioebic
1. Kelronidazole

1. Dapsone

Sig/al
SOag/al

2ag/5tl '
lOOnj/dal

2. lifaapicin
J. Chhaiainc

(61

(71

(g/IOil (pc»

lOOng

lOOag/Sal

200ag
<00sg

lOOig/Sil

500000U/via!
al
400000(J/
»
i
a
l
2000000U/rla|
iOOOOOU/Tial
12000WU/»viiaall
2400000U/
IOOOOOOU/vI

2. Procaine Pencil 1 In

4. tetracycline
5. Doxycycline
6. Chloratphenico1
7. Co-lrinoxazole
8. Irylhroeycin
1. Aeoiycil in
ID. Aepicil in

(51

0.5g pond. In vial

1

250ag
100ag
250ag

Ig/Ylal

250tg
23.,

250ig/rial

t.ao.j.sjw.,
250ng

A-uiirrcMr

200.g/al
-.j*glO
lOOn]
lOvxg
w>2

141

0.6«g/«l

3. Benzathine Pencil in

xs.,
ZS-,

(3)

1. Atropine sulphate
2. Nagnesiua Sulphate
3. Pralidotiit
AMII-IXfCCriVlS

Anti bacterial
1. Benzyl Pencil 1 in

3. Adrenaline
MH-VILEPHC3
1. Pbetobarbilone
2. Diatepan
3. fhro/t n Sodiua
4. Carbataupine
a. r*

Others
(71
Inhalation'
Inhalation

MVjESIC/AXHPYREnCS

I. Poracelaeol
2. Aspirin
3. Ibuprofen

(21

(II

£SSEHIIAl DRUGS LIST . Prepared bv Conrnunltv Health Cell for

25ag
50ag
IWnj

ISOng
JOOag
50ag
tOO.g
■2-

iOOag/Yial

l50ig/5nl
t.<0>]>5.2W>,/5.l
I25ig/3«l
I25ij/5al
I25ng/5a|

(21
Aftti-hyc»rtensive
1. H/drochlorolhiat ide
2. Feserpire
J. Hydralazine
<. Aknnhl

Gl

■1>

(1)

(?)
MH-TUBEKU.K
1. Itt
2. Streptoaycin
3. Thioacetaione
1. Rihnplcio
5. Ethaabulol

(3)

10

(5)

(6)

IOO.j

Ighlal

irieHttreatment
see Xatiofonallubercol
Tubercnl
osis)osis Control Pregraaae & binned coibinations in the
AHII-FIlARIAL
5*^

6r iseofulin
t aphuter kin 1
AXI1-MALARIAL

IZS.g

ChloroQuin
Priaaqtila
SulfadoxiaiPyreaelhaaine
Ovinine Sulphate
KAEnOPDIEUC

itfq base
J.Sog
S.500igip.25»j
JW.g

Ferrous Sulptate»Folic Acid
Ferron? fuiarale»Folic Acid
Folic Acid
CARDIOVASCULAR
Anti-anginal
Isosorbide Nitrate
Proprannlnl

*90.5
gl*5»2.G 'i«g
5*1

l20»g/5»l

50ag/vlal

IO«g
K-ag
<0.,

AOag/al
300ag/aip

(5)

(&)
X

5;»g
O.l«g
?5»g

-*

Cardiac glrcnside
1. Digmia
0IUPE1IC5

ISCig
liefer Anti-leprosy)
2W«g

h-elhfl carbuatine
AXlI-FlWGAl

(71

(41

1. frvseaide
2. Goironolaclone
j. Ranaitcl
GAJIRO IxfV5IIIW,
AnUcidl
!. filuiiriii'i Hrdro'ide
I. Pignewn Irinlicate
J. F.anitidine
Anti *eaetict
1. He Ioc1 opr a»i de

o.:r.»g . .

0.2S«g/tl

dag
25 «g

lOag/al

2vt iai>»iU

2rZaq
!•*»,

75.J/1I

14.;

Sog/al

t.

(Fefer Anti Allergm)

AMi ?fu
*io<li(
1. Atropine inlpbale (Refer Anildoletl
2. Dicycloain
J. Fivietka.-ii P (Refer Anti-Allergic?)

O.Seg
If.;

Sag/Sol

O.hg/al
N

Asn •ot.w.wfP.i

-

l. 0P3 Paclth ?Wi) Forauh)
2. l'.'0?ra«i
uride
(notdehrl /dichiochlldren)
lAtAI VES

‘M

1. Ispaghula tusk
2. Fariffin, liquid '
5. Glycerine

Granules
liquid b/
Suppository

m

)

-Lt-

<2>

(II

<i>

I. frednrwlonr

I. I.V. Dextrose

HydruHtiWir svdi'«a s^'.cinate
If*;.., r-H itsj.^ir,}
AT. 11 K-MI1C

2. I.V. Sodiua Chloride
i. I.V. DeitrosnSiline
4. I.V. Ihlar Lactate
5. I.V. Sodiua Bicarbonate
6. Polasshi Chloride
viiAnnis/niNERAis

2.

3. E
*

1. in*rli» (Haiti!
Invilu ‘.Lente!
*. GIil-rfrc>i*ide

(OU/il
(OU/il

-

. Ascorbic Acid
2. Vitaiin A
. Vitaiin B coiplex
SI.IN 1 SIS

?>»C5i ntjvcjjiic

I. *[itpraua
2. Chlorjrcurinr

lOag

5. Guztpi (Refer Anti -Epilephcs)
RrylKIAi
1.

&prifhyllt»f

IWig

2. Aitnoptylliae

P/Cig

3.

2<J

Slitr/t?M-I

TrrfoUliif

4q
92.* 5

llOig/il
*925/11

I. felbrrgh
2. Qiylocin

6Q»g/5il
Zij/511

0.519/.I
liihihlina

5.

* Anil-insure
I. Codeine fiosphilr
OWlEIHG

e

■•.i

(2)
(JI
REHTDRATION AGIO BASE ELECTROLYTE balance

. line 0<ide *<toi<Unli
Vhitlield (oiaUinll
Pe'i yl Benioile (eiukion)
l eoiycifti Bacitracin
Gentian Violet
Kicomznle (ointienll
Penicil ins
Ooiycyclia
Nordoaacin

(0

U!

(51

(71 J

51,101 in SMii
251,501 in 2511
O.H in 50011
D.5HS.O.9I in 5Wd
SCflT.l
7.51 in IOal/2511 aap

Jg/JOi! (a

lOOig
W->) IU
Tes

5C000 IU
Tes

50000 lU/il
Tes

Tes
21 (oiaUet
21 (olatiec.
251 (etolsl . ,
Pcvder, Oh .
II sohlioa :
21 (aiitien

(Refer Anti
*lacterials above!
{Refer Anli-laclerials above!
* j
WO

c?e cm

>i;j

0.2ig/il
5 tU/il
10 IU/11

lelrecyc lh*
Pilocarpine
Hviatropine
Chloraiphenicol



-b-

II (ointient ■ •
ll (drops) j
Il (drops)
ll (oiahenl r’i
O.U (drops) fx

(51

(I)

(4)

(7>

EHCRGEHCT DRUGS

I. Oxrgen cylinders on trolleys, with
Hex «eters and *ask
2. Dopasine
J. Hydro cortisone
4, Lignocaine .
5. Atropine
6. Srdiua Bicarbonate
7. Fralideriae
8. Adrenaline
*?. Kephenleraine
10. Hannitol
II. Ibgnetfaa sulphite
12. Irad.e-.l(.«r set, 24, 27, 30, 34
. ACCESSORIES

200ag/5a!
(Refer Horeones)
Il , 21

(Refer in Antispasiodics)
(Refer Rehydration)
(Refer Antidotes)
(Refer Anti-Allergies)

(Refer Pi-irelics)
(3eler Antidotes)

I. Vater (or injection
2. *nr.l]/di. peroxide
3. Chlorheiidine
4. Absorbent Cotton
5. Saute, stall I large
6. Bandage
7. Butterfly (scalp) tenesels, 18, 21, 24
8. Sutures
Black braided silk - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3, 3.0
Kersill - 1.0, 2.0, 4.0
Catgut, plait - 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3, 3.0
Catgut, chrcilc - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3.0
Prol
Vicrylene,- atraueal
5.0, 4.0,ic3.0- I, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0
Colton thread
5. Suture Keedles
10. Ilypoderaic Needles
II. Gloves, surgical, 4, 611/2, 7
12. Ryles lubes

0.5g pond./vial
1 in 1000/al aep
15*g/il aep
2(1 In 350
*1
SOL in aep

Aapules

61 Solution
41 W/V Liquid

ESSENTIAL DRUG LIST
(PREPARED BY COMMUNITY HEALTH CELL)

SI.
No.

Name of Drug

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ANAESTHETICS
Ether
Halothene
Thiopental
Nitrous Oxide
Oxygen

1.
2.
3.
4.

ANTI - ALLERGICS
Chlorpheniramine maleate
Promethazine
Adrenaline
Dexamethasone

1.
2.
3.

ANTIBODIES
Atropine sulphate
Magnesium Sulphate
Pralidoxime

1.
2.
3.

ANTI - LEPROSY
Dapsone
Rifampicin
Clofgzimine

SI.
No.

Name of Drug

1.
2.
3.
4.

ANALGESIC/ANTIPYRETICS
Paracetamol
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Pentazocine Lactate
Pethidine
ANTI - EPILEPTICS
Phenobarbitone
Diazepam
Phenytoin Sodium
Carbamazepine

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

ANTI - INFECTIVES
Mebendazole
Metronidazole
Benzyl Pencillin
Procaine Pencillin
Benzathine Pencillin
Tetracycline
Doxycycline
Chloramphenicol
Co-trimoxazole
Erythromycin
Amoxycillin
Ampicillin

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ANTI - TUBERCULAR
INH
Streptomycin
Thioacetazone
Rifampicin
Ethambutol

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.

ANTI - FILARIAL
Di-ethyl carbamazine

1.
2.
J.
4.

ANTI - MALARIAL
Chloroquin
Primaquin
Sulfadoxin Pyremethamine
Quinine Sulphate

1.
2.

CARDIOVASCULAR
Isosorbide Nitrate
Propranolol

1.

CARDIAC GLYCOSIDE
Digoxin

1.
2.
3.

GASTRO INTESTINAL
Antacids
Aluminium Hydroxide
Magnesium Trisilicate
Ranitidine

1.
2.

Anti-emetics
Metoclopramide
Promethazine

1.
2.
3.

Anti spasmodic
Atropine sulphate
Dicyclomin
Promethazine
Anti -Diarrhoeals
ORS packets
Loperamide Hydrochloride
(not for children)

ANTI - FUNGAL
Griseofulvin
Amphotericin B

1.
2.
3.

HAEMOPOIETIC
Ferrous Sulphate + folic Acid
Ferrous Fumarate + folic Acid
Folic Acid

1.
2.
3.
4.

ANTI - HYPERTENSIVE
Hydrochlorothiazide
Reserpine
Hydralazine
Atenlol

1.
2.
3.

DIURETICS
Frusemide
Spiranolactone
Mannitol

1.
2.
3.

LAXATIVES
Isapaghula husk
Paraffin, liquid
Glycerine

1.
2.

HARMONES
Prednisolone
Hydrocortisone sodium succinate

1.
2.
3.

PSYCHO THERAPEUTIC
Imipramine
Chlorpromazine
Diazepam

1.
2.

OBSTETRICS
Methergin
Oxytocin

1.
2.
3.

VITAMINS / MINERALS
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex

1.
2.
3.

ANTI DIABETIC
Insulin (plain)
Insulin (Lente)
Glibenclamide

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

RESPIRATORY
Anti asthmatic
Deriphylline
Aminophylline
Salbutamol
Terbutaline
Oxygen

1.

Anti-tussive
Codeine Phosphate

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

REHYDRATION ACID BASE
ELECTROLYTE balance
I.V. Dextrose
I.V. Sodium Chloride
I.V. Dextrose + Saline
I.V. Molar Lactate
I.V. Sodium Bicabonate
Potassium Chloride

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

SKIN & STD
Zinc Oxide Ointment
Whitfield ointment
Benzyl benzate
Neomycin+bacitracin
Gention violet
Miconazole ointment
Pencillin
Doxycyclin
Norfloxacin

1.
2.
3.
4.

EYE DROPS
Tetracycline
Pilocarpine
Humatropine
Chloramphenical

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

ACCESSORIES
Water for injection
Hydrogen peroxide
Chlorhexidine
Absorbent Cotton
Gauze, small & large
Bandage
Butterfly (scalp) venesets 18,21,24
Sutures
Black braided silk
Mersilk
Catgut, plain
Catgut Chromic
Prolene, atraumatic
Vicryl
Cotton thread

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.

Suture Needles
Hypodermic Needles
Gloves, surgical
Ryles Tubes
Adhesive Plaster
Elastocrepe bandage
Plaster of Paris
Surgical Spirit
Drip set: administration; fluid, bloc
Cannula, IV for venesection
Syringes
Catheters, plain
Catheters, Foley’s
Bleaching powder

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11
12.
13.

EMERGENCY DRUGS
Oxygen cylinders on trolleys, with
flow meters and mask
Dopamine
Hydro cortisone
Lignocaine
Atropine
Sodium Bicarbonate
Pralidoxime
Adrenaline
Mephentermine
Mannitol
Magnesium sulphate
Trachestomy set, 24,27,30,36

1.
2.
3.
4.

VACCINES & SERA
All vaccines as per National
Universal Immunization Programme
Anti Rabies serum
Anti Snake Venom Serum

DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS
As needed
This list has been prepared using the following lists for reference:

1.
2.

model list of essential list
Essential drugs in Primary Health Care in India, Southern region list, prepared at
National Seminar conducted by NIPCCD.
3. Lists of drugs received from Government and other sources
4. CHAI-CMAI formulary.

Volume 13, Number 4. 1999

World Health Organization, Geneva

WHO Drug information
Contents

Regulatory and Safety Matters

General Policy Issues
Access to essential drugs
217
WHO's role in ensuring access to essential
drugs
217
Access to medicines: an urgent need for
solutions
220
Amsterdam statement on access to medicines 223

Reports on Individual Drugs
Influenza preparedness plan: antiviral drugs
Atovaguone and proguaml hydrochloride:
a new antimalarial combination

225
226

Current Topics
Roll Back Malaria
The Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV)
The Japanese alliance
A new antimalarial donation programme
Roll Back Malaria in Europe
The WHO Antimicrobial Resistance
Information Bank

228
228
228
229
229

230

Vaccines and Biomedicines
Quality assurance and safety of
biologicals
Influenza preparedness plan: vaccine
production and availability
Thiomersal: theoretical risk leads to
phasing out

Leflunomide: pancytopenia and skin reactions
Didanosine and pancreatitis
Sertraline for post-traumatic stress disorder
Pemoline withdrawal following liver
complications
Levetiracetam: new drug for epilepsy
Methotrexate: monitoring essential
Methotrexate: care in prescribing
Grepafloxacm withdrawal: severe
cardiovascular events
Reteplase incompatible with heparin
Postmarketing system to be revised
Abacavir: hypersensitivity reactions
Initiative to curb illegal sale of drugs over
the Internet
Unapproved HIV test kits available on
the Internet
V-King®: unapproved use of sildenafil
Miralex® undeclared corticosteroid
Rules for dietary supplements finalized

238
238
238
238
239
239
239
239
239
240
240

240
240
241
241
241

ATC/DDD Classification
Temporary list

242

Final list

245

Essential Drugs
231
235
237

WHO Model List (revised December 1999)

249

Proposed International
Nonproprietary Names: List 82 263

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs
WHO Model List (revised December 1999)
injection for spinal anaesthesia,
0.5% (hydrochloride) in 4-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution

Section 1: Anaesthetics
1.1

GENERAL ANAESTHETICS AND OXYGEN

ether, anaesthetic (1c) (2)

inhalation

halothane (2)

inhalation

ketamine (2)

injection. 50 mg (as hydrochloride)/ml in 10-ml vial

nitrous oxide (2)

"thiopental (2)

injection for spinal anaesthesia,
5% (hydrochloride) in 2-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution

inhalation

topical forms, 2-4% (hydrochloride)

powder for injection. 0.5 g, 1.0 g
(sodium salt) in ampoule

LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

“bupivacame (2. 9)

injection, 0.25%. 0.5%
(hydrochloride) in vial

injection, 1%. 2%
(hydrochloride) in vial

injection, 1%, 2% (hydrochlonde)
+ epinephrine 1:200 000 in vial

inhalation (medicinal gas)

oxygen

1.2

"lidocaine

dental cartridge, 2% (hydrochloride)
+ epinephrine 1:80 000
Complementary drug
injection. 30 mg
ephedrine (C)
(For use in spinal anaesthesia
(hydrochloride)/m! in
dunng delivery to prevent hypotension)
1 -ml ampoule

" Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

Explanatory Notes

When the strength of a drug is specified in terms of a
selected salt or ester, this is mentioned in brackets: when it
refers to the active moiety, the name of the salt or ester in
brackets is preceded by the word "as".
Many drugs included in the list are preceded by a box (°) to
indicate that they represent an example of a therapeutic
group and that various drugs could serve as alternatives. It
is imperative that this is understood when drugs are selected
at national level, since choice is then influenced by the
comparative cost and availability of equivalent products.
Examples of acceptable substitutions include:
° Hydrochlorothiazide: any other thiazide-type diuretic cur­
rently in broad clinical use.
° Hydralazine: any other peripheral vasodilator having an
antihypertensive effect.
° Senna: any stimulant laxative (either synthetic or of plant
origin).
° Sulfadiazine: any other short-acting, systemically active
sulfonamide unlikely to cause crystalluria.

United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988).
(2)
Specific expertise, diagnostic precision, individualization
of dosage or special equipment required for proper use.
(3)
Greater potency or efficacy.
(4)
In renal insufficiency, contraindicated or dosage adjust­
ments necessary.
(5)
To improve compliance.
(6)
Special pharmacokinetic properties.
(7)
Adverse effects diminish benefit/risk ratio.
(8)
Limited indications or narrow spectrum of activity.
(9)
For epidural anaesthesia.
(10)
Sustained-release preparations are available. A pro­
posal to include such a product in a national list of essential
drugs should be supported by adequate documentation.
(11)
Monitonng of therapeutic concentrations in plasma can
improve safety and efficacy.

Letters in parentheses following the drug names indicate the
reasons for the inclusion of complementary drugs:
(A)
When drugs in the main list cannot be made available.
(B)
When drugs in the main list are known to be ineffective or
inappropriate for a given individual.
Numbers in parentheses following drug names indicate:
(C)
For use in rare disorders or in exceptional circumstances.
(1)
Drugs subject to international control under: (a) the (D)
Reserve antimicrobials to be used only when there is
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961); (b) the Con­
significant resistance to other drugs on the list.
vention on Psychotropic Substances (1971); or (c) the
Drugs are listed in alphabetical order.

249

Essential Drugs

1.3

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

PREOPERATIVE MEDICATION & SEDATION 2.4
DISEASE-MODIFYING AGENTS USED
FOR SHORT-TERM PROCEDURES
IN RHEUMATIC DISORDERS
injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule

atropine

chloral hydrate

syrup, 200 mg/5 ml

"diazepam (1b)

injection, 5 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

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

"morphine (1a)

azathioprine (2)

tablet, 50 mg

chloroquine (2)

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

tablet, 25 mg

cyclophosphamide (2)

methotrexate (2)

tablet, 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)

penicillamine (2)

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

sulfasalazine (2)

tablet, 500 mg

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

"promethazine

Section 2: Analgesics, Antipyretics,
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs), Drugs Used to
Treat Gout and Disease-Modifying
Agents used in Rheumatic
Disorders (DMARDs)
2.1 NON-OPIOID ANALGESICS & NSAIDs

Section 3: Antiallergics and
Drugs Used in Anaphylaxis
tablet. 4 mg (hydrogen maleate)

"chlorphenamine

injection. 10 mg (hydrogen
maleate) in 1-ml ampoule

"dexamethasone

tablet. 500 pg. 4 mg

injection. 4 mg
dexamethasone phosphate
(as disodium salt) in 1-ml ampoule
epinephrine

injection. 1 mg (as hydrochlonde or hydrogen tartrate)
in 1-ml ampoule

hydrocortisone

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

"prednisolone

tablet, 5 mg

tablet. 100-500 mg

acetylsalicylic acid

suppository, 50-150 mg
"ibuprofen

tablet. 200 mg. 400 mg
tablet. 100-500 mg

paracetamol

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)

4.1

NON-SPECIFIC

"charcoal, activated
ipecacuanha

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

4.2 SPECIFIC

atropine

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg (hydrochloride)

2.3

DRUGS USED TO TREAT GOUT

allopurinol (4)

tablet, 100 mg

colchicine (7)

tablet. 500 pg

calcium gluconate (2, 8)

deferoxamine

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

250

powder

syrup, containing 0.14% ipecacuanha
alkaloids calculated as emetine

acetylcysteine

Complementary drug
"pethidine (A) (1a, 4)

Section 4: Antidotes and Other
Substances Used in Poisonings

injection, 200 mg/ml
in 10-ml vial
injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule
injection, 100 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

powder for injection, 500 mg
(mesilate) in vial

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

dimercaprol (2)

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

°Di-methionine

tablet, 250 mg
injection, 10 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

methylthioninium chlonde
(methylene blue)

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

naloxone

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

penicillamine (2)

potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate(ll) 2H2O (Prussian blue)
sodium calcium edetate (2)

powder for oral
administration
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

Section 6: Anti-infective Drugs
6.1

ANTHELMINTHICS

INTESTINAL ANTHELMINTHICS

6.1.1

albendazole

chewable tablet. 400 mg

levamisole

tablet, 50 mg, 150 mg
(as hydrochloride)

“mebendazole

chewable tablet. 100 mg, 500 mg
chewable tablet. 500 mg

niclosamide

praziquantel

tablet, 150 mg, 600 mg

pyrantel

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

6.1.2

ANTIFILARIALS
tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg
(dihydrogen citrate)

diethytcarbamazine

Section 5: Anticonvulsants/
Antiepileptics

ivermectin

carbamazepine (10, 11) scored tablet. 100 mg, 200 mg

suramin sodium (8) (2. 7)

“diazepam (1b)

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

ethosuximide

Complementary drug

6.1.3

capsule, 250 mg

magnesium sulfate

phenobarbital (1b. 11)

scored tablet. 3 mg. 6 mg

powder for injection,
1 g in vial

ANTISCHISTOSOMALS AND OTHER
ANTITREMATODE DRUGS

syrup, 250 mg/5 ml

praziquantel

tablet. 600 mg

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

triclabendazole

tablet, 250 mg

Complementary drug
capsule. 250 mg

oxammquine (C) (8)

tablet. 15-100 mg

syrup, 250 mg/5 ml

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)

BETA LACTAM DRUGS

“amoxicillin

capsule or tablet. 250 mg.
500 mg (anhydrous)

powder for oral suspension,
125 mg (anhydrous)/5 ml

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

Complementary drug
“clonazepam (B) (1b)

6.2 ANTIBACTERIALS
6.2.1

ampicillin

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

benzathine
benzylpenicillin

powder for injection.
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

scored tablet. 500 pg

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

251

Essential Drugs

“cloxacillin

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

capsule, 500 mg, 1 g (as sodium salt)

“metronidazole

tablet, 200-500 mg

powder for oral solution, 125 mg
(as sodium salt)/5 ml

injection. 500 mg in 100-ml vial
suppository, 500 mg, 1 g

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 III) in vial

oral suspension, 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

tablet, 250 mg. 500 mg

nalidixic acid (8)
nitrofurantoin (4, 8)

tablet. 100 mg

spectinomycin (8)

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

tablet, 500 mg

“sulfadiazine (4)

injection. 250 mg (sodium salt)
in 4-ml ampoule

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 +
ciiastatin (D)

powder for injection. 250 mg
(as monohydrate) + 250 mg.
(as sodium salt)
500 mg (as monohydrate) +
500 mg in vial (as sodium salt)

“sulfamethoxazole +
trimethoprim (4)

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

injection, 20 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

Complementary drugs

chloramphenicol (C)

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

tablet. 100 mg, 200 mg

tnmethoprim (8)

6.2.2 OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS
“chloramphenicol (7)

tablet. 100 mg + 20 mg,
400 mg + 80 mg

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
capsule, 50 mg, 100 mg

clofazimine

dapsone

tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

rifampicin

capsule or tablet, 150 mg. 300 mg

6.2.4 ANTITUBERCULOSIS DRUGS
ethambutol (4)
isoniazid
isoniazid + ethambutol (5)

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

252

tablet. 100-400 mg
(hydrochloride)
tablet. 100-300 mg
tablet, 150 mg + 400 mg

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

tablet, 400 mg

pyrazinamide

capsule or tablet, 150 mg, 300 mg

rifampicin

rifampicin +
isoniazid (5)

6.4.2

ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS

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

tablet, 60 mg + 30 mg, 150 mg + 75 mg,
300 mg+ 150 mg

nevirapine (8)

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

zidovudine (8)

tablet. 200 mg
oral solution, 50 mg/5 ml
capsule, 100 mg, 250 mg

tablet.
60 mg + 30 mg + 150 mg,
150 mg + 75 mg + 400 mg

injection, 10 mg/ml in 20-ml vial

tablet. 150 mg + 150 mg + 500 mg
(for intermittent use 3 times weekly)

Drugs for treatment of HIV/AIDS include nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and protease
inhibitors (Pls). 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.

rifampicin + isoniazid +
pyrazinamide (5)

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

rifampicin + isoniazid +
pyrazinamide + ethambutol

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

streptomycin (4)

Complementary drug
tablet. 50 mg + 100 mg,
150 mg+ 300 mg

thioacetazone +
isoniazid (A) (5, 7)

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

oral solution, 50 mg/5 ml

6.5

ANTIPROTOZOAL DRUGS

6.5.1

ANTIAMOEBIC AND ANTIGIARDIASIS
DRUGS
tablet, 500 mg (furoate)

“ diloxanide

6.3

amphotericin B (4)

tablet. 200-500 mg

“metronidazole

ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS
powder for injection. 50 mg in vial

injection. 500 mg in 100-ml vial

capsule. 50 mg

oral suspension, 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

“fluconazole

injection. 2 mg/ml in vial

oral suspension. 50 mg/5-ml
gnseofulvm (7)

capsule or tablet, 125 mg, 250 mg

6.5.2

ANTILEISHMANIASIS DRUGS

“meglumine antimoniate

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

tablet. 100 000. 500 000 IU

nystatin

lozenge, 100 000 IU

pentamidine (5)

pessary, 100 000 IU

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

Complementary drug

Complementary drugs
flucytosine (B) (4. 8)

capsule. 250 mg

powder for injection.
50 mg in vial

amphotericin B (B) (4)

infusion, 2.5 g in 250 ml
potassium iodide (A)

saturated solution

6.5.3

ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS

(a) FOR CURATIVE TREATMENT

6.4

ANTIVIRAL DRUGS

6.4.1

ANTIHERPES DRUGS

aciclovir (8)

“chloroquine

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

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

253

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13. No. 4, 1999

primaquine

tablet, 7.5 mg, 15 mg
(as diphosphate)
tablet, 300 mg (as bisulfate or sulfate)

. “quinine

injection. 300 mg (as dihydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

benznidazole (7)

tablet, 100 mg

nifurtimox (2, 8)

tablet. 30 mg, 120 mg. 250 mg

6.6 INSECT REPELLENTS
topical solution, 50%, 75%

diethyltoluamide

Complementary drugs
“doxycycline (B) (/or use only in
capsule or tablet,
combination with quinine)
100 mg (hydrochloride)

mefloquine (B)

(b) AMERICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS

tablet, 250 mg (as hydrochlonde)
tablet, 500 mg + 25 mg

“sultadoxine +
pyrimethamine (B)

Restricted indications
artemetner (D)

injection, 80 mg/ml
in 1-ml ampoule

artesunate (D)

tablet, 50 mg

Section 7: Antimigraine Drugs
7.1 FOR TREATMENT OF ACUTE ATTACK
acetylsalicylic acid

tablet, 300-500 mg

ergotamine (1c) (7)

tablet, 1 mg (tartrate)
tablet. 300-500 mg

paracetamol

7.2 FOR PROPHYLAXIS
tablet. 20 mg. 40 mg
(hydrochloride)

“propranolol

(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 hydrochlonde)

proguanil (for use only in
combination with chloroquine)

tablet, 100 mg
(hydrochlonde)

Section 8: Antineoplastic and
Immunosuppressive Drugs and
Drugs Used in Palliative Care
8.1 IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS
Adequate resources and specialist oversight are a pre­
requisite tor the introduction of this class of drugs.
tablet. 50 mg

“azathioprine (2)

6.5.4 ANTIPNEUMOCYSTOSIS AND
ANTITOXOPLASMOSIS DRUGS
pentamidine (2)

tablet. 200 mg, 300 mg

pyrimethamine

tablet. 25 mg

sulfamethoxazole
trimethopnm

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

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

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)
bleomycin (2)

calcium folinate (2)

Complementary drug
eflornithine (C)

powder for injection,
10 000 IU in vial
powder for injection, 15 mg
(as sulfate) in vial
tablet, 15 mg

injection, 3 mg/ml in 10-ml ampoule
injection. 200 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 100-ml bottles

chlorambucil (2)

tablet, 2 mg

chlormethine (2)

powder for injection, 10 mg
(hydrochloride) in vial

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

254

capsule, 25 mg

“ciclosporin (2)
(for organ transplantation)

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

powder for injection,
10 mg, 50 mg in vial

cisplatin (2)

cyclophosphamide (2)

tablet, 25 mg

Section 9: Antiparkinsonism Drugs
“biperiden

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

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 pg in vial

’doxorubicin (2)
etoposide (2)

fluorouracil (2)
evamisole (2)
mercaptopurine (2)

methotrexate (2)

capsule. 100 mg

injection. 50 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

tablet. 50 mg
(as hydrochloride)

tablet. 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)

procarbazine

capsule. 50 mg (as hydrochloride)

vinblastine (2)

powder for injection.
10 mg (sulfate) in vial

tamoxifen

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 jig 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 pg (acetate)/ml
in 1-ml ampoule

nasal spray. 10 pg (acetate)/
metered dose

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

heparin sodium

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

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

phytomenadione

injection. 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

tablet, 10 mg, 20 mg (as citrate)

protamine sulfate

injection. 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

8.3 HORMONES AND ANTIHORMONES
°prednisolone

10.1 ANTIANAEMIA DRUGS
ferrous salt

tablet, 50 mg

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

vincristine (2)

Section 10: Drugs affecting the
Blood

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

injection, 20 mg/ml in 5-ml ampoule

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

levodopa +
“carbidopa (5, 6)

tablet, 5 mg

tablet, 10 mg

8.4 DRUGS USED IN PALLIATIVE CARE
“warfarin (2, 6)
The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recom­
mended that all the drugs mentioned in the WHO publi­
cation Cancer Pain Relief: with a Guide to Opioid Avail­
ability, 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.

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

255

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4,1999

Section 11: Blood Products and
Plasma Substitutes

tablet, 250 mg,
500 mg (hydrochloride)

“procainamide (B)

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

PLASMA SUBSTITUTES

11.1

“dextran 70

injectable solution, 6%

“polygeline

injectable solution, 3.5%

PLASMA FRACTIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE '

11.2

Complementary drugs
“factor VIII concentrate (C) (2, 8)

dried

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

dned

“quinidine (A) (7)

12.3

tablet, 200 mg (sulfate)

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

Section 12: Cardiovascular Drugs
12.1

ANTIANGINAL DRUGS

“atenolol

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg

glyceryl trinitrate

tablet (sublingual), 500 pg

cisosorbide 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 pg. 250 pg
oral solution. 50 pg/ml

injection, 250 pg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

lidocaine

verapamil (8, 10)

“hydrochlorothiazide

tablet. 250 mg

“nifedipine (10)

sustained-release formulations
tablet. 10 mg

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

tablet, 100 pg, 250 pg

“reserpine

injection, 1 mg in 1-ml ampoule
Complementary drugs

prazosin

tablet. 500 pg. 1 mg (mesilate)

“sodium nitroprusside
(C) (2. 8)

scored tablet. 25 mg

digoxin (4, 11)

tablet. 62.5 pg. 250 pg

oral solution. 50 pg/ml
injection, 250 pg/ml in 2-ml ampoule

dopamine
“hydrochlorothiazide

injection, 1 mg
(as hydrochloride)/ml

isoprenaline (C)

injection. 20 pg
(hydrochloride)/ml

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

tablet. 25 mg. 50 mg

12.5 ANTITHROMBOTIC DRUGS
acetylsalicylic acid

Complementary drugs
epinephrine (C)

powder for infusion,
50 mg in ampoule

12.4 DRUGS USED IN HEART FAILURE
“captopril

injection, 20 mg
(hydrochlonde)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule
tablet. 40 mg,
80 mg (hydrochloride)

scored tablet. 25 mg

methyldopa (7)

tablet. 100 mg

Complementary drug

streptokinase (C)

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
' All plasma fractions should comply with the Requirements for the Collection, Processing and Quality Control of Blood, Blood
Components and Plasma Derivatives (Revised 1992). WHO Technical Report Series, No. 840,1994, Annex 2.

256

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

12.6

LIPID-LOWERING AGENTS

13.4

The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recog­
nizes the value of lipid-lowering drugs in treating patients
with hyperiipidaemia. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors, often re­
ferred to as 'statins', are potent and effective lipidlowering 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 costeffective for secondary prevention of cardiovascular dis­
ease as well as for primary prevention in some very highrisk 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 nsk should be
decided at national level.

Section 13:
Dermatological Drugs (topical)
13.1

solution, 15%

ointment, 0.1-2%
ointment, 5%

fluorouracil

solution. 10-25%

"podophyllum resin (7)
salicylic acid

solution 5%

ointment or cream, 10%

urea

13.6

SCABICIDES AND PEDICULICIDES

"benzyl benzoate

lotion, 25%

permethrin

cream, 5%

ULTRAVIOLET-BLOCKING AGENTS

topical sun protection agent with
activity against UVA and UVB (C) cream, lotion or gel

Section 14: Diagnostic Agents
14.1

detergent-based
suspension. 2%

ANTI-INFECTIVE DRUGS

"methylrosanilmium 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

OPHTHALMIC DRUGS

fluorescein

eye drops. 1% (sodium salt)

"tropicamide

eye drops, 0.5%

14.2

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

"amidotnzoate

aqueous suspension

barium sulfate

"iohexol

cream. 1%, in 500-g container

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

"iopanoic acid

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND
ANTIPRURITIC DRUGS

"betamethasone (3)

solution, 5%

dithranol

ointment or cream. 2% (nitrate)

selenium sulfide (C)

13.3

lotion or cream, 5%

Complementary drugs

Complementary drug

silver sulfadiazine

benzoyl peroxide
coal tar

lotion, 1%

ointment or
cream, 6% + 3%

sodium thiosulfate

13.2

solution, 13% for dilution

13.5 DRUGS AFFECTING SKIN
DIFFERENTIATION AND PROLIFERATION

13.7

ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS

benzoic acid + salicylic acid

"miconazole

ASTRINGENT DRUGS

aluminium diacetate

ointment or cream.
0.1% (as valerate)

"calamine lotion

lotion

"hydrocortisone

ointment or cream, 1% (acetate)

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

tablet. 500 mg
oily suspension.
500-600 mg/ml
in 20-ml ampoule

Complementary drug
“meglumine iotroxate (C)

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

" Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

257

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs

Section 15:
Disinfectants and Antiseptics
15.1

17.2

ANTIEMETIC DRUGS

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

ANTISEPTICS

“chlorhexidine

solution, 5%
(digluconate) for dilution

tablet, 10 mg,
25 mg (hydrochloride)

“promethazine

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

solution, 70% (denatured)

“ethanol
“polyvidone iodine

15.2

tablet, 10 mg (hydrochloride)

metoclopramide

solution, 10%

injection. 25 mg (hydrochtoride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

DISINFECTANTS

“chlorine base compound

powder (0.1% available
chlonne) for solution
solution. 4.8%

“chloroxylenol

solution, 2%

glutaral

“furosemide

ANTIHAEMORRHOIDAL DRUGS
ointment
or suppository

17.4

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS
suppository, 25 mg
(acetate)

hydrocortisone

Section 16: Diuretics
“amiloride (4. 7. 8)

17.3

“local anaesthetic, astringent
and anti-inflammatory drug

“ retention enema

tablet. 5 mg (hydrochlonde)

tablet, 40 mg

tablet. 500 mg

“sulfasalazine (2)

suppository, 500 mg

injection. 10 mg/ml in
2-ml ampoule
“hydrochlorothiazide

spironolactone (8)

tablet. 25 mg. 50 mg
tablet, 25 mg

retention enema

17.5

ANTISPASMODIC DRUGS

“atropine

tablet. 0.6 mg (sulfate)

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

Complementary drug
“mannitol (C)

injectable solution, 10%. 20%

17.6

Section 17: Gastrointestinal Drugs
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

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

“senna

17.7

DRUGS USED IN DIARRHOEA

17.7.1

ORAL REHYDRATION

oral rehydration salts (for glucoseelectrolyte solution)

Components
sodium chloride
trisodium citrate dihydrate2
potassium chloride
glucose

powder, 27.9 g/l

gTI

3.5
2.9
1.5
20.0

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
2Trisodium citrate dihydrate may be replaced by sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) 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.

258

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

17.7.2

ANTIDIARRHOEAL (SYMPTOMATIC)
DRUGS

"codeine (1a)

tablet, 30 mg (phosphate)

Section 18: Hormones, other Endo­
crine Drugs and Contraceptives
18.1

ADRENAL HORMONES AND
SYNTHETIC SUBSTITUTES

BARRIER METHODS

diaphragms with spermicide
(nonoxinol)

18.4

ESTROGENS

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

18.5

INSULINS AND OTHER ANTIDIABETIC
AGENTS

18.2

intermediate-acting Insulin

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

metformin

Complementary drug

testosterone (C) (2)

18.3

18.6
injection. 200 mg
(enantate) in 1-ml ampoule

CONTRACEPTIVES

’ethinylestradiol +
“levonorgestrel

tablet. 30 pg + 150 pg,

“ethinylestradiol +
“levonorgestrel

tablet. 50 pg
+ 250 pg (pack of four)

“ethinylestradioi +
“norethisterone

tablet. 35 pg + 1.0 mg

levonorgestrel

tablet. 0.75 mg (pack of two)

“levonorgestrel (B)

norethisterone
enantate (B) (7, 8)

18.3.2

tablet. 50 mg (citrate)

PROGESTOGENS
tablet. 5 mg

norethisterone

Complementary drug
medroxyprogesterone acetate (B)

Complementary drugs

medroxyprogesterone
acetate (B) (7. 8)

tablet, 500 m (hydrochloride)

OVULATION INDUCERS

“clomifene (2. 8)

18.7

18.3.1 HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

injection,
40 lU/ml in 10-ml vial.
100 lU/mt in 10-ml vial

insulin injection (soluble)

tablet, 100 pg (acetate)

ANDROGENS

tablet. 2.5 mg, 5 mg

“glibenclamide

Complementary drug

fludrocortisone (C)

tablet, 10 pg, 50 pg

“ethinylestradiol

tablet, 500 pg, 4 mg

"dexamethasone

18.3.3

condoms with or without spermicide
(nonoxinol)

18.8

tablet. 5 mg

THYROID HORMONES AND
ANTITHYROID DRUGS

levothyroxine

tablet. 50 pg. 100 pg
(sodium salt)

potassium iodide

tablet, 60 mg

“propylthiouracil

tablet. 50 mg

tablet. 30 pg
depot injection.
150 mg in 1-ml vial
oily solution, 200 mg/ml in
1-ml ampoule

Section 19: Immunologicals
19.1

DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS

tuberculin,3
purified protein derivative (PPD)

injection

INTRAUTERINE DEVICES

copper-containing device

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
3 All tuberculins should comply with the Requirements for Tuberculins (Revised 1985). WHO Technical Report Series, No.
745, 1987, Annex 1.

259

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol 13, No. 4, 1999

19.2 SERA AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS4
anti-D immunoglobulin
(human)

°antitetanus immunoglobulin
(human)
antivenom serum
diphtheria antitoxin

injection, 250 pg in
single-dose vial

injection. 500 IU
in vial

Section 20:
Muscle Relaxants (peripherally act­
ing) and Cholinesterase Inhibitors
injection. 5 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

“alcuronium chloride (2)

injection
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 lU/ml

tablet,' 15 mg (bromide)

“neostigmine

injection. 500 pg, 2.5 mg
(metilsulfate) in 1-ml ampoule

tablet. 60 mg

pyridostigmine bromide (2, 8)

injection. 1 mg
in 1-ml ampoule

suxamethonium
chloride (2)

injection. 50 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

19.3 VACCINESs

powder for injection

19.3.1 FOR UNIVERSAL IMMUNIZATION

Complementary drug

BCG

vecuronium bromide (C)

powder for injection,
10 mg in vial

diphtheria

pertussis
tetanus

Section 21:
Ophthalmological Preparations

hepatitis B

measles

21.1 ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS
“gentamicin

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

“idoxuridine

solution (eye drops), 0.1%

influenza

silver nitrate

solution (eye drops). 1%

meningitis

“tetracycline

eye ointment, 1 % (hydrochloride)

mumps

21.2 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS

rabies

“prednisolone

poliomyelitis

19.3.2 FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS

eye ointment. 0.2%

rubella

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

typhoid

21.3 LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

yellow fever

“tetracaine

solution (eye drops). 0.5%
(hydrochloride)

21.4 MIOTICS AND ANTIGLAUCOMA DRUGS
acetazolamide

tablet, 250 mg

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
'All plasma fractions should comply with the Requirements for the Collection, Processing and Quality Control of Blood,
Blood components and Plasma Derivatives (Revised 1992). WHO Technical Report Series, No. 840,1994, Annex 2.
5 All vaccines should comply with current WHO recommendations for biological substances.

260

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

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

“pilocarpine

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

“timolol

24.2

DRUGS USED IN MOOD DISORDERS

24.2.1

DRUGS USED IN DEPRESSIVE
DISORDERS
tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)

“amitriptyline

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

atropine

Complementary drug

Section 22:
Oxytocics and Antioxytocics
OXYTOCICS

“ergometrine (1c)

tablet. 200 pg (hydrogen maleate)
injection. 200 pg (hydrogen maleate)
in 1-ml ampoule

ANTIOXYTOCICS
tablet, 4 mg (as sulfate)

“salbutamol (2)

injection, 50 pg (as sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

valproic acid (7, 11)

24.3

DRUGS USED IN GENERALIZED
ANXIETY AND SLEEP DISORDERS
scored tablet, 2 mg, 5 mg

“diazepam (1b)

24.4

intraperitoneal dialysis solution
(of appropriate composition)

DRUGS USED IN OBSESSIVE
COMPULSIVE DISORDERS AND
PANIC ATTACKS

clomipramine

capsules, 10 mg, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)

Section 25: Drugs Acting on
the Respiratory Tract
25.1

ANTIASTHMATIC DRUGS
injection. 25 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

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

“beclometasone

parenteral solution

Section 24:
Psychotherapeutic Drugs

“epinephrine

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

ipratropium bromide

“fluphenazme (5)

“haloperidol

inhalation (aerosol). 20 pg/dose

tablet. 2 mg. 4 mg (as sulfate)

“salbutamol

inhalation (aerosol), 100 pg
(as sulfate) per dose

DRUGS USED IN PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

“chlorpromazine

capsule or tablet. 300 mg

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

“ammophylline (2)

Section 23: Peritoneal
Dialysis Solution

24.1

carbamazepine (10,11) scored tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg

injection, 10 IU in 1-ml ampoule

oxytocin

22.2

DRUGS USED IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS

lithium carbonate (2, 4)
solution (eye drops). 2%
(as hydrochlonde)

epinephrine (A)

22.1

24.2.2

tablet. 100 mg (hydrochloride)

syrup, 2 mg (as sulfate)/5 ml

syrup, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)/5 ml

injection, 50 pg (as sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

injection, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml in 2-ml ampoule

respirator solution for use in nebulizers.
5 mg (as sulfate)/ml

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

theophylline (10, 11)

tablet, 2 mg, 5 mg

“cromoglicic acid (B)

tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg. 300 mg

Complementary drug

injection. 5 mg in
1-ml ampoule

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

261

*

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

26.3

25.2 ANTITUSSIVES
oral solution,
3.5 mg (bromide)/5 ml

"dextromethorphan

Section 26:
Solutions correcting Water, Electrolyte and Acid- base Disturbances

MISCELLANEOUS

water for injection

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

Section 27: Vitamins and Minerals
ascorbic acid

tablet, 50 mg

“ergocalciferol

capsule or tablet, 1.25 mg
(50 000 IU)

26.? ORAL
oral rehydration salts (for glucoseelectrolyte solution)

for composition
see section 17.7.1

potassium chloride

powder for solution

oral solution,
250pg/ml (WOOD lU/ml)
iodine (8)

solution, 0.57 ml, (308 mg iodine)
in dispenser bottle

26.2 PARENTERAL
glucose

glucose with
sodium chloride

potassium chloride (2)

injectable solution,
5% isotonic. 10% isotonic,
50% hypertonic
injectable solution. 4%
glucose, 0.18% sodium chloride
(equivalent to Na- 30 mmol/l
Cl’ 30 mmol/l)

capsule. 200 mg

“nicotinamide
pyridoxine
“retinol

tablet, 50 mg

tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)
sugar-coated tablet. 10 000 IU
(as palmitate) (5.5 mg)

capsule. 200 000 IU (as
palmitate) (110 mg)

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/1. 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

iodized oil, 1 ml (480 mg iodine).
0.5 ml (240 mg iodine) in
ampoule (oral or injectable)

injectable solution

oral oily solution,
100 000 lU/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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

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.
262

(PREPARED BY COMMUNITY HEALTH CELL)

~SL
No.

Name of Drug

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ANAESTHETICS
Ether
Halothene
Thiopental
Nitrous Oxide
Oxygen

1.
2.
3.
4.

ANTI - ALLERGICS
Chlorpheniramine maleate
Promethazine
Adrenaline
Dexamethasone

1.
2.
3.

ANTIBODIES
Atropine sulphate
Magnesium Sulphate
Pralidoxime

1.
2.
3.

ANTI - LEPROSY
Dapsone
Rifampicin
Clofezimine

SI.
No.

Name of Drug

1.
2.
3.
4.

ANALGESIC/ANTIPYRETICS
Paracetamol
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Indomethacin
Pentazocine Lactate
Pethidine
ANTI - EPILEPTICS
Phenobarbitone
Diazepam
Phenytoin Sodium
Carbamazepine

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

ANTI - INFECTIVES
Mebendazole
Metronidazole
Benzyl Pencillin
Procaine Pencillin
Benzathine Pencillin
Tetracycline
Doxycycline
Chloramphenicol
Co-trimoxazole
Erythromycin
Amoxycillin
Ampicillin

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

ANTI - TUBERCULAR
INH
Streptomycin
Thioacetazone
Rifampicin
Ethambutol

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

1.

ANTI - FILARIAL
Di-ethyl carbamazine

1.
2.
3.
4.

ANTI - MALARIAL
Chloroquin
Primaquin
Sulfadoxin Pyremethamine
Quinine Sulphate

1.
2.

CARDIOVASCULAR
Isosorbide Nitrate
Propranolol

1.

CARDIAC GLYCOSIDE
Digoxin

1.
2.
3.

Antacids
Aluminium Hydroxide
Magnesium Trisilicate
Ranitidine

1.
2.

Anti-emetics
Metoclopramide
Promethazine

1.
2.
3.

Antispasmodic
Atropine sulphate
Dicyclomin
Promethazine

ANTI - FUNGAL
Griseofulvin
Amphotericin B

1.
2.
3.

HAEMOPOIETIC
Ferrous Sulphate + folic Acid
Ferrous Fumarate + folic Acid
Folic Acid

1.
2.
3.
4.

ANTI - HYPERTENSIVE
Hydrochlorothiazide
Reserpine
Hydralazine
Atenlol

1.
2.
3.

DIURETICS
Frusemide
Spiranolactone
Mannitol

1.
2.
3.

LAXATIVES
Isapaghula husk
Paraffin, liquid
Glycerine

GASTRO INTESTINAL

Anti -Diarrhoeals
ORS packets
Loperamide Hydrochloride
(not for children)

1.
2.

HARMONES
Prednisolone
Hydrocortisone sodium succinate

1.
2.
3.

PSYCHO THERAPEUTIC
Imipramine
Chlorpromazine
Diazepam

1.
2.

OBSTETRICS
Methergin
Oxytocin

1.
2.
3.

VITAMINS /MINERALS
Ascorbic Acid
Vitamin A
Vitamin B complex

1.
2.
3.

ANTI DIABETIC
Insulin (plain)
Insulin (Lente)
Glibenclamide

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

RESPIRATORY
Anti asthmatic
Deriphylline
Aminophylline
Salbutamol
Terbutaline
Oxygen

1.

Anti-tussive
Codeine Phosphate

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

REHYDRATION ACID BASE
ELECTROLYTE balance
I.V. Dextrose
I.V. Sodium Chloride
I.V. Dextrose + Saline
I.V. Molar Lactate
I.V. Sodium Bicabonate
Potassium Chloride

SKIN & STD
1.
2.
3.
■ 4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Zinc Oxide Ointment
Whitfield ointment
Benzyl benzate
Neomycin+bacitracin
Gention violet
Miconazole ointment
Pencillin
Doxycyclin
Norfloxacin

1.
2.
3.
4.

EYE DROPS
Tetracycline
Pilocarpine
Humatropine
Chloramphenical '

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

ACCESSORIES
Water for injection
Hydrogen peroxide
Chlorhexidine
Absorbent Cotton
Gauze, small & large
Bandage
Butterfly (scalp) venesets 18,21,24
Sutures
Black braided silk
Mersilk
Catgut, plain
Catgut Chromic
Prolene, atraumatic
Vicryl
Cotton thread

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15
16.
17.

18.
19.
20.
21.

Suture Needles
Hypodermic Needles
Gloves, surgical
Ryles Tubes
Adhesive Plaster
Elastocrepe bandage
Plaster of Paris
Surgical Spirit
Drip set: administration; fluid, blood
Cannula, IV for venesection
Syringes
Catheters, plain
Catheters, Foley’s
Bleaching powder

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11
12.
13.

EMERGENCY DRUGS
Oxygen cylinders on trolleys, with
flow meters and mask
Dopamine
Hydro cortisone
Lignocaine
Atropine
Sodium Bicarbonate
Pralidoxime
Adrenaline
Mephentermine
Mannitol
Magnesium sulphate
Trachestomy set, 24,27,30,36

1.
2.
3.
4.

VACCINES & SERA
All vaccines as per National
Universal Immunization Programme
Anti Rabies serum
Anti Snake Venom Serum

DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS
As needed

This list has been prepared using the following lists for reference:
model list of essential list
Essential drugs in Primary Health Care in India, Southern region list, prepared at
National Seminar conducted by NIPCCD.
3. Lists of drugs received from Government and other sources
4. CHAI-CMAI formulary.
1.
2.

sSSEwriAl DRUGS LIST

MMSIIIUICS
Ether, Anaesthetic
Halothane
Thiopental
Nitrous Oiid»
Oaygen

Prepared by Community Health Cel"!

Tablets

Capsule--

(51

' (41

'

of Karnataka.

Injections ~

Syruo

(51

(61

Inhalation
Inhalation

0.5, aap
Inhalation
(Refer Earrgency Drugs)

ftKAlGESIC/AKUPTREUCS

Paratclaiol
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Indoae *clh i«
Ptnlaiocinr tactile
Pethidine
MU-ft LEF.GICS

.hlorphrniraains naleale *
•frcn» limine

Adrenaline
Deaaaelliasune
AHU-EPILEPTICS
fhruobirbitone
Diaiepaa
fhcn/l h Sodm a
Carbaeat<pini

*p
300(j./2it.i

WOtj.
300a,
200a,
(00a,

USq/Sal

35.)
. 30ag/tl
SOig/i!

(a,
l«H

25<1/>I

0.S1]

1 In 1000, hl up
4ij/il, 2«l Yial

io!)
lOOaj .
*1
100
Waj

5«7/5«l

200ag/al

30.)
10.)

2a9/5al ’

SOiQ/nl
-I-

100i]/4jI

SOOOOOU/fi l

2. Procalnt Ptncillln

(OOOOOUMil
2000000U/tlal

3. Itnaalhine Ptncillin



25.,

1. Itn:rl Pendllin



IOOOOOOV/tIiI

I

WOONU/yIiI

I200000UMH
2(OOOOOU/vh|

ill

(2)

(1)

(J>

fl)

(5)

(*)

171

ANII'IUKKUU

1. IKH
2. Slrtptoiycln
3. IhioKttnonr
1. lilaopich
5. Ethaib-jlol

100.)

If/vlal

150.J
(lefer tat
7M.|

iritMtIrtalttal
iff litionil
Mffctloiit Control Preprint I banned coibiaationi in the
of lubtrcoloihl
AHfl-riLMIAL
Pl-flhfl carbatarinr
MI-HMGK

Grittolvlio
fapMtrkia 1
AMI I-WIMIM,

Chlcrojula
friaaqiia
Svl hds> hifjr t tf thaiinr
Oviniot Sulphate

5*1
its.

I20oj/5d

j

SOog/vlil
!W«j bite
12.* 5
s.yoi]ir.25»i
3W»|

lOtj/il

JOOif/itp

wcwroicnc

rrrrovs Sulplult’f olic kid
Ferron fu«uati’folic Acid
Folic At id
CAX0I0VASCU.M
Aati-anflnil
Itosorbidf Nitrate
Propran-ilnl

2^'»|’0.5»|
*1I5O ’2/.«1
51

IO«j
*140ICM


1

(21

III

HI

14)

(7i .

III

(21

1)1

<l>

2. I.V. Sodiut Chloride
3. I.V. *SDeialitnrosr
e
4. I.V. fl>hr l.adalt
5. I.V. Sodiaa licvrbonate
i. Pohiiiua Chloride
YIIAflinS/fl MERAlS
. Ascorbic Acid
Vilaain A
. Vilnin 1 coaplet
SKIM I Sil

1. be r i rbj 11 tar
Aainophjl iae

I.

IlOa^/al

bOag/Sal

25a9/al

4.

2<j/5el

O.Sag/al

0-.,T3
• Anli-lmiTt
I. Codeine Ifcavphalr
flPilEIHCa

lakllalina

(i)

51,101 in 5>Jal
251,501 ia 2hl
•JI ia SOCil
|.5l‘S.0JI in Wtl
300a I
7.51 la IOal/25al i*p

1. I.V. Dtdro-.r

Mbl'IUUi

131

(71

IEHVORATIOM AGIO BASE aECMOlYTE balance

. line 0<i4r *i(oi<U«h
Whitfield (olaUtnll
PtM/l Beaioilr (tauhionl
. Utotycia»11ciIrac in
Gentian Violet
KiC'XUMla (oinl»»nll
Peni'illins
Ooiycrclia
Morfloiacio

•*

i^/30.1 la

IWa,
*A-» IU
T»i

M000 IU
Tn

50000 lU/al
Tn

Tti

21 (aialatc
21 (aialiic

251 Itailil
Bovdir, Ola

II lohlioa

21 laialau

(Ider AftU'lacteriilt aborel
(Beier Mi-li'ltriili above)
l»a;

C1E CP-JT-5
0.2ag/al
5 IU/.I
10 lU/al

I. IrlrKyclii
*
2. Pilocarpine
3. Hvaelropine
4. Chlor nphtaicol

II loinlaenl
Il (drop)

Il (drops!
Il lolalatal
0.<l (drapl

II

121

ill

14)

(4)

(5)

200ag/5al

(Refer Hortonti)
11 , 21
(Refer in Anthpataodlct)
(Refer Rehydration)
(Refer *)Antidote
(Refer Ihli-AIIergictl
(Refer frirelac
*!
(Refer Undated .>

Naler lor injection
tljdc'.gen peroivle
Chlorl.ea idine
Absorbent Colton
Saute, (aall 4 large
Bandage
duller fly (scalp) unite!
*,
18, 21, 21
*mature
flack braided till - 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, I, 3.0
Nertilk • 1.0, 2.0, 4.0
Catgut, plait - 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3, 3.0
Catgut, chre.ic - 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3.0
Prolene, atrauaalic - 1, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0
Vicryl • 5.0, 4.0, 3.0
Colton thread
lure *Needle
poderaic *Needle
O’*,/e surgical, 4, 6*1/2, 1
'les lubes

0.5g powd./vlal
1 in lOOO/al aap
ISag/el aap
2(1 la 350.1
501 in aap

<JI

<<l

<51

r, r, r width

VACCINES 4 SIRA
I. Al! *Vaccine a* per Mat tonal Universal hou..iiatinn frograne
2. Anti *fable Stria
■;
J. Atli $na
*e Venoa Strua
)
OIAW.IIC ACEnlS



* M»4td
A

*Aapule
4X Solution
41 W/V liquid

-7 —

ij. a6Smi»«

It. *lEiv<'aere bandage, V, 4* rol 11
15. Flatter al Fart
*
14. Surqical Spirit
IL Drip let : adainhtratloni fluid, blood
if. Cannula, IV for vene
*?ction, 14, If, 2? and paediatric files.
IL *Syringe
20. Catheter
*,
plain, 3, 4, ! •
*,
Catheter
**,Foley I, 12, IS, 20
21. Bleaching po«drr

ehergenct drugs

Oiygen *cylinder on trolley
*,
with
Flew otter
* and natk
Dopaaine
Hydro cortisone
lignocaine .
Atropine
Srdiua Bicarbonate
rralidoaiat
Adrenaline
HephenteraIne
Hannilol
IV'i wKi'it sulphite
*ylri>acl.e tel, 21, 27, 30, 34
ACCESSORIES

12)

ill
(71

*Hi list ha* btm prepared using the following list
* (or reference
I. V.H.fl, aodel lilt of essential 11*1,
2. Eitenlial drop in Friaary Health Care in India, Southern region list,
prepared at National Seninar conducted by NIPCCO.
3. list
* of drug
* received froa Governaenl and other *.inurce
I. CHAI-CMI foraulary.

Sal, |0aI *aip
10wl

(41

ESSENTIAL DRUGS LIST ; Prepared by Community Health Cell for Govt, of Karnataka.
...
SI.t"...Maae...........
of Drug
No.
(21
iWAESII CriCS
I. Ether, Anaesthetic
2. Halothane
J. Thiopental
(. Nitrous Oxide
S. Oxygen

Tablets
(31

Capsule
(41

Injections
' (5)

Syf'jo
(&l

Others
(7)
inhalation
Inhalation

0.5g aap

Inhalation
(Refer Emergency Drugs)

ANALGESIC/ANU PYREIKS

1. Paracetamol
2. Aspirin
5. ibuprofen
4. Indcaethicin
5. Pcnlatocine taclalp
S. Pethidine
AIIH-ALIERGICS

W0»g.
300ag
200og
400ag

1. Chlorphcnirmains oileale ;
". •fn.'selhizine
a ^Adrenaline

lag

•>

300ig.72al.aap

125ag/5al


25ag

25.,

25.,'

4. Dex atethasune
ANn-EPILEPHCS

0.5.,

1. Phenobarbitone
2. Diazepaa
J. Phrn^n Sodiun
4. Carb zepine

3O.Wagg
-!lO•#ag
100a? .
IGOxq

30ag/»|
50ig/«i

25ag/al

5ag/5«l

1 In 1000, lai aap
Ing/al, 2al vial

I. Atropine sulphate
2. Nagnesiua Sulphite
3. fnlidotiie
ANfl-IMICHVES

Anti-hehinlhic
I. Mebendazole
Anti-aaoebic
I. Metronidazole
Anti bacterial
1. Benzyl Pencil in

100ag/5al

2. Procaine Pencil in

3. Senulhine Pencil in

I. Tetracycline
5. Doxycycline
6. Chloraaphenicol
7. Co-triaoxazole
8. Erylhroayrin
9. Aaoxycil in
10. Ampicil in

250ag
JSO.g

!M'’

1,/viil

250ag
lOOag/vial
250ag ' 250ag/vial

I. Dipsone

2ag/5al
i00ag/431

500000U/via!
l000000U/Yial
400000U/vlal
2000000U/vial
600000U/vial
1200000U/vyiiaall
24OOOOOU/

lOOag

ami i -ifrsKr

200ag/al

. S-S/«l
50ag/al

(71
ANTIDOTES

Rifaapicin
Clofazimine

-2

ISO.g/5.1
no.,.5.200.,,5.1
125.,/S.l
125ag/5al
I25ag/5i|

(41
(II

(?)
ANT I-TUBERCULAR

(31

1. IKI
2. Streploaycin
3. Thioacetazone
t. Rihtpicin
5. Ethaabulol

IMaj

(4)

(51

(&>

Ig/viai
150ag
(Refer Anti-•Leprosy)
200ag
(Ovag
(Pleasetreataent
see NatofionalTubercul
Tubercul
o
si
s
Control
Prograaae
I banned coabinations in the
osis!
ANTI-FILARIAL
1. Di-ethyl carbaaatine
5- >q
AXfl-FUNGAL

1. Griseofulin
2. fapliutericin I
ANII-HAlARIAL

125.g

1. Chloroquin
2. Priaaquln
3. Sul fadoxin>Pyrea?lhaaine
(. Quinine Sulphate
HAEMOPOIETIC
!. ferrous Sulphale»Folic Acid
!. Ferrous fuaaraU>falic Acid
. Folic Acid
CARDIOVASCULAR
Anti-anginal
. Isosorbide Nitrate
. Propranolol

IQvag base
2.Seg
S.W0agip.25ag
JOOtg

(71

I. H/droc hlorothi ar ide

Cifdiic glycoside
I.

0.25ag/al

Digoxin

0IUFEHC3
lO.g/al

120>g/5al

2UI *iniu>ic.

3. Mannitol
IRO INIKIIHAl.
CAj

!. Ahniri i'a Hrdroeide
2. Pignesp.a Irisilicate
?. Ranitidine
Anti *eaetics
I. Metocloc,ra»ide

50ag/vial

40ag/«l

5ag/5al
(Fefer Mi Allergies)

300ag/aip


*g20C'»0.5fcg
ISQag^.'iag
Sag

fi'ifi spa-iodic
I. Atropine sulphate (Refer Anildoles)
2. Oic/cloain
3. *iFinei>sell>a. (Refer Anti-A|lergic$)
MH OlAfftNtfl/i
I. 0?.» Paehls •«•!) f'jrcjhl
2. l'.«per»»i
uride
(notdeforl rdrcchl
children;
LAfAflVES

IQag
It.,
40ag
3-

O.hag/il

(31
(2)
REHYDRATION ACID BASE ELECTROLYTE balance
1. I.V. Dextrose

(()

(II

> ,*..||

■'•■■■iQi'Sl

A!JH PUH I C
1. insulin (Fliin)
Insulin (lente)
2. 51 il-enc 1a* ide
?irC3 ’ “-JHIC
I. Inpraime
2. Chlorproiaune

j

Si*g

1. Ascorbic Acid
2. Villain A
3. Vitaiin B coiplex
SKIN I SID

CCA h

7"j«
IQag

5. Guzepat (Refer wili-Epileptics)
MVIRAhM
1. Deri phylline
2. AatrophyI I me

gI*Ov
|i)C«g

J. Saitrjlaid

?<j

<. Terbutaline

1. Zinc Oxide *N(oi>Unt
2. Whitfield (oinlaenU
3. Benzyl Benzoate (e*ulsion)
(. Ileoiycin’Bacitracin
5. Gentian Violet
h. fiicon-wole (oinl»»nl)
7. PeninIIins
8. Ooiycydin
?. Norfloxacin

<«9
2.5,5

5. Ocjg-a

■ Anti-tussive
® Codeine phosphate
OBiiEiaics

jn«j

I:. Hellirrgih
2. Oxytocin

O.?5a$

Ul

51.101 in MOil
251,501 m 2511
0.91 in 500il
0.51’5.0.91 in 50011
550 it
7.51 in *11011/25 a*p

2. I.V. Sodiui Chloride
3. I.V. Dextro$e»Salme
1. I.V. Kolar Lactate
. I.V. Sodiua Bicurboiule
6. Fotassiiji Chloride
VlUnil S/niNERALS

2. Hydrocortisone *st-di^ succinite
5. £<'••;»»>« ;.•••$ Ip
*;

IS)

100*9
iu

Yes

50000 IU
Yes

50000 lU/il
Yes

Yes

21 (□ in tier.
21 lolntiec •
251 (eiulsi
Pcider, Qin
11 solution
21 (ointien

(Refer Ant i-Bac ten a Is above)
(Refer Anti-Bacterials above)
(OOaj

CTE CMPS
*l0.2»g/
510 lU/il
lU/il

1. Telracyc li'i»
2. Pilocarpine
>. Huiatropine
1. Chlorasphenicol

IX (ointient
IX (drops)
IX (drops!
IX lointienl
0.1X (drops)

(II

<2>
EMERGENCY DRUGS
1. Oxygen cylinders on trolleys, with
flew aeters and task
2. Dopamine
3. Hydro cortisone
4. lignocaine
5. Atropine
6. Sodiua Bicarbonate
7. Tralidoriae
8. Adrenaline
9. Kephenleriine
10. Kannilol
II. *st1gin'i» sulphate
12. Irachestoay set, 24, 27, 30, 36
. ACCESSORIES

II)

(4)

(5)

(&>

(7>

2C0ag/5al
(Refer Horaones)

n , 21
(Refer in Antlspasaodics)
(Refer Rehydralion)
(Refer Antidotes)
(Refer fat i-Al I erg icsl
(Refer Diuretics!
(Defer Antidotes)

1. Hater for injection
2. '.lydacgen peroxide
3. Chlorhexidin?
1. Absorbent Cotton
5. Saure, saall 1 large
6, Bandage
7. Butterfly (scalp) venesets, 18, 21, 24
8. Sutures
Black braided silk - 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3, 3.0
Hersilk - 1.0, 2.0, 4.0
Catgut, plain - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, J, 3.0
Catgut, chronic - 1, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3.0
Prol
Victrylonene,thread
- alrauntic
5.0, 4.0, 3.-0 1, 1.0, 2.O, 3.0
Col
9. Suture Needles
10. Hypoderaic Needles
II. Gloves, surgical, 6, 641/2, 7
12. Ryles lubes

0.5g poxd./vial
I in 1000/al aap
ISag/al aap
2;I in 350al
S')l in aap

(51

VACCINES I SIRA
I. All Vaccines as per National Universal lai.j..i ration Prograaie
2. Anti Rabies Senn
•;
J. Anti Snake Venoa Serui
OIAGI.QMIC A6ENIS

flapules
61 Solution
41 H/V Liquid

-7"

ill
121
(JI
(41
13. Adhesive Plaster, (’, 4’ doth
14. fhducrrpe bandage, 7’, 4' rolls
15. Pinter of Paris
16. Surgical Spirit
17. Drip set : adiinistration: fluid, blood
18. Cannula, IV for venesection, 16, 19, 22 and paedialric sires
II. Syringes
20. Catheters, plain, 5, 6, 9 •
Catheters, Foley's, 8, 12, IS, 20
21. Bleaching ponder

As needed
This list has been prepared using the following lists lor reference
I. M.H.O. aodel list of essential list,
7. Essential drugs in Priaary Health Care in India, Southern region list,
prepared at National Sednar conducted by NIPCCO.
3.4. LiCHAIsts-CHAIof drugs
foraulrecei
ary.ved froa Government and other sources.

5al, 10a! asps
10d

(61

\(7I

l.'SI

: PrePared bY Community Health Cell for Govt, of Karnataka.

Tablets
(3)

Capsule
(41

Injections
(5)

Syrua
(61

iWAESIUHICS
I. Ether, Anaesthetic
2. Hiialhiee

Others
(7)

(2)
AXflOOTES
1. Atropine sulphate
2. Xigneii j. Sulphate
3. Pralidotiie
Axri-WECTIVES
<11

(. Xi Iren Oiide
5. Oiyqen

Anli-htl.inlhic
I. ttebendnole '
Anli-noebic
1. hetronidizole

AXALGK®/ftMriPTR6nr.S

Anti bacterial
• Benzyl Pencil in

3.

Thiopental

Par icflnol
Asp ir in
Ibuprofen
|r.dc«elhKin
Peali ocine liclile
Pethidine
iVin-ALLEGClCS

*l300i
.i p g./2

*,SOO
.
300«q
200ag
(00*9

I25q/5.l

25«9

lag
IC'ig
25*g

Adrenaline
OemrlliHune
Md-EFILEPnCS

O.Sag

fheiiobirbi tone
Oia:e;u
Phenyl •< Sodius
C«r?ati«epir<3

*93060*g
—(Oagj
1001)
(COxq
2'Ms)

til

* g/
l30i
50ig/<|

2Siq/it

Sig/Sil

I In 1000, lil up
Ug/il, 2tl rill

-1-

171

*l (pa
4g/|0

lOOig

100ig/3.1

*g200
lOOig

IOOig/5»l

500000U/rii|
IOOOOOOU/yIiI

25O«9
100.)
2.0ig

r.8Q19»S*9.400
250q
1

400000U/»li|
2000000U/rh|
600000U/»h|
1200000U7
*i
11
24OOOOOU/Ti l

Ig/viil

*9
250
lOO.g/Yiil
*9250 . - 250ig/Ti—il

Aiiiiirrsosr

*g/i|
200

SO.g/al

(6)

0.5g pond, in till

• Procilne Pencil Un

Iilficycllnt
Doxycycline
Ch lor 1ephenicol
Co-triiomole
Erythroiycin
A*oiycillin
A.picillin

(51

0.6ig/il

Bcnuthine Pencil in

25*1

Chlorphcnira.ins oileile
•Prcselh-nint

(3)

2ig/5i| ’
^OOag/lal
-2-

150ig/5il
*sr.<o.,
.7ao. g/3.i
I75iq/5.|
I25i}/5il
I25ig/5il

(5)

(1)
AN1I-WHKU.AR

IW
Slreptoeycia
Ihioacelaioeie
iilatpicis
Ethitbulol

!OOtj

(71

(21
*tensit-hycve
rAnl
H/dr ochlorothi«ide
Kcserpine
Urdratatmr
A** hl
n<i

Ij/titl
150t;
(Refer Anli-leproty)
*?
JOO
<0v*3
irieisfIrcaittnl
irt XilofionilTubercul
lubercol
c
si
s
Control
Progrmt
L bn.nrd cotbin)Lions in the
osis)
MH-nitflAL

Mil -FUXGM.
Gr i srolulin
/tpnottrkia )
AK!|« Ml ARIAL
ChloroQuin
Pfittquin
Sul **hdotiniryre tha
* jne
Quinine Sulphate
HAEWPDiniC
Trrrous SulpLale'Folic Acid
ftrr'w futarale‘Folic Acid
folic Acid
CMD10VASCIA.AP.
Anti-anglnal
hojorbide Nitrate
Propranolnl

*3
125

S4*3/vlal
10v*g have
32.* 5
*gS.5O0»g«r.25
*3
300

40t;/tl

Kr loiloNHide
*«h
ft

JOOig/aip

Atropine snlphale (Refer Antidotes)
DiqcImia

rrvtrlU.’i'iP (kcljr Anti-Allergicsl
ANTI DIATSWttS

* 10.5
3200
*3l5>2.0 S«g
S>3

OPS PadelioS-’l Furauhl
*irl«d#?ne (not forHrdrochl
children)uride
LAfAlIVcS
Isr-aghula host
Paraffin, liqiid
Glycerine

IO«g
*340IC-tg
-3-

Granules
liquid b/ i
Suppositorf

°.L..S-.!SI.

SI.
Xo.(11

Man of Drug
(2)

: preMr<xi by Community Health Cell for Govt, of Karnataka.

Tablets
(51

Capsule
’ HI

Injections
(51

Syrua
(41

*Other
(11

4g/|0il l^>»

»wa-snin ics

Ether, Anaesthetic
Halothane
Thiopental
Xitrcui Oiide
Oiygen

Inhalation'
Inhalation

0.5g up
Inhalation

(Refer E *ergency Drugs)

Anti bacterial
1. 8en.-y| Penci 11 in

AXMESIC/MflPTREnCS

Parxctnol
Aspirin
Ibuprofen
Ir.dc.e *Clh in
Penlaaocine lactate
Pethidine
A.1H-M.LE&GICS
Chlcrphtnimins Daleale
■Frcs'lharine

Anti-he IaiAthic
1. Hebenduole '
Anli-aiotbic
1. hetronidarole

JOOig,/2i1.a*p

*gW0.
*g
300
200aq
*q(GO

!25ig/5il


25*9

25*9

*g30/»l
SOig/«l

lag
Kuq

25ag/il

*)
0.5

1 in 1000, hl aip
dig/il, 2«i Yial

Adrenaline
Oeiairl >a>une
ANn-E?IL£PnCS
Fhruobarb i tone

40i30*9 g

*9/11
200

Phea/l n Sodios
*a;<pine
Carha

1001)
2'lOWOiagg

*l50ig/

*l5g/5

lOOig

I00ig/5il

200»g
(OOag

lOOig/511

2. Procaine Pencil in
3. Bentalhint Pencil in
1. lelracycllnt
5. Doxycycline
4. Chloramphenicol
/. Co-triioxaaole
8- Erythroiyrjn
1. Aioiycillin
10. Aipicillin
A.’iiiirrnfisr

250ig
1001)
250ig

Ig/vlal

250ig
25O.g .

100ig/Yial
250ig/Yial

I.SOig»S.4001)
250»g

SOag
lOihj

^OOag/hl

SOOOOOU/rial
lOCOOOOJ/vi al
<00000U/»lal
2000000U/Tial
400000U/rtal
ZlHOOOOOU/
OOOOOU/vrllaall

*g
150
3'* 10 g
30.g
100.g
-2-

ISOig/Sil
T. (OigiSJOOig/Sil
I25ig/3il
I25tg/5il
I25ig/Sil

(7) .

Ill

(I)

(2)
(J)
KEHrORATIOX AGIO BASE ELECIROCTTE bilaace

51,101 in 500*1
251,501 ia 25*1
0.71 ia 500
*1
0.51'5.0.71 ia 500*1
500al
7.51 ia *110/25 up

I. I.V. Oedro'.e

ZS-p/al

*!
lag/

I0U/.1
(OU/al

I.

*iIne
;ra

2.

Chlc.'rroti.'inr

3.

2. I.V. Scdiut Chloride
3. I.V. Dritrosr'SaIme
4. I.V. frihf Ijclde
5. I.V. *Sodju BicurbouHf
6. *Potassla Chloride
VIIA.1IU5/rtlNERALS
SCOOO IU

&u:?r»» (Refer Anti-Epileptics)

. Imt Ocidf (oint«Ml
. Vhili eld (omUeat)
Fe'url PmoHe (e»ultionl
l eoaycio'tKitncin
Genina Violel
*/rini>le:un loinl»»ntl
Feniril ins
Oorycyclin
liorlloiKin

RrwICiluKj

4. Trrbrtihnr
5. O'.jT-a
' Anti *
1. Codeine I bosptalr
OPilEIzlG

50000 IU/.I

(Refer Anti-Sac teria Is above)
(Refer Anti-Bacleriah above)
* j
<00

-Iwssiy

CTE CROW
9/
*!0.2

510 IlJ/al

IU/.1

felracyclin?
Pilocarpine
Hi'«alr opine
Chloraiphenicol

ll ioialaenl
Il (iropd
11 (drops)
ll Iciataeat
0.(1 (drops)

(7)

(1)
EnCRGENCY DRUGS

I. Dayqen cylinders on trolleys, with
t lev meters and mask
2. Dopamine
3. Hydro cortisone
4. lignocaine .
5. Atropine
6. Sodium Bicarbonate
7. fralidcxime
9. Adrenaline
1. Mephe.nlermlne
|0. Nanni tel
II. N’-n*si«i s'l phsle
12, I rad.es I cm y sei, 74, 27, 30, 36
ACCESSORIES

200mg/5ml

(Refer Hormones}

Il , 21
(Refer in Antispasmodics!
(Refer Rphydration)
(Refer Antidotes)
(Refer Anli-AIlergics)

(Refer Oi-irelicsl
defer Antidotes) .>

I. All Vaccines as per National Universal l*u«..iration Programme
2. Anti Rabies Senn
3. Anti Snake Veno» Serum
OlAGKOHir

61 Solution
41 M/7 liquid

I. Bandage
7.

7

151

VACCINES I SIRA

agehIS

I. Miter lor injection
2. l /di.'i-jrn per-able
3. Chlorl>fiidin»
I. Absorbent Colton
5. Saure, small I large

Butterfly Iscalp) Yenesets, IB, 21, 24
8. Sutures
Black braided silk - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3, 3.0
Rersilk - 1.0, 2.0, 4.0
Catgut, plain - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3, 3.0
Catgut, chromic - I, 1.0, 2, 2.0, 3.0
Fro
atraumati
Victlryloenaf,t-hread
5.0,
4.0,c3.-0 1, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0
Cot
9. Suture Needles
10. Hypodermic Needles
It. Gloves, suigiral, 6, 641/2, 7
12. R>l»s lubes

0.5g poxd./vial
I in 1000/ml amp
tSig/al amp
201 in 350ml
SOI in amp

(31
(4)
ill
(2)
13. Adhesive Plaster, r, 4* vfdlh
14. Eli'lucrepe bandage, 2’, 4" rolls
15. Plaster ol Paris
16. Surgical Spirit
17. Crip set : administration: fluid, blood
IB. Cannula, IV lor venesection, 16, 17, 22 and paediatric sires
17. Syringes
20. Catheters, plain, 3, 6, ? '
Catheters, Foley's, 8, 12, 16, 20
21. Bleaching po»der

As needed
This list has been prepned using the folloxing lists for reference
I. M.H.O. model list of essential list.
2. Essential drugs in Primary Health Care in India, Southern region list,
prepared al National Seminar conducted by XIPCCO.
J.4. lists
of drugs
CHAI-CMI
formulrecei
ary.ved from Government and other sources.

5m|, 10*1 asps
10*1

(61

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QUOTES

"As commodities, prescription drugs behave

differently from most other items
*

they are

products that the ultimate consumer rarely
selects for himself, The producer *
s

sales

effort are directed at the "instrumental

consumer", the doctor who prescribes but

does not pay for the product....Physicians
receive their most intensive in-service from

agents o,' the chemical industry."

- Ivan Illich in

•Limits to Medicine

"In 1973, the entire drug industry spent
aii average of #4500 on each practising

physician (in U..5.A.) for advertising and

promotion".
~ Ivan Illich in

liimits
*

to Medicine

uiUc

CS j ' u S ’

2-

A handout prepared as guidelines for exploration
of the theme with the participants of the Health
Management Course at St John’s Medical College,

Bangalore

A Rational Drug Policy (issues and prospects)

1,

"Eternal vigilance is required to ensure that

the health care system does not get medicalised,
that the doctor-drug producer axis does not exploit
the people and that the abundance of drugs does not
become a vested interest in ill-health".

—ICMR/ICSSR Health for All Report,

2.

i.

1981

Understanding Irrationalities of the present situation
45000 formulations available in India while WHO

says 200 are essential and Hat'nic Committee in India

says 116 are essential.
ii.

Twenty percent of drugs are substandard and spurious

iii.

The formulations available includes

—irrational combinations
—hazardous drugs
—banned drugs and bannable drugs

—costly drugs
iv.

Inadequate drug legislate011 and drug control

v.

Shortages and non-ffValiability of essential drugs

vi.

Non availability

vii.

Unethical medical advertising and drug company

and life saving drugS
unbiassed drug information

sponsored mlsinforrnation

2

2

viii.

Irrational prescribing practices of medical
profession induced by doctor-drug producer axis

ix.

Tonics, vitamins and enzymes are in excess whereas
anti-TB and anti-leprosy drugs and Vit. A are in

short supply.

x.

Drug policy is an industrial policy not a health policy.

xi.

Increasing prices or inadequate price control

xii.

Drugs as a substitute for caring—new medical culture.

3.

Some_issues

a.

Brand vs. Generic names

b.

Drug/business - dumping
transfer pricing
profit orientation
mis-information
corrupting control systems
doctor-drug producer axis

(one of the biggest and most profitable business
in the world today).
c.

Inadequacies in Medical/Nursing education and



Consumer Awareness/consdmer protection forums

e.

Absence of health personnel's continuing education

f.

Floor moppers to Tap turners off

health team training

- the increasing role of preventive/promotive health care

4.

i.

Components of_a_Rational_Dru2_Policy

Drug availability/production in eonsonance with health
with health needs of the people.

3

3
iio

Elimination of irrational, useless and hazardous drugs

iii.

Low cost drugs in adequate quantities particularly

iv.

Adequate quality control and drug control

v.

Availability of unbiased drug information and ethical

essential/priority drugs

marketing of drugs

vi.

Drug legislation reform

vii.

Generic prescribing

viii.

Technological self reliance

ix.

Increase drug availability through fair price shops
and government health infrastructure

x.

Training of health personnel in Rational therapeutics
and rational drug policy.

i.

Educate yourselve.

on rational drug pblicy

and rational therapeutic issues.

ii.

Share and disseminate information to all staff and

colleagues in hospital and associated centres.
iii.

Adopt essential drug list using cost, efficacy,

safety

and quality as criteria. Evolve a hospital formulary

and purchase and stock drugs in accordance with this.

iv.

Adopt 'generic' concept during purchasing, prescribing

and dispensing drugs.

v.

Weed out the following types of drugs from the hospital
pharmacy;

a.

banned and bannable drugs

4

b.

Irrational combinations

co imitative or me-too drugs
d.

costly drugs with cosmetic embellishments

and elegant packaging

e.
vi.

vii.

Drugs with inadequate evidence of greater value

Avoid injection and tonic practice

Avoid drug industry linkages—gifts, sponsorship,
unethical trade discounts and other forms of inducement
bulk purchasing and or supports cooperative

Adopt
viii.

purchasing and production ventures.

ix.

Evolve a system of health education on drugs (use,
misuse and overuse) for patients and also a continuing

education for hospital personnel.

x.

Join and participate in groups at local/regional/

state/national level who are interested in rational
therapeutics/rational drug policy/consumer awareness

issues.
xii.

seek information on other forms of treatment.

Adopt open policy to rationally tested non-allopathic
systems and non-drug therapies and incorporate in
work.

xii.

Promote 'Health for All
*

priorities:

a. simple home remedies;

b. health education

c.

community health initiatives;

d.

development programme; e. community organization and

awareness building.
^....5

5

SugcjestionS-for^Reading

1. A Rational Drug Policy (All India Drug Action

Network and Voluntary Health Association of
India publication Rs.20.00).
2.

Banned and Bannable drugs, Health Action Series 2,

VHAI publication, Rs.10
3.

4.

Towards a People Oriented Drug Policy
(Medical Service, Vol 41 No.9 Oct-Nov 1984
and Vol 42, No.l January 1985, CHAI)
Drugs-Fact, Fallacy and Fraud

The Journal of Christian Medical Association of India,
Vol LX, September 1983, No.9
5.

Getting Essential Drugs to People
CONTACT, No.63 August 1981.

6.

Strengthening & Regulating the Supply, Distribution

and Production of Basic Pharmaceutical Products,
CONTACT No.73, June 1983.

7.

8.

The Use of essential Drugs, WHO Tech Report Series 722 (1988)
Tonics, How Much an Economic Waste, Kamala Jaya Rao,

medico friend circle bulletin, November 1976.
9.

The Dangerous Drug List, Claude Alvares, Illustrated Weekly

of India, 12 July 1987.
10.

Formulary and Therapeutic Guide, Kurji Holy Family Hospital

January 1983

Items 1,

2, 7, 8,

10 available from VHAI,

South of IIT, New Delhi 110016.

40 Institutional Area,

18

T)p. - lLj-

THE HINDU, Sunday, August 25, 1985.

X

Crosadfer agamst
dragamperiaOsm
R. ZAFRULLAH Chowdhury, who won
this year's Ramon Magsaysay award for
community leadership, said he would continue
his struggle against multi-national and other pro­
fit-mongering international drug companies,
"who exploit the developing Third World counIries like Bangladesh by pursuing their policy
of medicine-imperialism';
Dr. Chowdhury, the 43-year energetic Bangla­
desh physician, who in 1972 founded the "Gano
-Sasthya Kendra" (Peoples Health Centre), a
medical service complex mainly for the rural
poor, at Savar, some 35 km off the capital city,
told this correspondent in an exclusive inter­
view in Dhaka that he was "happy" with the
news of the Magsaysay award.
"I am particularly happy that the cause for
which we in Bangladesh are fighting has been
recognised by the international forum. This is
a recognition of our war against multi-national
exploiters who trade on the ignorance of the
millions of suffering humanity." Dr. Chowdhury
said adding, “but we still have to go a long
way to materialise our dream".
A freedom fighter in 1971's war of liberation,
Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, who had become
one of the most debatable men in Bangladesh
not only for his role in the medical service but
also in politics (although he is not a member
of any political party) was given the prestigious
Ramon Magsaysay award worth U.S.$20.000
and a gold medal in recognition for engineering
Bangladesh's new policy on pharmaceutical
drugs and making comprehensive medical care
available to ordinary people.
Restless
and
mobile,
Dr.
Zafrullah
Chowdhury, during his student life in the Six­
ties. was an activist against Field Marshal Ayub
Khan's regime, and later known in the country
as a man of “progressive political line". During
the liberation war in 1971, he was in London
doing FRCS degree but he left U.K. along with
some of his friends to join the war.

D

A man of serious conviction and action, Dr.
Chowdhury came to India in the midst of the
war and started a field-hospital near the Indo­
Bangladesh border to treat the wounded free­
dom fighters. After the independence of the
country In December 1971, he shifted his small
war-time hospital at Savar and began his work
by constructing a small building after getting
a donation of an acre of land from two local
phllanthrophists.
Within 13 years, the energetic Chowdhury
spread his projects over 40 acres of land and
his "Gano-Sasthya Trust" has been expanded
to a great extent. At present. Dr. Chowdhury
has 23 self-reliant units where over one
thousand people work. He employs over 65
per cent women, mostly from the poorer sec­
tions of society, in his projects including the
"Gano-Sasthya Pharmaceuticals Ltd"—which
has become one of the leading medicine pro­
ducing industries in the country within few
years. His philosophy to recruit a higher per­
centage of women in his projects was that the
women, who constitute half of the country's
population, are the most exploited and they
should get proper support to stand on their
own feet.

One of the specialities of Dr. Chowdhury's
projects Is that all these are designed and run
on a self-reliant basis. The "Gano-Sasthya
Trust", among others, has health magazine publi­
cations. printing, agriculture, confectionary.
cloth, shoe and furniture producing units. The
people who work are all treated equal. There
is no bureaucratic structure. All workers, includ­
ing Dr. Chowdhury, eat the same food and get
the same standard of accommodation. "GanoSasthya Kendra1 is a 'socialist' complex where
Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury Is teaching his “self-de­
signed socialism", In the very functioning of
the complex.
There
Is another speciality of Dr.
Chowdhury, In that the people who intend to

Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury
work with "Gano-Sasthya Projects" should be
non-smokers. All the workers must get up in
the morning and work in the field for a specific
time before going to their respective units. All
the women workers in the project must know
how to ride a bicycle. They must move from
door to door in the villages to motivate people
about the primary health care. In the initial days.
Dr. Chowdhury's plan to send women into the
villages on bicycles was vehemently opposed
by many people. But now they have realised
the usefulness of the women "Gano-Sasthya
" workers, who educate the villagers not only
in matters of health but also helps them to in­
crease their farm output.
Dr. Chowdhury's "Gano-Sasthya Pharma­
ceuticals", during the last two years, has been
producing almost every essential drug and has
become a competitor of the big multi-national
companies. "I have been a target of the medic­
ine-imperialist because I wanted to help my
people by supplying them with cheaper and
more useful medicine." he said.
In 1978's Presidential elections. Dr. Zafrullah
Chowdhury played a pioneering role in nominat­
ing General Ataul Ghani Osmany. a retired
General and the Commander-in-Chief of the
Bangladesh liberation forces in 1971, as the
principal candidate against the President. Lt.

Gen. Ziaur Rahman. Although Dr. Chowdhury's
nominee failed to win the electoral battle, he
successfully projected his political views
throughout the country. With this direct in­
volvement in politics, Dr. Chowdhury, who until
then was known mainly as a "Crusader" again­
st the multi-nationals in the pharmaceutical sec­
tor. also became known in the political arena.
While explaining his past political role, the
Magsaysay winner told this correspondent "...
I was trying to establish a cause—a justice.
that is. cheaper and easier health care to the
poorest section of our society. Our poor and
simple hearted people had been exploited by
the multi-national giants for many years. I could
not succeed earlier because there was no politi­
cal support. Well. I am not at all out of politics
as I believe that without political backing it
would be very difficult to implement my ideas.
So. I supported and worked for Gen. Ataul
Ghani Osmany in the Presidential elections..."
The Magsaysay award winner, however.
thanked President Lt. Gen. Hussain Mohammad
Ershad for his government's "sincere will" to
frame and implement the much debatable Na­
tional Drug Policy. With the new drug policy
the military regime of Gen. Ershad has drastical­
ly banned over 300 drug items overnight des­
cribing them as "useless and injurious to
health".

Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, who was in the
eight-member committee to frame the new
drug policy said. "... We also tried persistently
to frame and implement such a drug policy
during the time of the former government, but
failed. I must thank President Ershad for his
sincere will in this regard and. of course, his
government's courage to implement it despite
repeated threats from very powerful external
quarters". If I do not praise Ershad it would
be a distortion of historical facts".
The debatable drug policy of Bangladesh
which was approved by the Council of Ad­
visors of Gen. Ershad on May 29, 1982 and
acclaimed in many quarters was still under pres­
sure. Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury was not just a
member of the committee, but played a vital
role in its framing and implementation. He said
that the new drug policy was not only an
“achievement" of the present government but
also "a step forward" in providing cheaper medical service to millions of people who suffer
from malnutrition and die of simple diseases
for want of medicine. "The medicine industry
should not be compared with the industry
which produces warheads. It should be a ser­
vice-oriented industry and the companies
which are involved should stop trading on
human miseries." Dr. Chowdhury remarked
Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury married a German

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10

MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY PROFILE OF KARNATAKA AND REQUIREMENT

OF ESSENTIAL'DRUGS FOR PRIMARY HEALTH CARE_________________________

*Vasundhra.M.K.

The State of Karnataka with a population over three crores
consists of twenty districts as administrative upits.

The demo-

—graphic profile and the availability of health care institutions

are indicated in Table.1 .

The incidence and deaths during the

year 1988 (Table 2) indicate that the communicable diseases pre­

dominate as cause of sickness as death.

Tuberculosis, Acute

Respiratory Infections, Diarrhoeal Disorders and Malaria are
priority areas.

increasing.

The incidence of P,Falciparum infection is.

The vaccine preventable diseases are at high and

unacceptable level.

The viral infections of public health

importance are measles, Japanese Encephalitis and K.F.D. which
is peculiar to Karnataka.

The most affected age group is below

15 years and the average number of episodes per person per

year is 3.

The nutritional disorders include anaemia, protein-energy
malnutrition Vitamin A deficiency and endemic goitre.
The noncommunicable disorders like ca .cer, Cardiovascular diseases and

accidents are increasing.

Majority of cancers consist of

Carcinoma of Oesophagus among males and carcinoma of cervix among
females.

53.2% of cancers among males and 37.0% of cancers

among females are tobacco- related and thus preventable.

The management of these maladies need judicious use of
drugs thereby saving resources - both human and financial.

The practice of drug utilisation in the country - Karnataka
being no exemption - presents a pathetic pieture.
(1)

All drugs are not available to everyone as and when needed.

(2)

The available drugs are not appropriate as these do not

(3)

The fraudulent practices help pump spurious drugs in the

(4)

The avaiability of a large number of drugs under various

meet the health care needs of the majority of community.

market.

brand names (70% drug) confuses both the practitioner and
the patient.

'
i

Aggressive advertisements, colourful and

* rofessor
P
and Head of Department of Preventive and Social1.
Medicine, Bangalore Medical College, Bangalore.

2
high-sounding literature along with additional incentives by
pursuasive sales representative tend to push new drugs across

the doctor's desk.

Few doctors pause and question the desir-

-ability of a new drug.

The incidence of Iatrogenic disorders

is on the increase.
(5)

The poly pharmacy is a common practice in the fond

hope that atleast one of the prescribed drugs would be therapu—
-tically effective.

Our study of drug prescription by medical

officers indicated preference of three drugs on an average per
disorder.

Even the self-limiting drugs are treated aggressively.

This "shot-gun therapy" damages both the patient and his pocket.

(6)

The transnational companies continue to dump drugs

of doubtful value in developing countries.

Precious foreign

exchange is thus lost (40% of total health budget) on acquiring
these drugs thus straining,. the already constrained economy.

O

There is little available for preventive and prentive and promotive
measures.
(7)

The poor patient compliance calls for the need for

informed public.
(8)

The availability of OTC drugs promotes self ad-

-ministration.

Very often the experienced patient prescribes

dangerous prugs to fellow beings.

.
(9)

The drug indents are often place on basis of previous

drug indents which neither meet the needs of the community nor take
into consideration the changing demographic profile/ availability g

health facilities training status of the community and the budget

provisions.

Essential drugs should not only be theraputicglly effective

and reasonably safe but should cater to the health care- needs of
the majority of the population, being available at all time

ensuring adequate quantity and quality.

The accessibility of

drugs within one hour walking distance and inclusion of local

traditional medicines of proven theraputic value would ensure
its acceptability by the community.

Rationale use of drug needs

continuous monitoring and evaluation.

y
T
* he

drug indents should be place on basis of morbidity nrofile,

3

The drug requirement will vary at various levels.

An

attempt is made herein to enlist the most essential drugs at

village sub-centre and P H C level (Table

).

The pharmaceutical supply systems is thus one of the most

critical issues of primary health care in our country.
concern should,

therefore, be to provide the right drug,

right dosage, at right place in right time.

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10

KERALA

Area

=

38,864 Sq. Km

Districts

=

14

Taluks

=

61

Villages

=

1451

Develop Blocks

=

151

Panchayatts

=

999

Municipalities

=

44
1

Township

=

Muncipal Corporations

=

3

Population
( 81 cencus )

=

254.5 laks

Estimate 1990

=

296.7

Density of population _
per Sq. KM

655

Total literacy

=

70.42%

No. of M.C

=

5

No. of Govt. Hospital =

159

Private/Local bodies

=

1894

Total

=

2 05 3

=

73684

=

4374

Community H.C

=

29

Average population
served by ;
Sub Centre
H.
f.
Centre
C.H.C

=
=
=

5268
31913
764000

Total No: Beds

No. of PHC

722

■ Sub centres

Per capita expenditure
on Med. & Public Health
17.3%

Budget

Rs. 60/-

(86-87)

Birth Rate

=

19. 9

Death rate

=

6.2

27

IMR (1988)
M.M.R

=

1.3

Couple protection rate=

58

Life expectancy:
Male
Female

67
70

Dr. D.K. Nair
Drug Controller
KERALA.

"

=
=f

m/pd
27690

DEMOGRAPHY
1.

Total population of India

:

6851.8 lakhs

2.

Total population of A.P.

:

53549673

3.

Andhra Pradesh Contains

:

27379 villages

4.

By 1-1-1988 In A.P.

:

1083 PHCs
6994 Subcenters
31 Upgrade PHCs
34 Tribal Area PHCs

HEALTH MANPOWER IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
(Number of persons trained upto 31-3-1987 in A.P.)
Medical Officers (at PHCs)

:

1399

Multipurpose workers (M)

:

7946

Multipurpose workers (F)

:

6860

Health Assistants (M)

:

2718

Health Assistants (F)

:

1415

Health Guides

:

35624

Dais

:

441Mb

TOTAL HOSPITALS & BEDS IN A.P.

Hospitals

Buds

Rural

165

3716

Urban

450

32684

Total

615

36400

VITAL STATISTICS
Estimated Annual Birth Rates In A.P. per 10U0 Population
>

Combined
Rural
Urban
: xra v. r* ras rss re rs m

—: rrx t x st: rrt. t= trs «=

t=i sn iru c -.

1983

1984

1985

1986

30.8
31.5
28.4

31.2
31.4
30.6

29.9
29.8
30.2

31.6
32.4
28.7

ca r n «= ex •:: i cu =cc T= » -> e-.:

x« I.'S It? >r. .« ch l—

as !s»;h la :sr. tra

:ra d : : era <u ci

Estimated Annual Dealt) Rates In A.P. per 10011 pnpiilai Inn
Combined
Rural
Urban

1983

1984

1985

1986

10.4
11.2
7.2

11.0
11.7
8.6

10.3
11.1
7.3

9.9
10.7
7.1

INFANT MORTALITY RATES IN INDIA (Per 1000 I Ive births)
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1988

Rural

Urban

Combined

114
114
113
107
105

65
66
66
59
62

105
105
104
97
96
98

INFANT MORTALITY RATES IN A.P.
1972
1978
1980
1986

Rural

Urban

Combined

128
120
103
87

65
62
40
59

116
112
. 92
82

AGE SPECIFIC DEATH RATES IN INDIA (1984)

Age Group

0 - 4
5 - 9
10 - 14

Rural

Urban

Male

Female

Male

Female

53.2
5.0
2.2

59.3
5.4
2.3

31.1
2.4
1.6

33.3
2.9
1.2

EXPECTATION OF LIFE AT BIRTH (YEARS)

E0

1951-61

1961-62

1980

India
A.P.

41.62
36.9

41.7 '
44.4

54.4
55.7

MORTALITY & MORBIDITY PROFILES

REPURILD CALLS & DLA1IIS UUL IO SUMI. DILI ALLS
A.P.

INDIA

Cholera

"
Dysentery
G.E.
Diptherla
Whooping Cough
Tetanus
Measles
Polio
Tuberculosis
Enteric Fever
Chickenpox
Influenza
Viral Encephalitis
Viral Hepatitis
Meningococcal Infection
Rabies & Dog Bi-tes

Cases

Deaths

Cases

Deaths

11423
8741081
1338594
10057
162506
29167
228166
22021

224
2109
462 1
329
76
4522
639
708

206
954741
747 //
737
24469
3505
. 19644
3484
125789
18543
1339
216817
1956
11109
2580
1349

11
290
659
23
12
486
64
66
1182
37
2
9
295
128
■ 90
126

SEASONAL INCIDENCE OF CERTAIN DISEASES
III QUARTER IV QUARTER

I QUARTER

II QUARTER

Jan Feb Mar'

Are w nyJ Jul 30$ SGT ocT Ajoif dgc

UXOCQOC

Diarrhoea
1066
Encephalitis
80
Pyogenic Meningitis
102
Pneumonia
165
Nutritional Disorders
294
Rheumatic heart disease 41
Septicemia
60 .
AGN & Nephrotic Synd.
62 '
Tuberculosis
112
Bronchltls/Bronchlolltis 92

1428
69
91
135
240
28
85
56
93
80

1261
82
111
105
267
49
70
89
94
111

998
101
100
126
245
45
73
60
124
100

PROFILE OF COMMON DISEASES IN INDIA
1.

2.

Polio Myelltles:
- In A.P., prevalence rate of pollo/1000 children In 5 to
9 years age : Rural = 6.4; Urban = 5.3

- Percentage ol Pollu Myelltles as cause ol lameness
A.P. Rural - 49.4; Urban - 66.8

In

- Annual Incidence of Polio Myelltles/100 children in
to 4 years. Rural = 1.7; Urban = 1.4

0

Tetanus:
- Estimated mortality rate from tetanus Is
Rural - 13.3/1UUU live births
Urban- 3.2/1000 live births'

- Nealry a quarter million infants died in first month of
life.
3.

Pertusls:
- Around 3 lakh cases reported annually

4.

Measles:
Estimated no. of cases was 0.96 millions in 1977.
case fatality rate is 1 to 3 percent.

5.

Tuberculosis:
- 10 million patients in India.
- A quarter of them are Infectious.
- 5 lakh deaths occur annually from T.B. Most of them
children below 15 years.

The

in

6.

Diarrhoeal Diseases:
- About 10% of total infant deaths are due to diarrhoea.
- An estimated 1.5 million children under 5 yr die of it.

7.

A.R.I.:
- Over 17% of infant deaths are on this account.
- Upto 40% of O.P. patients and upto 35% of Inpatients
are children below 5 years.
- Case fatality rate is 10 to 16%.

8.

Rheumatic Heart Disease:
- Estimated prevalence rate is 6/1000 population.
- About 2 million children between 5 & 15 yrs of
suffer from rheumatic fever and R.H.D.

age

9.

Hookworm Infestation:
- The south, east & west coasts of India ■ are
infested. Of 359 million affected in Asia, 205
are in India.

10.

Fllarlasis: About 14 million persons have it. A larger
No. are micro filaria carriers. 304 million in endemic areas.

- .
heavily
million

Nil I IM I INN
Percentacie Distribution of Malnourished Children 1-5
(1980) G(JMEZ

India
A.P.

years

N

Normal
90%

Mild
75-90%

Moderate
60-75%

Severe
60%

4008
883

14.8
14.7

47.9
49.4

32.6
32 .-1

4.7
3.9

NUTRITIONAL DISHRDI RS'

1.

Protein Energy Malnutrition:
- Severe PEM (Marasmus & kwashlorkar) is seen in 1-2%
children of preschool age.
- Around 60-70% of children suffer from mild or
degree of PEM.
- In urban slums over 26% of children
severe PEM (IJMR 68; 17-23, 1978).

2.

of

moderate

suffered

from

Nutritional Anemia:

- In children It Is 66.3% in rural areas of A.P. (HYD).
- 50% among children of preschool age (ICMR, 1981).
3.

Vitamin 'A' Deficiency:
7.2%

‘in

- Around 300000 new cases of xeropthalmla, about half
which result In blindness occur each year in India.

of

- Around 300000 children go blind
serious vitamin 'A' deficiency.

to

- In A.P. prevalence Is 1.4-1.5
preschool, 17.4% In 5-12 years.

4.

In

Infants

each

year

due

Iodine Deficiency:
- About 40 million people are estimated to have iodine
deficiency disorders among them 1 million cretines
(AIM,' 1984).

NUTRITION

NliWS

Vol. 3.

No. 4.

PERCENTAGE PREVALENCE OF VITAMIN-A DEFICIENCY*
IN PRESCHOOL CHILDREN - INDIA

Source: NNMR Reports 1979-1981, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad

500 007, India.

NUTRITION NEWS

Percentage Distribution or Malnourished Children 1-5
(1780) GOMEZ

India
A.P.

Vol. 3.

years

N

Normal
90%

Mild
75-90%

Moderate
60-75%

Severe
60%

4008
883

14.8
14.7

47.9
49.4

32.6
32.1

4.7
3.9

No.).

TRENDS IN NUTRITIONAL GRADES OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

(Source: NNMb Hural Surveya. 107b-aO)

ANDHRA PRADESH

TAMIL NADU

MAHARASHTRA

KARNATAKA

KERALA

1W75 IV/6 IV// 1V/6

1V/V IV60

PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
"Primary Health Care Is 'essential health care made
universally accessible to Individuals and acceptable to
them, through their full participation and at a cost the
community and country can ollured."
"It is the key to the attainment of health for all
2000 A.D."

Elements:
- Promotion of food supplies, proper storage and
nutrition.
- Education about health problems and their control.
- Safe water supply and basic sanitation.
- Mother & child health and family planning.
- Immunization against Infectious diseases.
- Prevention & control of locally endamic diseases.
- Treatment of common diseases and Injuries.
- Provision of essential drugs.

by

proper

Essential Drugs:
Essential drugs are those that satisfy the health care
needs of the majority of population & should be available at’
all .times in adequate amounts and the appropriate dosage
forms.
Introduction: The selection of essential drugs would depend
on the health needs and on the structure and development of
health services of each country, and the lists of essential
drugs should be drawn up locally and periodically updated,
with the advise of experts in public health, medicine,
pharmacology, pharmacy and drug management.

Guide Lines for Establishing a National Programme:
- It is based on the recommendations of a local committee
which Include Individuals competent In various fields.
- The international non proprietory (generic) names for
drugs or pharmaceutical substances should be used whenever
available.
- Conslse, accurate and comprehensive drug
information
should be prepared to accompany the list of drugs.
- Quality, inlcudlng stability and bio availability should
be assured through testing or regulation.
- Finally the success of entire programme is dependent upon
the efficient administration or supply, slurage
and
distribution at every point from the manufacturer to the
end user.

Criteria for the Selection of Essential Drugs: Depend on
- Pattern of prevelent diseases.
- The treatment facility.
- The training and experience of the available personnel.
- The financial resources.
- Genetic, demographic and environmental factors.

ESSENTIAL DRUGS IN PRIMARY HLALIII PARE
The basic list ul essential drugs under primary lieallli
care 'should be baser] on the dll Cerent levels of health
SeiVlces"pfl)vlded, "and1 competence' of functlonar les Involved
In' it1:' wlm'|lv III1 j!erni"kih(l111’l1 be'liascil on morbidity pattern In

fhrfwMahri-siW: wmiwai,d lusl 01 Liiu

The following factors will Inevitably Influence the
cg^ef]["'pf' fhe'esse^igl drugs list 10 primary health care.
]. Jhe National Health Infrastructure:

The type of primary health care service that a country
requires 1 ib1 dependent-upon the proximity and nature of the
first1 referral1,TatPil'ities'."' 1,1
1 '■ ••
I I I •. f

I I I r( l j I

I .,1

I I I I I I

2. Training and Sippiles:
/. Irani Hu; ;.iini S Ip,)T 11:

The numbers of trained personnel, the facilities placed
at tpe''th'yi?'dIsposaJJ.» !and the supplies entrusted to' them
determine!'bdth'lthd"scope and1 the limitations' of the primary
nbal'tti
'db're"sysfe(n. J ■"
1 ’T-Tr
■ " T r 11 r-rrr r -.7 ■.; 1 ni.
t

Workers wltfi one or more years vocational training can
opvlouS'ly' 1 accomplish mbrfe"than1 personnel who rely upon 1 an
1'rttdribive cdurse!'of practical instruction lasting only-a few
Weeks.1 1 But""whatever 1 the "circumstances little 'can 1 be
accomplished Uhlfess1 1 continuity of essential supplies and
infoirmatibnillsliaSsured'.'"111
1! ■ 1,1 ■
1111, hi in.. I 1 t,ii

r.

.r.'.ii 1 i-i.i.

3.
The
Pattern of Endemic
Diseases:
'• .
I III' I’.I i I i'f II III
I ill. I ;,i ! 1
.!■

The
prevalence of major endemic
infections
and
parasitic diseases1may'vary from region tn region within
pui'iii t rik"1 * In
’1 1 conf I'fin 11, y '
1 ’wll.li"
wll.lr" 1 cTlmnl.lc,
cl Imnl. Ic.
ucnurnpii In
poi'intrY
liiconfIfinll.y
ui'iigrni'iiiiinik
tupudraphleul, soulal1!1 1 bcunumlc^und1 occupi.il. |.nni.il fiicl.iirs , •> •
I n| 'i nJ 1 ., 1 Hi I i.i I ,

sin' 1.1 I ,

1 1 1H H 'hi ■ 1

.nd ii;.,

■ ■ 1 ., .

Careful planning and, In some cases, epidemiological
surveys'‘‘are required11 to"ensure that the most effective' and
useful drugs' are 'provlded' and to:iobtaln full benefit from
lllmltlng,|rB9oiircBSi."1,1 •'
'
11
I liu I r Ini] 1 i".mu 1 i",.

THE
LEVELS
OF SERVICES
IN.. PRIMARY
HEALTH CARE
mi
11 v, r. in
j.
i
■'
... .
a)
b)
c)
d)

Anoanwadl worker
Vil'llage'ihea'lth'-gulde '
Sub'centre 11n 'm m
Prilmary 1 health centre

1 i > I' t I Hi, 11 y 111 '.1 1111 1 1 j 11 1 1 ■

I. Essential Drugs Suggested
for the kit of
A.W.W./
village health guide.
- Vitamin 'A' solution
- Iron A folic acid tablets
- ORS packets
- Chloroquine tablets
- Paracetamol tablets
- Mebendazole tablets
- Chlorpheneramlne maleate
tabs
- Gentlon violet granules
- Borospirlt ear drops
- Terramycln eye ointment
- Benzyl benzoate emulsion
- Cotrlmoxazole (Tb & Syp)
- Zinc sulphate eye drops
- Chlorine tablets
(for chlorination of water)
- Salbutamol syp.

III.

Essential’ drugs
subcentre

at

the

A. Drugs suggested
A.W.W./V.H.G.

for

the

II

B. Additional drugs:

Aspirin

Metoclopramide

Contraceptive pills
Tab & Inj methergin
Activated charcoal

Essential drugs at tlw primary health

A. .Drugs listed for subcenlre
B. Additional Drugs
- Pencillin (Procaine &
Benzathine)
Amoxycillin Syp.
Chloramphenicol
Digoxin
Dihydr all az in e
Isosorbide dlnltrate
Phenobarbitone
Promethazine syp.
Glybunclamlde lab.
Furazolldine
Metranldazol
Theophylline
Aluminium hydroxide
B complex
Vitamin D
Diazepam
Antltubercular drugs
(available under NTCP)
antileprosy drugs
(available under NLEP)
Dlethylcarbamazlplne
Isoxsuprlne HCL
Povldlne iodine vaginal
pessary
Tab prednisalone
Furosemide
Tincture iodine

- Whitfield's ointment
- xylocalne 45K, 2% & gelly
- Inj. Aminophylline
- Inj. Adrenaline
- Inj. Dexamethasone
- IV Fluids
(Ringer Lactate
5% dextrose
5% dextrose saline)
- Ind. Normal saline
- Inj. Sodium bicarbonate
- Inj. Potassium chloride
- Inj. Oxytocin
- Vaccines & Sera
DPT
()PV
Measles

Anti rabies
Anti snake venom

WORKOUT

FOR ESTIMATION & UTILISATION OF DRUGS ACCORDING
SEASONAL TRENDS

TO

I. Acute Diarrhoeal. Diseases:

Total admissions into our hospital pur year - 4/53 casus
Per each admission case we expect 10 cases in OP
100 cases in community

The average amount of drugs needed for each diarrhoeal
episode for O.P. cases
Tab. Furoxone 'Tt.d.s (9 tabs)
’for 3 days'
ORS 2 packets
Cost of treatment for each case: Furoxone tab. (0.25p)
ORS packet
(1.25)
for 3 days
Total
= Rs. 4.75

Total No.of cases expected In O.P. per year'

- 47530 •

Total costs of drugs per year for O.P. cases
- 47530 x 4.75 - 2,25,767..50
Total No.of cases In community = 4,7'5,000

About 80% of them will be having mild diarrhoea for
which we ciin advise home remiujles like suonr-si.il t solution,
rice based ORS and lemon salt sugar solution.

By this only 20% of cases In community
treatment (95,060 cases).
For each case treatment:

need

drug

As utilisation factor is about 60%, the amount of cost
communit is Rs.3,42,216 per year.

for

tab. sulphaguanidine (6)
tab. furoxone 1 t.d.s (9)
ORS packets
(2)
lotal cost Rs.6/- pur case

for 3 days

For total community cases = 97,060 x6 = 5,70,360

II. For acute respiratory infections:
Total admissions of A.R.I. in our hospltal/yr = 1,337
For each admission case we expect 5 cases in O.P.
50 cases in community
The average amount of drugs needed for each episode for O.P.
Tab. Cotrlmoxazole (10) Rs.7/-; Total OP cases = 6,685
Total cost for OP cases ■= 6685 x 7 = 46,795 per year
For community;
ToTaT“ cases - 66,850. Among them 80% doesn't need drug
treatment. So only 20% cases (13,370) need treatment.
Total cost = 13370 x 7 = 93,590 Rs.
As utilisation factor is about 60%, the amount of
investment for community per year = Rs. 56,154/year.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC CO-OPERATION &’ CHILD DEVELOPMENT

Regional Workshop on Essential Drugs In

Primary Health Care

( 27 - 28,

June,

PROGRAMME

Wednesday,

27th June,

9.00

a.m -

9.30

a.m - 10.00 a.m

1990 )

SCHEDULE

1990
Registration

9.30 a.m

Opening Session

10. 00 a.m - 10.30 a.m

:

COFFEE

10. 30 a.m -

1.00 p. m

;

Review of Morbidity & Mortality
profile of each State &‘Essential
Drugs in Primary Health Care

a.m - 11.00 a.m

:

i)

111.30

Karnataka

- Dr.M.K. Vasundhara
Bangalore Medical College
Bangalore

11.00 a.m - 11.30 a.m

?

ii)

Andhra Pradesh
- Dr. M.V.G. Subramaniyam
Tirupati

11.30 a.m - 12.00 poon

; iii)

Kerala
- Dr.K. Rajan
Medical College
Alleppey
Kerala

12.00 noon- 12.30 p.m

s

iv)

Tamil Nadu
- Dr. A. Parthasarathy
Institute of Child Health
Egmore, Madras

2/-

2
:

12.30 p.m - 1.00 p.m

v)

Pondicherry
- Dr.P. Rajaram
D^an
JIPMER

:

1.00 p.m - 1.30 p.m

vi)

Goa ■

- Dr.S.B. Dixit
Professor & Head,
Goa Medical College,
Goa.
LUNCH

1.30 p.m - 2.30 p.m
;

2.30 p.m - 5.00 p.m

Discussion in Sub-groups on

i)

Essential Drugs for AWW/VHG Kit

ii)

Essential Drugs at Sub-Centre
Level

iii)

Essential Drugs at P.H.C Level

iv)

Drugs requirements for 1000
population

v)

Budget for Essential Drugs

vi)

vii)

m/pd
26690

Drug Supply System
Important guidelines for
consumers

Thursday,

28th June 1990

9. 00 a.m.

- 10.30 a.m.

;

Discussion Continued

10.30 a. m.

- 11.00 a.m

:

COFFEE

11.00 a.m

-

1. 00 p.m

:

Presentation & finalization of
Group Reports

1.00 p.m.

-

1.30 p.m

:

Concluding Session

1.30 p.m

-

2.30 p.m

:

LUNCH

3. 00 p. m

-

4.00 p.m

:

Disbursement

of T. A

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC COOPERATION AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Southern Regional Centre, Bangalore.

REGIONAL WORKSHOP ON ESSENTIAL DRUGS IN PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
BANGALORE,

27 - 2STH JUNE,

1990

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

1.

Dr. V.R. Parvathi
Addl. Prof Paediatric
Madras Medical College
Paediatrics Institute of Child Health
& Hospital for Child
Madras - 8
No. 10 Halls Road, Egmore, Madras-8.

2.

Dr(Mrs)
Chandra
Director, Institute of Soci-al Paediatrics
Prof & Head Dept, of Paediatrics
Stanley Medical College
Madras - 1.

3.

D ■. K.J. Mathew
Director & Professor
Dept, of Community Medicine
Medical College, Kottayam
Kerala - 686008

'

4.

Dr. P.V. Aswath
Professor and Head'
Dept, of Preventive & Social Medicine
Karnataka Medical College,
Hubli - 580022

5.

Dr. Teresa Lopez
Associate Professor of Paediatrics
SAT Hospital
Trivandrum.

6.

Dr. Leela Itty Amma
Asst. Professor
Dept, of Community Medicine
Medical College Kottayam
Kerala.

7.

Dr. A. Chandra Bhushanam
Additional Professor of Paediatrics
Deptt.of Paediatrics
Stanley Medical College
Madras - 600 001.

8.

Ms. Karuna Behl Bishnoi
Project Officer, Health
UNICEF, 73 Lodi Estate
New Delhi.

...

2

2

9.

10.

Dr. D. Kumaran Nair
Drug Controller
Office of the Drugs Controller
Govt, of Kerala
Trivandrum - 695 037
Dr. T. Kamal Sheriff
Professor & Head
Dept, of Community Medicine
Stanley Medical College
Madras 600 001.

11.

Dr. P.G. Sivananda
Deputy Director
Office of the Director of Public
Health. 295 Anna Salai,
Madras - 6.

-12.

Dr. Manjula Dixit
Chief Medical Officer
Central Hospital Tisea,
Usgaon,jGoa.

13.

Dr. S.B. Dixit
Prof Sc Head
Dept, of PSM
Goa Medical College
Bambolim - 5 (GOA)

14.

Dr. S. Srinivasaii
Professor & Head \
Dept, of Paediatrics
JIPMER
\
Pondicherry. 6
\

15.

Dr. M.V.G. Subramanyam
Prof & Head
Dept, of Paediatrics
S.V. Medical
College

16.

Dr. C.H. Shashindran \
Associate ■: Prof essor
Dept, of Pharmacology
JIPMER
Pondicherry - 6.

17.

Dr. M.K. Vasundhra
Professor Sc Head (PSM)
Bangalore Medical College
Bangalore.

\

Tirupati"- 7.

3

3 18.

Dr. K.A. Narayan
Associate Professor
Dept, of Preventive & Social Medicine
JIPMER
Dhanvantri Nagar
Pondicherry -6.

19.

Dr. R.P. Augustin Paul
Deputy Director (Public Health)
Govt, of Pondicherry
Directorate of Health and
Family Welfare Services'
Pondicherry.

2 0.

Prof. P. Rajaram
*
Director & Professor
Dept, of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
JIPMER
Pondicherry - 6.

21.

Dr. N. Krishna Chandra
Training & Evaluation Officer
UCD Project (ODA)
Municipal Corporation
Vishakapatnam.

22.

Dr. A. Parthasarthy
Assoc. Prof' Of^Paediatrics
Institute of Child Health
Madras - 600 00i.

23.

Dr (Mrs) Nalini P Pai
Prof and Head (PSM)
TNMC - Bombay

24.

Dr. K. Jagadheeswaran
Senior Medical Officer
JIPMER Rural Health Centre
Raman athapurarr.
Pondicherry - 4.

25.

Dr. K.N. Prasad
Tutor
Dept of Community Medicine
Kasturba Medical College
Manipal.

26.

Dr. S.P. Sarkar
Asstt Commissioner (t)
Ministry of Health & ^amily Welfare
Nirman Bhawan
New Delhi.

4

27.

Dr. B. Swarajyalakshmi
Health Consultant (SIP)Visakhapatnam Muncipal Corporation,

28.

Dr. T.P. Gandhi
Consultant ICDS
Civil Surgeon Paediatrics
Visakhapatnam.

29.

Dr. K.R. Antony, Medical Officer
The Catholic Hospital Association of India
Secunderabad 500 003.

30.

Dr. Shirdi Prasad Takur
Paediatrician
Community Health Cell
Bangalore - 1.

31.

Dr. Korrapati Madhusudana Rao
Asst. Prof of Pharmacology
Siddhartha Medical College
Vijayawada 520 005.

32.

Dr. Y. Sree Hari Rao
Prof of Social & Preventive Medicine
S.V. Medical College
Tirupati

33.

Dr. R.S. Phaneendra Rao
Professor
Deptt. of Community Medicine,
Kasturba Medical College
Manipal 576 119.

34.

Dr. D.K. Srinivasa
Professor & Head
Deptt.Social & Preventive Medicine
JIPMER
Dhanavantri Nagar
Pondicherry - 6.

35.

Dr. K.B. Makapur
Joint Director (Health Education & Training)
Directorate of Health & Family Welfare
Services
Bangalore - 9.

36.

Mr. Ramesh Halbhavi
Programme Officer (ICDS)
d/o the Director of Women & Children's
Welfare
1st Fl, M.S. Building
Dr. Ambedkar Road,
Bangalore - 1.

5

37.

Dr. G. Nagaiah
Medical Officer
Rural Health Centre
Patancheru
Madak Distt
Andhra Pradesh

38.

Dr. C.M. Francis
Director
St. Martha's Hospital
Bangalore - 9.

39.

Dr. (Mrs) S.U. Warerkar
Dean ..
Dr. V.M. Medical College
Solapur 413 0031

40.

Dr. V.V.R. Seshu Babu
Professor & Head

Deptt._of Social & Preventive Medicine
Kakatiya Medical College
Warangal - 7.
41.

Dr. B. Balaram
Medical Officer
Primary Health Care
SuBhannagEr
Khammam Dist
Andhra Pradesh - 507 123

42.

Dr.s ,h . Naikwadi
Asst. Surgeon
Bangalore Medical College
Bangalore.

43.

Dr. S.Y. Shrikanth
PG Student
Bangalore Medical College
Bangalore.

44.

Dr, (Smt) Radha Ramesh
PG Student
Bangalore Medical College
Bangalore.

45.

Dr. S.R. Desai
Asst. Drug Controller
O/o the Drug Controller
for the State of Karnataka
Palace Road
Bangalore.

46,

Dr.Gopal Dabade,
Drug Action Forum Karnataka,
57, Tejaswinagar,
DHARWAR - 580 002.

47.

Dr.Mira Shiva,
Head of Division,
Peoples Education for
Health Action,
V H A I,
NEW DELHI.

ntpccd, "Faculty.

48.

Dr.(Mrs.)L.Meera Patankar,
Joint Director (CD),
N I P C C D,
NEW DELHI.

49-

Dr.A.M.Khan,
Regional Director Incharge,
NIPCCD, Regional Centre,
BANGALORE.

50.

Dr.Dinesh Paul - Programme Director,
Deputy Director (Health),
NIPCCD,
NEW DELHI.

51.

Dr.(Mrs.) Neelam Bhatia Programme Associate'
.
Research Assistant (Health),
NIPCCD,
NEW DELHI.

I DRUG DEPENDENCE - THE DEAD END
January 1991

INFORMATION KIT

Message from Dr U Ko Ko
Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region

or thousands of years man has been using substances that have psychoactive effects. In some regions and countries,

the use of such substances was closely linked to rituals and prevailing socio-cultural practices. For example, opium,
F
coca leaf, khat and alcohol have been regularly used in different regions of the world in a variety of ways through the ages.

The apparent social acceptance of the use of such substances stemmed largely from the fact that there was no abuse.
Where there was, it was severely ostracized. Society had very clearly drawn the line and there was no question of
condoning any abuse.
Unfortunately, what we are witnessing today, on a global scale, is a virtual epidemic of drug abuse. According to United
Nations estimates, there are 15 million drug abusers (excluding cannabis) worldwide. This figure is considered to be a
conservative estimate or just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Adding a new and disturbing dimension to the problem is the fact that more and more young people are being affected
by what can only be described as the sinister network of global drug cartels. In view of the vulnerability of intravenous
drug users to AIDS, drug abuse has now assumed even more dangerous proportions.

What, however, needs to be borne in mind is that the various lawsand measures to prevent drug trafficking can succeed
only if there is genuine community involvement in stemming a tide that, if unchecked, could well engulf humanity. Given
the will and determination, countries of the world can work together to put an end to the death, destruction and violence,
the pain and the suffering that drug abuse has come to signify the world over.

WIIO/I 990/January /I
The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does not constitulean official document. Additional copies maybe obtained]

from: Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Dclhi-110 002, India

DRUG DEPENDENCE - THE DEAD END
INFORMATION KIT

January 1991

Psychosocial Factors in Drug Dependence
uring adolescence, two determinants of behaviour appear which are important in the context of drug use: one is the
peers as role models in addition to the continuing role modelling by parents. The second is
take risks
challenge established rules and values. In combination, these two sets of determinants of
behaviour can lead to groups of adolescents taking risks or challenging established rules by a behaviour which none of
the group w'ould be likely to show alone, for example group violence, alcohol intoxication or initiation into taking of illicit
drugs.
increasing importance of
D
a tendency to
and to

PATHWAYS TO DRUGS
It has been convincingly argued that people take drugs because they are offered to them. It is very rare, at least for illicit
drugs, that first drug contacts happen on the initiative of the user. As a rule, careers of drug taking begin with an offer to
take the drug. This offer, when successful, normally happens in circumstances where it is difficult to turn the offer down,
in a situation which tends to be described - not very aptly - as social pressure or curiosity. More often it is in a situation
which could probably best be described as conducive to impetuous or precipitous behaviour: a mixture of peer modelling,
risk taking and challenging prescribed rules of behaviour. Or, “it will simply be an offer of the opportunity to join with
others in what appears to be a method of extending pleasurable aspects of a conventional recreational situation. So, in
spite of being ‘anti-drug’, he or she evaluates the offer not in terms of the drug education/morality tale (which is still
believed) but in terms of the current situation and the normal rules of behaviour (sociability, enjoyment, reciprocity,
keeping one’s cool, presenting self, etc.) appropriate in such recreational situations. This is true both for early offers of
legal drugs (cigarettes, alcohol) and for later offers of illegal drugs”.
Hardly any studies have been undertaken to elicit the circumstantial and emotional details of such situations of drug
initiation. It is difficult to see how programmes of ‘preventive education’ can be effective if so little is known about the
behaviour which is to be prevented. ‘Just say no’ is certainly not the full answer, especially when proposed by
representatives of the very norms and rules which the behaviour is challenging.

This lack of knowledge on the initiation into drugs has led to the generalization of the medical model of dependence
to drug use in general. We are asking for ‘causes’ of using drugs. There is evidence to suggest that dependence has a
certain medical connotation in that there exists a genetic predisposition towards it. However, the behaviour of taking a
drug or accepting the offer of a drug does seem to resemble a medical condition about as closely as do other behaviours
which imply a definite risk to health like skiing or mountaineering. All these behaviours are pleasurable. And in all of
them risk-taking is one component of the pleasure. The fact that people do things which they enjoy doing docs not seem
to need further explanation. However, it is important to keep in mind that risk-taking can be fun, and especially so during
adolescence. The physiological reactions to fear and fun are very similar. From observing only hormonal and some other
physiological changes we are normally not able to say whether a person is living through a frightening experience, is
enjoying a good joke or is experiencing an orgasm. The smooth and virtually timeless undulations between fright and fun
can well be observed on the faces of people on a roller-coaster. It is therefore not surprising that the probability of an
adolescent accepting the offer of a drug is not correlated to his knowledge about drugs. The component of pleasure
experienced in the process of drug initiation in many instances neutralizes the often unpleasant experience of the drug
effect itself. This excitement permits, for example, adolescents to become smokers inspite of the initial unpleasant bitterWHO/1990/January/2
. material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained!
■n: Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India |

E

2
ness and cough provocation by cigarettes. They often have to literally ‘work’ themselves into regular use. Like skiers,
mountaineers or car drivers, drug users are convinced that they can control the risk. The facts, however, tell a different
story.

Whereas it is quite clear that in the beginning drugs are taken because they are offered, it is much less clear what makes
certain people to continue drug use and others to abandon it. A number of occasional users continue to be passive or
occasional users, i.e., they take drugs only if they arc offered or if otherwise available. This is true even of highly addictive
drugs like cigarettes and heroin. It is of course even more true of less addictive drugs like alcohol or cannabis.
Unfortunately, nothing seems to be known about the protective mechanisms which permit certain people to occasionally
use highly addictive substances without even proceeding to the state of active use, i.e., use where the drug is actively sought
and purchased. In contrast, some mechanisms have recently been described which permit regular users of heroin to
maintain control over its use without moving on to compulsive use (controlled use meaning regular use with effective
controls to make sure that the drug use does not substantially interfere with the user’s social and professional life,
compulsive use meaning that the drug use has taken such priority over other life concerns that it is continued in spite of
adverse consequences for the health or the professional or social life of the user). Such controlled use is of course much
easier to achieve with licit substances where unpredictable social (especially legal) sanctions are much less likely to occur,
and where therefore the likelihood of consequences affecting the social and professional life of the users are easier to
control. Furthermore, occasional users of highly criminalized drugs are much more likely to leave the mainstream of youth
and proceed into the ‘drug scene’ in a process of polarization between the established and a pro-drug-use counterculture,
thereby becoming drug dependents.

$

1 DRUG DEPENDENCE - THE DEAD END

INFORMATION KIT

January 1991

Community Involvement in Drug Abuse Control
ne may well ask what role communities could play in the control of drug abuse. Supply reduction is the job of the

Opolice. Demand reduction is the job of doctors in their treatment centres. To the extent that the police cannot stop
the availability of drugs, let the health service cure those who become drug addicts, in spite of all supply control efforts.
We have ample evidence from all over the world that these traditional strategies alone do not work. Law enforcement
will at times drastically reduce the availability of illicit drugs by spectacular seizures, or a vigilant narcotics police may
prevent the establishment of a criminal distribution network. But such successes do not seem to be sustainable. Clinics
to treat drug addicts may detoxify large numbers of them but the rates of relapse are high worldwide.
Could, then, people and communities achieve what agencies of law enforcement and health do not seem to be able to
achieve? The answer is neither yes nor no. The answer is: both agencies need people, communities, to be successful. And,
equally important, people, NGO’s and communities need Government support to be successful in their strive for a
drug-free environment.
Drug abuse, thereby, becomes closely linked to health care, with health services rendering necessary support. But for
successful prevention, and for caring for the disabled and chronically ill, community involvement is necessary. Only
people, friends, teachers, relatives, community leaders, peers, can prevent others from becoming drug dependent. And
only people, families, friends, employers, social workers, can help a drug dependent person to stay drug free.

A community-based study on pathways into drug dependence in Sri Lanka confirmed the appropriateness of a public
health model in its application to drug abuse: some people grow up in highly endemic areas, pockets in city slums where
anti-social activities, drug peddling and use of illicit drugs are "normal'1. Such people may socialize into drug use. But the
majority become individually infected by others. Drug abuse spreads from person to person. Drug peddlars befriend
before they offer the drug for the first time to their victims, free of charge of course for the first few times. How can we
immunize youth against becoming infected from a nice, healthy ‘friend’?
Awareness is certainly important. But it is not enough. An anti-drug attitude in the community and especially in youth
is certainly important. But it is also not enough. It is the social climate where drugs are not ‘in’ and where no pro-drug
subculture exists which protects youth, a social climate which only communities can generate through their young. The
full involvement of youth and their leaders will be able to increase resistance of youngsters against the befriending drug
peddlar. Some youngsters thus prepared will not only say ‘no’ to the offer of drugs but will be able to initiate action against
the peddlar or will help to rehabilitate a friend who has fallen victim to drugs.

A study group convened by WHO/SEARO in 1983 and 1984 reviewed the international experience regarding factors
which improve outcome in drug dependent persons. The conclusion was clear: whatever is done in terms of ‘treatment’
to the dependent person has little, if any, impact on long-term outcome. But the social environment in which the detoxified
ex-user lives largely determines the long-term outcome. A drug free environment, return into a family or another socially
supportive environment, long-term social support, return to school or work, existence of self-help groups of ex-users and
of affected families, factual knowledge about drugs and optimism in the family, are such factors. All show the need to
involve communities fully. How can community involvement be achieved?

WHO/1990/Jnnuary/3

The material in this Information Kit is intended for mcdia/public use and docs not constitute an official document. Additional copies maybe obtained!
from: Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India

2
There are some examples of effective community involvement in the South-East Asia Region. Asa preparation, people
in a locality are mobilized to take care of their drug problems, drug users identified and motivated to undergo
detoxification together, their parents and relatives are taught ways to handle drug problems including the skills of
detoxification (for opiates). A detoxification camp is then set up and ideally all drug dependent persons in the locality
detoxified together. Efforts are then made to transform them into self-help and perhaps vigilant groups to keep the locality
drug free. In this fully community-based approach most of the factors known to improve outcome in dependent persons,
but also those known to prevent drug abuse, are included. Such programmes now function in some parts of India,
Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. They often rely heavily on ex-users and other volunteers. The degree of professional involvement
varies in the different examples of this ‘camp approach towards drug free zones’. But it is clear that the scope for effective
community involvement of the above type requires a ‘community empowerment’ to solve their drug problems. It requires
professionals to be willing to hand over to the people as much of their skills as possible. Physicians, in their efforts towards
effective community involvement should be organizers, teachers, and perhaps outreach workers. Only then will health
services encourage and invite community involvement. And only then will drug abuse control programmes be able to
make major contributions to the reduction of demand for illicit drugs.

DRUG DEPENDENCE - THE DEAD END
INFORMATION KIT

January 1991

Fact Sheet and Glossary

DRUGS
Mind-altering drugs are used for purposes of intoxication throughout the animal kingdom. Normally, the seasonality in
the availability of intoxicating plants prevents animals from addiction. However, intoxicating plants being available for
long periods of time can lead to the extinction of certain species of animals or to their disappearance from a locality where
these plants grow throughout the year. Laboratory experiments have replicated the finding of a liking for intoxication and
an addiction-proneness in many animal species. Humans have early learned the skills of smoking intoxicating products
available continuously. Intoxication, and dependence, are known throughout recorded human history. Equally docu­
mented are efforts to contain drug dependence by total abstinence/prohibition. Consistently, the efforts towards total
abstinence have failed in communities where drug use was well established, leading to a ‘tug-of-war between governments
and their people’.

DRUG USE AND DEPENDENCE
A major difficulty when discussing problems related to the use of mind-altering drugs lies in the definition of what may

be considered a problem. A government may wish that its citizens refrain from using any addictive substance (except,
normally, tobacco) and may therefore consider the occasional use of alcohol by some of its citizens as a problem. Other
governments may consider use of any mind-altering drug except the traditionally sanctioned substances alcohol and
tobacco as a problem. In some countries once-ever use of certain illicit substances is considered a problem whereas in
others only compulsive use of the same drug leading to social and/or health problems is seen as such (little difference
normally being made between problems related to the substance and those related more to its criminalization). WHO has
made efforts to clarify the issues involved by proposing a set of definitions concerning drug use in a WHO memorandum
issued in 1984. They are:
Unsanctioned use: use of a drug that is not approved by a society, or a group within that society. When the
term is used it should be made clear who is responsible for the disapproval. The term implies that we accept
disapproval as a fact in its own right, without having to determine or justify the basis of the disapproval.

Hazardous use: use of a drug that will probably lead to harmful consequences for the user - either to
dysfunction or to harm. This concept is similar to the idea of risky behaviour. For instance, smoking twenty
cigarettes each day may not be accompanied by any present or actual harm but we know it to be hazardous.

Dysfunctional use: use of a drug that is leading to impaired psychological or social functioning (e.g., loss of
job or marital problems).
Harmful use: use of a drug that is known to have caused tissue damage or mental illness in the particular

person.
In the same memorandum drug dependence is defined as a syndrome manifested by a behavioural pattern in which the
use of a given psychoactive drug, or class of drugs, is given a much higher priority than other behaviours that once had
WHO/L990/January/4
The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and docs not constitutean official document. Additional copies maybe obtained
from: Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, Indraprastha Estate, New Delhi-110 002. India

2
higher value. The term syndrome is taken to mean no more than a clustering of phenomena so that not all the components
need always be present, or not always present with the same intensity. They will probably include some of the following:
o a subjective awareness of compulsion to use a drug or drugs, usually during attempts to stop or moderate

drug use;
o a desire to stop drug use in the face of continued use;

o a relatively stereotyped drug-taking habit, i.e., a narrowing in the repertoire of drug-taking behaviour;

O evidence of neuroadaptation (tolerance and withdrawal symptoms);
o use of the drug to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms;

o the salience of drug-seeking behaviour relative to other important priorities;
o rapid reinstatement of the syndrome after a period of abstinence.

CANNABIS
The plant from which the various cannabis products are produced grows wild in many parts of the world and is easy to
cultivate. Cannabis products have been used for ceremonial and recreational purposes since times immemorial in many
parts of South-East Asia.

Cannabis is either smoked (e.g., charas) or ingested in food or as a concoction (e.g. bhang). It produces a sense of
relaxation and well-being. The addictive potential, i.e., the likelihood for users to become dependent on the drug is quite
low. But it is accused of being a ‘gate-way" drug to harder i.e. more addictive drugs. However, since no negative health
effects of the drug are known todate, some countries have decriminalized cannabis products in an effort towards
‘separation of markets’, i.e. to separate the markets and distribution networks for more dangerous drugs from the ones
for less dangerous drugs like cannabis products. A recent WHO publication has drawn the conclusion that "the
criminalization of drug use as currently applied should probably be seen as a punitive measure without noticeable
preventive effects. It may instead possess the potential to amplify the problem, particularly when applied in an
indiscriminate fashion to youngsters or to people who display no other forms of criminal or antisocial behaviour".

OPIOIDS
Drugs of this group may be synthesized, not chemically resembling the natural products or their derivatives. But at least
for the illicit market they largely derive from the cultivation of the poppy plant (opiates). The bulk of the international
illicit supply comes from countries of the ‘Golden Triangle’ (Myanmar, Laos, Thailand) and the ‘Golden Crescent’
(Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran). The preparations most frequently used are opium (smoked or ingested as concoction) and
the about 10 times more effective distillation product heroin (inhaled, smoked or injected). Medicinal preparations used
as substitutes by drug dependents are mainly codeine (in many cough syrups) and morphine in its various medicinal
preparations and equivalents.

Opium, like cannabis, has been used since times immemorial in many South-East Asian countries or communities. In
contrast to cannabis products, opium dependence has also been recognized as a problem in those communities, especially
where poppy was not grown locally, generating an economic dependence on outside suppliers.

Heroin, the ten-fold more powerful and addictive derivative of opium, entered the market in several countries of
South-East Asia shortly after opium use was prohibited. There is good reason to suggest that the criminalization of
established networks of distribution of a traditional drug was conducive to the propagation of the more profitable heroin
(being more addictive and therefore generating more reliable buyers).
The opioids produce a state of relaxation and a feeling of happiness. The latter may be a shortlived feeling of bliss or
ecstasy. But many opiate dependent persons continue taking the drugs for simply avoiding withdrawal symptoms (cramps
pains, tears, sweating, diarrhoea, and the like. But all of these symptoms arc highly amenable to environmental and social
manipulation).

OTHER DRUGS
In many countries of the South-East Asian Region the use of alcohol poses a much higher public health
11
any of the illicit drugs. This is probably true of tobacco also. Other illicit drugs like cocaine and amphet P™
thaH
expensive relative to opioids and cannabis to pose public health threats to the Region.
‘ P atnlnes are 100

Licit drugs like benzodiazepines and barbiturates are sometimes substituted by opiate users in the R '
seem to pose a serious problem as drugs of primary dependence.
eg>on, but do not

DRUG DEPENDENCE - THE DEAD END
INFORMATION KIT

January 1991

Drug Abuse in South-East Asia : An Overview

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Since times immemorial, in most of the countries of the South-East Asia Region drugs have traditionally been used, in
addition to alcohol, for ritual, religious, and recreational purposes. These drugs are mainly cannabis products and opium.
Even though opium dependence was usually ostracized in most communities, it was rarely considered as being more than
an individual problem. Many countries permitted the requirements of the opium dependent population to be met through
official or officially tolerated opium outlets.
However, ‘wars on drugs’ were also sometimes fought, as, for example, the civil war in Thailand following an opium
ban in 1811. Finally, the opium franchise was enacted in 1851 permitting opium trading under official control.
The increase in drug abuse in the West led to increasing pressure, often from abroad, on countries in the Region to
introduce and enforce a ban on drugs.

The ban on opium in Thailand in 1959 was followed almost immediately by the first heroin epidemic in the country.

ISSUES IN THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF DRUG DEPENDENCE
Drug use is transmitted from person to person like an infectious disease. In addition, there is also a disease vector, viz.,
the drug dealers, often themselves drug dependent. Rates of cure through treatment in medical terms are low.

Knowledge about the dangers of drugs has well been established to lack the protective quality of a vaccine.
Furthermore, the process of becoming drug dependent has a high predictive value for outcome: people who become
dependent through aggressive marketing have a much better chance of recovery than those who became dependent in
the process of pleasure seeking. And persons who have become opiate dependent through treatment of chronic severe
pain tend to have the normal withdrawal symptoms but do not normally experience craving afterwards.

DRUG DEPENDENCE IN THE SOUTH-EAST ASIA REGION
In most countries of the Region, nicotine and alcohol dependence with its well established health consequences are the
major public health concerns. However, in view of the special economic, social, and security considerations in relation
to illicit drugs, we shall limit ourselves to the use of cannabis and opioids.

Virtually no data exists on the use of cannabis in the South-East Asia Region. In view of the fact that the plant grows
wild and abundantly in many parts of the Region, and that the use of cannabis products is traditional in some and probably
of little public health concern in almost all, the lack of such data seems justifiable.

WHO/1990/January /S
The material in this Information Kit is intended for media/public use and does not constitute an official document. Additional copies may be obtained
from: Public Information Unit, World Health Organization, Regional Office for South-East Asia, Indrapraslha Estate, New Delhi-110 002, India

2

The only other widely abused illicit drugs are opiates. Again, reliable data on the extent of the problem are scarce.
Furthermore, existing survey data tend to lack a denominator, i.e. they cannot be translated into national or other
population estimates.

For example, a national drug dependence registry in Myanmar now contains some 44 000 cases. However, in the
absence of validatory community surveys, no extrapolation can be made to the general prevalence of drug dependence.
Furthermore, the register is cumulative since 1974 with no mechanism for deregistration. Nor is there a mechanism for
an effective control of multiple registrations.
In Thailand, 80 000 opium smokers were registered in 1958, before the ban. Since then, treatment data are being
registered and eventually linked and analysed on a regular basis. However, these data are rarely validated in relation to
their meaning for populations or communities. The magnitude of the problem can be guessed from the fact that over
30 000 opiate dependents are treated every year.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to estimate with any precision the population prevalence of opioid dependence from
treatment data although it is known from community surveys in Sri Lanka and Thailand that at least 60% of actual active
opioid dependents have been treated at some stage. This is so because the rate of treatments per year of active drug use
is not known. Estimates of actual opioid dependents in Thailand vary roughly between 150 000 and 300 000.
For the other affected countries like Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, only vague overall estimates are
available, the basis of which are not clear in most instances. For India an estimate of several hundred thousand heroin
dependents has recently been put forward in a UN project document. For the South of Sri Lanka and for Nepal, official
estimates put forward are in the order of 25 000-35 000. Such estimates may derive from a multiplication of treatment or
prison data by some “UN factor’. Such multipliers (e.g. one out of ten dependent persons comes for treatment per year)
generally lack international and even more so national or local validation. It is quite clear, often, that such estimates are
put forward for reasons of anti-drug advocacy rather than for reasons of facilitating epidemiology-based interventions.

introduction
The WHO Expert Committee on the Use of Essential Drugs met in
Geneva horn 15 to 19 November 1993. The meeting was opened on
behalf of the Director-General by Dr F.S. Antezana. Assistant DirectorGeneral. who emphasized that the concept of essential diiius was
fundamental both to WHO's revised drug strategy (/). as endorsed by the
World Health Assembly in resolution WHA39.27 in I9S6 (2). and to the
development of comprehensive national drug policies. Regular updating
of WHO's Model List of Essential Drugs sustained the momentum of the
revised drug strategy and was a basic element of the validated informa­
tion required by most of WHO's Member States for optimal rationali­
zation of drug procurement and supply.
The Expert Committee decided to prepare its report as a self-contained
document and to incorporate into it those parts of the previous report (3)
that required no modification or merely bringing up to date. The eighth
Model List of Essential Drugs will be found in section 16 of this report.
and explanations ol Hie changes in section 17. The Committee agreed to
annex to its report the report of a WHO consultation on the provision and
dissemination of drug information (Annex 1). together with guidelines
prepared by various WHO consultations on antimicrobial susceptibility
testing (Annex 2) and on good clinical practice for trials on pharmaceutical
products (Annex 3) in order to bring them to the attention of those in
charge of national drug policies.
In a report (7) to the Twenty-eighth World Health Assembly in 1975. the
Director-General reviewed the main drug problems facing the developing
Countries and outlined possible new drug policies. The Director-General
also referred to the experience gained in some countries where schemes
of basic or essential dings hail been implemented. Such schemes were
intended to extend the accessibility anil rational use of the most
necessarv drugs to populations whose basic health needs could not be
met bv the existing supply system. The Director-General pointed out that
the selection of these essential drugs would depend on the health needs
and on the structure and development of the health services of each
countrv. Lists ol' essential drugs should be drawn up locally and
p.riodicallv updated, with the advice ol experts in public health.
medicine, pharmacology, pharmacy and drug management. He also
considered that adequate information on the properties, indications and
use of the drugs listed should be provided. By resolution WHA28.66 (5).
the Health Assemblv requested the Director-General to'implement the
proposals contained in his report and. in particular, to advise Member
States on the selection and procurement, at reasonable cost, ol essential
dines of established quality corresponding to their national health needs.
following wide consultation. an initial Model List of Essential Drugs
v .is included in the first report of the Expert Committee on the Selection
of Essential Drugs (6). This has subsequently been revised and updated
in six further reports i.’. 7-11).

1

0 ./

Fc«!
, a £
*. i 4

Mei,;



I C\ Ct

2

In undertaking a further review of the list at its present meeting, the
Expert Committee was guided throughout by the following statement
contained in the previous reports:
Because of the great differences betw een countries, the preparation of
a drug list of uniform, general applicability is not feasible or possible.
Therefore, each country has the direct responsibility of evaluating and
adopting a list of essential drugs, according to its own policy in the
field of health.
The list of essential drugs based on the guidelines pul forward in this
report is a model which can furnish a basis tor countries to identify
their own priorities .mil to make their own selection.

The Committee also drew attention to the following guidelines set out in
the initial report:

I.

The extent to which countries implement schemes or establish lists of
essential drugs is a national policy decision of each country.
2.
As far as health services in developing countries are concerned, the
organized procurement and use of essential drugs have many
advantages in terms of economy and effectiveness. However, the
concept of "essential drug lists" must accommodate a variety of local
situations if the lists are ever to meet the real health needs of the
majority of the population.
3.
There are convincing justifications for WHO to propose "model" or
"guiding" lists of essential drugs as a contribution to solving the
problems of Member States whose health needs far exceed their
resources and who may find it difficult to initiate such an endeavour
on their own.
4.
Such "guiding" or 'model" lists should be understood as a tentative
identification of a "common core" of basic needs w hich has universal
relevance and applicability. In certain situations, there is a need to
make available additional drugs essential for rare diseases. The further
local needs move aw ay from the core, the more the health authorities
or specific sectors of the health services w ill have to adjust the lists.
However, any list proposed by WHO should set out to indicate
priorities in drug needs, with the full understanding that exclusion
does not imply rejection. A list of essential drugs does not imply that
no other drugs are useful, but simply that in a given situation these
drugs are the most needed for the health care of the majority of the
population and. therefore, should be available at all times in adequate
amounts and in the proper dosage forms.
5.
The selection of essential drugs is a continuing process, which should
take into account changing priorities for public health action and
epidemiological conditions, as well as progress in pharmacological g
and pharmaceutical knowledge. It should be accompanied by 3
concomitant effort to supply information and give education and £
trainitm to health personnel in the proper use of the drugs.

Einally. the WHO Action Programme on Essential Drugs should be
a local point for organized and systematic investigation of this
approach. Thus it will identify plans of action and research at the
national and international level to meet unsatisfied basic health needs
of populations which, at present, tire denied access to the most
— essential prophylactic and therapeutic substances.
6.

2

Guidelines for establishing a national
programme for essential drugs
Since the first report on the selection of essential drugs w as published in
I97-. the concept of essential drugs has been widely applied. It has
provided a rational basis not only for drug procurement al national level
but also for establishing drug requirements at various levels within the
health care system. In fact, many developing countries have already
selected essential drugs according to their needs and the related
programmes arc. in some cases, at an advanced stage of implementation.
The Committee was informed that a WHO Expert Committee on
National Drug Policies would be convened in 1994 to review the
guidelines for developing national drug policies t/2).
In order to ensure that an essential drugs programme is adequately
instituted at national level, several steps are recommended:

1 ■ A standing committee of health care professionals should be
appointed to give technical advice to the national programme. The
committee should include individuals competent in the fields of
medicine, pharmacology and pharmacy, as well as peripheral health
workers. Where individuals with adequate training are not available
w ithin the country , cooperation from WHO could be sought until such
indiv iduals can be trained. The first task of the committee should be to
recommend a list of essential drugs for the national programme. The
committee should remain a part of the national programme for
essential drugs, continually advising on matters of technical impor­
tance.
- The international nonproprietary (generic) names for drugs or phar­
maceutical substances (13) should be used whenever available, and
prescribers should be provided with a cross-index of nonproprietary
and proprietary names.
Concise, accurate and comprehensive drug information should be
prepared to accompany the list of essential drugs, in the form of a
prescriber's formulary to serve as a pocket guide to rational drug use.
More detailed information about drugs should be made available at
drug and poison information centres, pharmacies and all educational
institutes concerned with training health professionals.
Quality, including drug content, stability and bioavailability, should
be assured through testing or regulation, as discssed in section 5.
M here national resources are not available for this type .‘’control, the

suppliers should provide documentation of the products compliant
with the required specifications.
5. Competent health authorities should decide the level of expertise
required to prescribe individual drugs or a group of drugs in a
therapeutic category. Consideration should be given, in particular, to
the competence of the personnel to make a correct diagnosis. In some
instances, while individuals with advanced training are necessary t0
prescribe initial therapy. individuals with less training could be
responsible for maintenance therapy.
6. The success of the entire essential drugs programme is dependent
upon the efficient administration of supply, storage and distribution at
every point from the manufacturer to the end-user. Government
intervention may be necessary to ensure the availability of some dru«,
in the formulations listed, and special arrangements may need to be
instituted for the storage and distribution of drugs that have a short
shelf-life or require refrigeration.
7.
Efficient management of stocks is necessary to eliminate waste and to
ensure continuity of supplies. Procurement policy should be ba-ed
upon detailed records of turnover. In some instances, drug utilization
studies may contribute to a better understanding of true requirements.
S. Research, both clinical and pharmaceutical, is sometimes required to
settle the choice of a particular drug product under local conditions.
Facilities and trained personnel for such research must be provided.
Clinical trials on pharmaceutical products should follow the Guide­
lines for Good Clinical Practice (GCP) for Trials on Pharmaceutical
Products included as Annex 3.
9. A national drug regulatory authority should be established along the
lines recommended in the guiding principles for small national drug
regulator) authorities presented in Annex 1 of the Committee'- prev ions report (3). The authority should interact with other interested bod­
ies. including organizations responsible for drug procurement in the
public and private sectors and the committee referred to in item 1.

3

Criteria for the selection of essential drugs
Essential drugs are those that satisfy the health care needs of the majority
of the population: they should therefore be available al all limes in
adequate amounts and in the appropriate dosage forms.
The choice of such drugs depends on many factors, such as the pattern ol
prevalent diseases: the treatment facilities: the training and experience
of the available personnel: the financial resources: and genetic.
demographic and environmental factors.
Because of differing view son the definition of an essential drug in terms
of what is meant by the "health care needs of the majority" of the
population, the model list has been gradually expanded since its
introduction. Some drug- tire included that are essential only if ;1

therapeutic programme is planned to address the diseases for which these
drugs are used. For example, the cytotoxic drugs (section 8.2 of the
model list) are essential only if a comprehensive cancer treatment
programme is planned. Such a programme requires adequate hospital.
diagnostic and clinical laboratory facilities for its implementation. In
contrast, the drugs used in palliative care (section 8.4) are always
essential, even when a comprehensive cancer treatment programme does
not exist.

Only those drugs should be selected for which sound and adequate data
on efficacy and safety are available from clinical studies and for which
evidence of performance in general use in a variety of medical settings
has been obtained.

Each selected drug must be available in a form in which adequate quality.
including bioavailability, can be assured: its stability under the anticipated
conditions of storage and use must be established.
Where two or more drugs appear to be similar in the above respects, the
choice between them should be made on the basis of a careful evaluation
of their relative efficacy, safety, quality. price and availability.
In cost comparisons between drugs, the cost of the total treatment, and
not only the unit cost of the drug, must be considered. The cost/benefit
ratio is a major consideration in the choice of some drugs for the list. In
some cases the choice may also be influenced by other factors, such as
comparative pharmacokinetic properties, or by local considerations such
as the ax ailabilily of facilities for manufacture or storage.

XI.'si essential drugs should be formulated as single compounds. Fixedratio combination product' are acceptable onlx when the dosage of each
ingredient meets the requirements of a defined population group and
when the combination has a proven advantage over single compounds
administered separate!) in therapeutic effect, safely or compliance.

Guidelines for the selection of
pharmaceutical dosage forms
The purpose of selecting dosage forms and strengths for the drugs in the
model list is io provide guidance to countries wishing to standardize or
minimize the number of preparations in their own drug lists. As a general
rule, pharmaceutical forms are selected on the basis of their general
utility and their wide availability internationally. In many instances, a
choice of preparations is provided, particularly in relation to solid dosage
forms. Tablets are usually less expensive than capsules, but. while cost
should be taken into account, the selection should also be based on a
consideration of pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, stability under ambient
climatic conditions, availability of excipients, ami established local
preference.

In a few instances where there is no uniformity of tablet strength. fOr
example acetylsalicylic acid and paracetamol, a dosage range is prot ided
from within which suitable tablet strengths should be selected on the
basis of local availability and need. When precise dosage is not
mandatory, the use of scored tablets is recommended as a simple method
of making dosage more flexible if so required and. in some instances. t0
provide a convenient paediatric dose. Specific paediatric dosages and
formulations are included in the list only when indicated by special
circumstances. In many instances, dosage is specified in terms of a
selected salt or ester, but in others - for example chloroquine - it j5
calculated, in accordance with common practice, in terms of the active
moiety.

For certain drugs with short half-lives that are rapidly metabolized.
such as carbamazepine, calcium-channel blockers and theophylline.
conventional-release dosage forms must often be taken three or four
times a day to maintain drug levels in the required narrow range.
Sustained-release dosage forms can reduce the frequency of drug
administration, thereby improving compliance and. often, the therapeutic
effectiveness of the drug by maintaining a more constant drug level than
can be obtained using traditional dosage forms. Because the preparation
of sustained-release products is difficult and requires special expertise, a
proposal to include such a product in a national list of essential drugs
should be justified by adequate documentation.
5.

Quality assurance
Quality assurance of drug', as embodied in product development, good
manufacturing practice and subsequent monitoring of quality throughout
the distribution chain to utilization, is a crucial element in any e"er.tial
drugs programme. All aspects of these procedures hav e been dealt w ith at
length in the twenty-sixth to thirty-third reports of the WHO Expert
Committee on Specifications for Pharmaceutical Preparations (!4-2h.
Priority should be given to ensuring that die available drugs have been
made according to good manufacturing practices (20. Annex I; and are
of generally recognized quality. This requires knowledge of and confidence
in the origin of the product. The risks of procuring drugs from anony ntous
sources cannot be overstressed. It is recommended that drugs are purchased
directly from known manufacturers, their duly accredited agent' or
recognized international agencies known to apply high standards in
selecting their suppliers.

The Committee emphasized the importance of WHO'' Certification
Scheme on the Quality of Pharmaceutical Products Moving in International
Commerce, particularly in countries with inadequate laboratory facilities
lor drug analy si' which may be unable to carry out the process of quality
control. This scheme ha' been available since 1975 as a meath ot
exchanging information between regulatory authorities in importing and
exporting countries. Its purposes are:

To provide assurance that a given product has been authorized to be

I.

placed on the market in the exporting country, and. if not. to explain
why authorization has been withheld.
To provide assurance that the plant in which the product is manufactured

2.

is subject to inspections at suitable intervals and conforms to the
requirements

for

good

practices

in

and

manufacture

the

quality

control of drugs, as recommended by WHO.
To provide for exchange of information on the implementation of

3.

inspections and controls by the authorities in the exporting country.

In the case of serious quality defects inquiries may also be made.
In

1988

the

accordance

scope

'of

World

with

scheme

certification

the

Health

Assembly

extended,

in

WHA4I.I8.

to

was

resolution

provide for a more comprehensive exchange of information between

governments (22 >.

were,

Drug substances as well as finished dosage forms

within

included

and

scheme

the

was

provision

for

made

the

exchange of officially approved, product-specific prescribing information

on the safety and efficacy of finished products.
The

Committee

to

wishes

national

encourage

authorities

to

issue

certificates in precise conformity w ith the format proposed by WHO in
order to ensure that clear details are given about a product's place of

manufacture

or

assembly

whether

and

manufacturing

practice

have

alreadx

done

so

are

urged

manufacturers

of

pharmaceutical

to

WHO's

applied.

been

extend

the

products

of

standards

Countries

system

that

of

destined

good

have

not

licensing

to

exclusively

for

export. The licensing system should ensure that these manufacturers are
vjbiect to inspection, that they

requirements

for

good

comply

with internationally

manufacturing

practices,

and

recognized
every

that

reasonable precaution is taken to ensure that the quality of their products

meets pharmacopoeia! specifications.
Poor bioaxailability of a pharmaceutical product can result in treatment

failure just as readily

as can a deficiency

of active ingredients in the

product. The bioaxailability of essential drugs should therefore continue

to rcceixe consideration since it is a key factor in quality assurance.
The Committee appreciates that the development of the Model List of

essential Drug' has proxided a natural focus for the third edition of The

ii::i nuilii’iial i>huriiiciei'i’<ieiii (2.>). thus enhancing its potential
to dexeloping countries. Essential drugs are accorded priority

value

and all

qualitx specifications are supported by classical methods of testing and
analxsis. A plan for a small quality -control laboratory'in which most of

these tests can be performed has been available since 1984 t/7). Since
qualitx

assurance

of essential

drugs

is so important,

the

Committee

recommends to national goxernments the setting up of such laboratories
and the adoption of The iiiieinaiioiuil pharimuopneiu by those currently
lacking the means to confirm independently the quality of the supplies

thex

procure.

Where

national

inxolxing several countries max

capacity

is

lacking,

a

regional

effort

be useful. In this context, attention is

also drawn to the Wl’lO publication liasic ic>!\ lor pliannaceutical
substances (24). which enables the identity of drug substance'- to be
verified ami gross degradation to be excluded when laboratory facilities
for full pharmacopoeia! analyses are not available.
the need to extend the coverage ol The
international pharmacopoeia to include not only essential drug substances.

The Committee emphasizes

but also the dosage forms (25) specified in the Model List of Essential
Drugs, together with additional information on bioaxailability. stability

and recommended packaging anil storage conditions.

6.

Reserve anti-infective agents and monitoring
of resistance
The increasing prevalence of strains of common

pathogenic bacteria

resistant to widely available, relatively cheap antimicrobials included in
the model list is. in many cases, dangerously eroding their effectiveness.
The neeojor more systematic ami coordinated international approaches

to laboratory monitoring of antimicrobial

sensitivity

is

important and

urgent. It has already been emphasized that reference laboratories need to
be established'in developing as well as developed countries in order to

monitor the resistance of important bacterial pathogens (26. 27). Each
Member country should have a national reference laboratory to monitor
the local resistance patterns of important microorganisms. Know ledge ot

prevailing sensitivity

patterns is vital to the proper selection and use

of antimicrobials and

the development of appropriate

to

prescribing

policies. Without these data the health of seriously ill patients could be

jeopardized. Knowledge of sensitivity patterns should come from proper
laboratory investigations. Hovvever. in countries with inadequate facilities
for monitoring

resistance,

clinical evidence of lack of efficacy

ot a

particular antimicrobial against a particular infectious disease should be
utilized to modify

the drug treatment for the particular disease in the

\

community concerned.

It is becoming increasingly common for important pathogens to emerge
in a country or locality

that are shown, on sensitivity

testing, to have

developed resistance to all normally appropriate essential dings. In these
circumstances a reserve antimicrobial is needed. A reserve antimicrobial

is an antimicrobial that is useful

for a wide range of infections but.

because of the need to reduce the risk of development of resistance and
because of its relatively high cost, it would be inappropriate to recommend

its unrestricted use.

\

The concept of reserve antimicrobials is of practical relevance only w hen

information

is

available

on

the

prevailing sensitivities

of important

bacterial pathogens. Within this context the second-'and third-generatio11
cefalosporins. the fluoroquinolones and vancomycin tire most importaiii-

I

Volume 13, Number 4, 1999

World Health Organization, Geneva

WHO Drug information
Contents

Regulatory and Safety Matters

General Policy Issues
Access to essential drugs
217
WHO's role in ensuring access to essential
drugs
217
Access to medicines: an urgent need for
solutions
220
Amsterdam statement on access to medicines 223

Reports on Individual Drugs
Influenza preparedness plan: antiviral drugs
Atovaquone and proquaml hydrochloride:
a new antimalarial combination

225
226

Current Topics
Roll Back Malaria
The Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV)
The Japanese alliance
A new antimalarial donation programme
Roll Back Malaria in Europe
The WHO Antimicrobial Resistance
Information Bank

228
228
228
229
229
230

Vaccines and Biomedicines
Quality assurance and safety of
biologicals
Influenza preparedness plan: vaccine
production and availability
Thiomersal: theoretical risk leads to
phasing out

Leflunomide: pancytopenia and skin reactions
Didanosine and pancreatitis
Sertraline for post-traumatic stress disorder
Pemoline withdrawal following liver
complications
Levetiracetam: new drug for epilepsy
Methotrexate: monitoring essential
Methotrexate: care in prescribing
Grepafloxacin withdrawal: severe
cardiovascular events
Reteplase incompatible with heparin
Postmarketing system to be revised
Abacavir: hypersensitivity reactions
Initiative to curb illegal sale of drugs over
the Internet
Unapproved HIV test kits available on
the Internet
V-King®: unapproved use of sildenafil
Miralex®: undeclared corticosteroid
Rules for dietary supplements finalized

238
238
238
238
239
239
239
239
239
240
240

240
240
241
241
241

ATC/DDD Classification
Temporary list

242

Final list

245

Essential Drugs
231

235
237

WHO Model List (revised December 1999)

249

Proposed International
Nonproprietary Names: List 82 263

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs
WHO Mode! List (revised December 1999)
injection for spinal anaesthesia,
0.5% (hydrochloride) in 4-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution

Section 1: Anaesthetics
1.1

GENERAL ANAESTHETICS AND OXYGEN

ether, anaesthetic (1c) (2)

inhalation

halothane (2)

inhalation

ketamine (2)

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

nitrous oxide (2)

“thiopental (2)

injection for spinal anaesthesia.
5% (hydrochloride) in 2-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution

inhalation

topical forms, 2-4% (hydrochlonde)

powder for injection, 0.5 g. 1.0 g
(sodium salt) in ampoule

LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

“bupivacame (2. 9)

injection. 0.25%. 0.5%
(hydrochloride) in vial

injection, 1%, 2%
(hydrochloride) in vial
injection, 1%, 2% (hydrochloride)
+ epinephnne 1:200 000 in vial

inhalation (medicinal gas)

oxygen

1.2

“lidocaine

dental cartridge. 2% (hydrochloride)
+ epinephrine 1:80 000

Complementary drug
ephedrine (C)
injection. 30 mg
(For use in spinal anaesthesia
(hydrochlonde)/ml in
dunng delivery to prevent hypotension)
1 -ml ampoule

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

Explanatory Notes

When lhe strength of a drug is specified in terms of a
selected salt or ester, this is mentioned in brackets: wnen it
refers to the active moiety, the name of the salt or ester in
brackets is preceded by lhe word ’as'.
Many drugs included in the list are preceded by a box t°) to
indicate that they represent an example of a therapeutic
group and that various drugs could serve as alternatives. It
is imperative that this is understood when drugs are selected
at national level, since choice is then influenced bv the
comparative cost and availability of equivalent products.
Examples of acceptable substitutions include:

° Hydrochlorothiazide: any other thiazide-type diureoc cur­
rently in broad clinical use.
“ Hydralazine: any other penpheral vasodilator having an
antihypertensive effect.
“ Senna: any stimulant laxative (either synthetic or of plant
origin).
° Sulfadiazine: any other short-acting, systemically active
sulfonamide unlikely to cause crystalluria.

United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988).
(2)
Specific expertise, diagnostic precision, individualization
of dosage or special equipment required for proper use.
(3)
Greater potency or efficacy.
(4)
In renal insufficiency, contraindicated or dosage adjust­
ments necessary.
(5)
To improve compliance.
(6)
Special pharmacokinetic properties.
(7)
Adverse effects dimmish benefit/risk ratio.
(8)
Limited indications or narrow spectrum of activity.
(9)
For epidural anaesthesia.
(10)
Sustained-release preparations are available. A pro­
posal to include such a product in a national list of essential
drugs should be supported by adequate documentation.
(11)
Monitonng of therapeutic concentrations in plasma can
improve safety and efficacy.

Letters in parentheses following the drug names indicate the
reasons for the inclusion of complementary drugs:
(A)
When drugs in the main list cannot be made available.
(B)
When drugs in the main list are known to be ineffective or
inappropriate for a given individual.
Numbers in parentheses following drug names indicate:
(C)
For use in rare disorders or in exceptional circumstances.
(1)
Drugs subject to international control under (a) the (D)
Reserve antimicrobials to be used only when there is
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961); (b) the Con­
significant resistance to other drugs on the list.
vention on Psychotropic Substances (1971); or (c) the
Drugs are listed in alphabetical order.

249

1

Essential Drugs

1.3

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

DISEASE-MODIFYING AGENTS USED
PREOPERATIVE MEDICATION & SEDATION 2.4
IN RHEUMATIC DISORDERS
FOR SHORT-TERM PROCEDURES
injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule

atropine
chloral hydrate

syrup, 200 mg/5 ml

“diazepam (1b)

injection, 5 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

azathioprine (2)

tablet, 50 mg

chloroquine (2)

tablet, 100 mg, 150 mg
(as phosphate or sulfate)
tablet, 25 mg

cyclophosphamide (2)

tablet, 5 mg

methotrexate (2)

tablet. 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)

“morphine (1a)

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

penicillamine (2)

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

sulfasalazine (2)

tablet. 500 mg

“promethazine

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

Section 2: Analgesics, Antipyretics,
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs), Drugs Used to
Treat Gout and Disease-Modifying
Agents used in Rheumatic
Disorders (DMARDs)
2.1 NON-OPIOID ANALGESICS & NSAIDs
acetylsalicylic acid

Section 3: Antiallergics and
Drugs Used in Anaphylaxis
tablet, 4 mg (hydrogen maleate)

“chlorphenamine

injection. 10 mg (hydrogen
maleate) in 1-ml ampoule
tablet. 500 pg. 4 mg

“dexamethasone

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

injection. 1 mg (as hydro­
chlonde or hydrogen tartrate)
in 1-ml ampoule

hydrocortisone

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

“prednisolone

tablet, 5 mg

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
tablet. 30 mg (phosphate)

“codeine (1a)
“morphine (1a)

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

tablet. 10 mg (sulfate)

4.1

NON-SPECIFIC

“charcoal, activated

ipecacuanha

injection. 50 mg
(hydrochloride) in 1-ml ampoule

4.2 SPECIFIC

atropine

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg (hydrochloride)

2.3

DRUGS USED TO TREAT GOUT

allopurinol (4)

tablet, 100 mg

colchicine (7)

tablet, 500 pg

calcium gluconate (2, 8)
deferoxamine

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

250

powder

syrup, containing 0.14% ipecacuanha
alkaloids calculated as emetine

acetylcysteine

Complementary drug

“pethidine (A) (1a, 4)

Section 4: Antidotes and Other
Substances Used in Poisonings

injection, 200 mg/ml
in 10-ml vial
injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule
injection. 100 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

powder for injection, 500 mg
(mesilate) in vial

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13. No. 4, 1999

dimercaprol (2)

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

“□i-methionine

tablet, 250 mg
injection, 10 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

methylthioninium chloride
(methylene blue)

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

naloxone

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

penicillamine (2)

potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate(ll) -2H2O (Prussian blue)
sodium calcium edetate (2)

powder for oral
administration
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

Section 6: Anti-infective Drugs
6.1

ANTHELMINTHICS
INTESTINAL ANTHELMINTHICS

6.1.1

albendazole

chewable tablet. 400 mg

levamisole

tablet, 50 mg, 150 mg
(as hydrochloride)

’mebendazole

chewable tablet, 100 mg, 500 mg

chewable tablet, 500 mg

niclosamide
praziquantel

tablet, 150 mg, 600 mg

pyrantel

chewable tablet. 250 mg
(as embonate)

oral suspension, 50 mg
(as embonate)/ml

ANTIFILARIALS

6.1.2

tablet. 50 mg, 100 mg
(dihydrogen citrate)

diethylcarbamazme

Section 5: Anticonvulsants/
Antiepileptics

ivermectin

carbamazepine (10, 11) scored tablet. 100 mg, 200 mg

suramin sodium (8) (2. 7)

’diazepam (1b)
an

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

6.1.3

capsule. 250 mg

ethosuximide

magnesium sulfate

scored tablet. 3 mg. 6 mg

Complementary drug

powder for injection.
1 g in vial

ANTISCHISTOSOMALS AND OTHER
ANTITREMATODE DRUGS

syrup, 250 mg/5 ml

praziquantel

tablet. 600 mg

injection. 500 mg/ml
m 2-ml ampoule
and 10-ml ampoule

triclabendazole

tablet. 250 mg

Complementary drug
capsule. 250 mg

oxamniquine (C) (8)
tablet. 15-100 mg

phenobarbital (lb. 11)

syrup. 250 mg/5 ml

elixir. 15 mg/5 ml

phenytoin (7. 11)
25 mg.

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

valproic acid (7. 11)

BETA LACTAM DRUGS

“amoxicillin

capsule or tablet. 250 mg.
500 mg (anhydrous)

powder for oral suspension.
125 mg (anhydrous)/5 ml

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

Complementary drug

’clonazepam (8) (1b)

6.2 ANTIBACTERIALS
6.2.1

ampicillin

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

benzathine
benzylpenicillin

powder for injection.
1.44 g benzylpenicillin
(= 2.4 million IU) in 5-ml viai

benzylpenicillin

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

scored tablet. 500 pg

Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

Essential Drugs

“cioxacillin

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

capsule, 500 mg, 1 g (as sodium salt)

“metronidazole

tablet 200-500 mg

powder for oral solution, 125 mg
(as sodium salt)/5 ml

injection, 500 mg in 100-ml vial
suppository, 500 mg, 1 g

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

oral suspension, 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

tablet, 250 mg, 500 mg

nalidixic acid (8)

nitrofurantoin (4, 8)

tablet, 100 mg

spectinomycin (8)

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

tablet. 500 mg

“sulfadiazine (4)

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

Restricted indications
“amoxicillin +
“clavulanic acid (D)

tablet, 500 mg + 125 mg

tablet. 100 mg + 20 mg.
400 mg + 80 mg

“sulfamethoxazole +
tnmetnoprim (4)

ceftazidime (D)

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

oral suspension.
200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml

“ceftriaxone (D)

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

injection. 80 mg + 16 mglml
in 5-ml and 10-ml ampoule

imipenem +
cilastatm (D)

powder for injection. 250 mg
(as monohydrate) + 250 mg,
(as sodium salt)
500 mg (as monohydrate) +
500 mg in vial (as sodium salt)

6.2.2

trimethopnm (8)

injection. 20 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule
Complementary drugs

chloramphenicol (C)

OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS

“chloramphenicol (7)

capsule. 250 mg
oral suspension. 150 mg
(as palmitate)/5 ml

powder for injection, 1 g
(sodium succinate) in vial

tablet. 250 mg
(as hydrochloride)

“ciprofloxacin

capsule or tablet,
100 mg (hydrochloride)

“doxycycline (5. 6)

capsule or tablet. 250 mg
(as stearate or ethyl succinate)

“erythromycin

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

tablet. 100 mg. 200 mg

oily suspension for injection,
0.5 g (as sodium succmate)/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)
isoniazid

isoniazid + ethambutol (5)

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

252

tablet. 100-400 mg
(hydrochloride)
tablet. 100-300 mg

tablet. 150 mg + 400 mg

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

tablet. 400 mg

pyrazinamide

capsule or tablet, 150 mg, 300 mg

rifampicin
rifampicin +
isoniazid (5)

Essential Drugs

6.4.2

ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS

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

tablet, 60 mg + 30 mg, 150 mg + 75 mg,
300 mg+ 150 mg

nevirapine (8)

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

zidovudine (8)

tablet, 200 mg
oral solution, 50 mg/5 ml
capsule. 100 mg, 250 mg

injection, 10 mg/mi in 20-ml vial

tablet,
60 mg + 30 mg + 150 mg,
150 mg + 75 mg + 400 mg

rifampicin + isoniazid +
pyrazinamide (5)

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

streptomycin (4)

Complementary drug
tablet. 50 mg + 100 mg,
150 mg+ 300 mg

thioacetazone +
isoniazid (A) (5. 7)

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

oral solution, 50 mg/5 ml

Drugs for treatment of HIV/AIDS include nucleoside
reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside
reverse transcnptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) and protease
inhibitors (Pls). 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 therelore HIV/AIDS treatment policies must be de­
cided at country or institutional level.

6.5

ANTIPROTOZOAL DRUGS

6.5.1

ANTIAMOEBIC AND ANTIGIARDIASIS
DRUGS

° diloxamde

6.3

amphotericin 8 (4)

tablet. 500 mg (furoate)

tablet. 200-500 mg

“metronidazole

ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS
powder for injection. 50 mg in vial

injection, 500 mg in 100-ml vial

capsule. 50 mg

oral suspension. 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

“fluconazole

injection, 2 mg/ml in vial

oral suspension. 50 mg/5-ml

gnseofulvin (7)

capsule or tablet. 125 mg, 250 mg

6.5.2

ANTILEISHMANIASIS DRUGS

“meglumine antimoniate

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

tablet. 100 000. 500 000 IU

nystatin

lozenge. 100 000 IU

pentamidine (5)

pessary, 100 000 IU

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

Complementary drug

Complementary drugs
flucytosine (8) (4. 8)

capsule. 250 mg

powder for injection,
50 mg in vial

amphotencm B (B) (4)

infusion, 2.5 g in 250 ml

potassium iodide (A)

saturated solution

6.5.3

ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS

(a) FOR CURATIVE TREATMENT

6.4

ANTIVIRAL DRUGS

6.4.1

ANTIHERPES DRUGS

aciclovir (8)

“chloroquine

tablet, 200 mg



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

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

253

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13. No. 4, 1999

tablet. 7.5 mg, 15 mg
(as diphosphate)

primaquine

"quinine

tablet, 300 mg (as bisulfate or sulfate)

injection, 300 mg (as dihydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

tablet. 100 mg

nifurtimox (2, 8)

tablet, 30 mg, 120 mg, 250 mg

6.6 INSECT REPELLENTS
diethyltoluamide

Complementary drugs
"doxycycline (B) (for use only in
capsule or tablet,
combination with quinine)
100 mg (hydrochlonde)

mefloquine (B)

(b) AMERICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS

benznidazole (7)

tablet. 250 mg (as hydrochlonde)

tablet. 500 mg + 25 mg

"sulfadoxine +
pyrimethamine (B)

Restricted indications
artemether (D)

iniection. 80 mg/ml
in 1-ml ampoule

anesunate (D)

tablet, 50 mg

topical solution, 50%, 75%

Section 7: Antimigraine Drugs
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
tablet. 20 mg, 40 mg
(hydrochloride)

"propranolol

(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 (hydrochlonde)

mefloquine

tablet, 250 mg (as hydrochlonde)

proguanil (lor use only in
combination with chloroquine)

tablet, 100 mg
(hydrochlonde)

Section 8: Antineoplastic and
Immunosuppressive Drugs and
Drugs Used in Palliative Care
8.1 IMMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS
Adequate resources and specialist oversight are a pre­
requisite tor the introduction of this class ol drugs.

tablet. 50 mg

"azathiopnne (2)

powder for injection. 100 mg
(as sodium salt) in vial

6.5.4 ANTIPNEUMOCYSTOSIS AND
ANTITOXOPLASMOSIS DRUGS
pentamidine (2)

tablet. 200 mg. 300 mg

pyrimethamine

tablet. 25 mg

sulfamethoxazole +
tnmethopnm

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

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)
bleomycin (2)

calcium folinate (2)

injection. 200 mg (hydrochloride)/ml in 100-ml bottles

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

tablet. 15 mg

chlorambucil (2)

tablet, 2 mg

chlormethine (2)

powder for injection. 10 mg
(hydrochlonde) in vial

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

254

powder for injection,
10 000 IU in vial

injection. 3 mg/ml in 10-ml ampoule

Complementary drug

eflomithine (C)

capsule. 25 mg

"ciclosporin (2)
(tor organ transplantation)

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

powder for injection,
10 mg, 50 mg in vial

cisplatin (2)
cyclophosphamide (2)

tablet, 25 mg

Section 9: Antiparkinsonism Drugs
“biperiden

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

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 pg in vial

“doxorubicin (2)

etoposide (2)

capsule. 100 mg

levamisole (2)
mercaptopurine (2)
methotrexate (2)

injection. 50 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

tablet. 50 mg
(as hydrochloride)

powder for injection. 50 mg
(as sodium salt) in vial
procarbazine

capsule. 50 mg (as hydrochlonde)

vinblastine (2)

powder for injection.
10 mg (sulfate) in vial

vincnstine (2)

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

amoxifen

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

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

tablet, equivalent
to 60 mg iron +
400 pg 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 (0) (5)

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

10.2 DRUGS AFFECTING COAGULATION
desmopressin (8)

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

hepann sodium

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

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

phytomenadione

injection. 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

tablet. 10 mg, 20 mg (as citrate)

protamine sulfate

injection. 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

8.3 HORMONES AND ANTIHORMONES
“prednisolone

10.1 ANTIANAEMIA DRUGS
ferrous salt

tablet. 50 mg

tablet. 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)

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

Section 10: Drugs affecting the
Blood

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

injection. 20 mg/ml in 5-ml ampoule

fluorouracil (2)

levodopa +
“carbidopa (5, 6)

tablet. 5 mg

tablet. 10 mg

8.4 DRUGS USED IN PALLIATIVE CARE
“warfarin (2. 6)
The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recom­
mended that all the drugs mentioned in the WHO publi­
cation 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.

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

255

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4,1999

Section 11: Blood Products and
Plasma Substitutes
11.1

“procainamide (B)

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

PLASMA SUBSTITUTES

“dextran 70

injectable solution, 6%

“poiygeline

injectable solution, 3.5%

“quinidine (A) (7)

tablet. 200 mg (sulfate)

72.3 ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS
PLASMA FRACTIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE '

71.2

“atenolol

tablet. 50 mg, 100 mg

Complementary drugs

“factor VIII concentrate (C) (2, 8)

dried

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

dried

“captopril

scored tablet, 25 mg

“hydralazine

tablet. 25 mg. 50 mg
(hydrochlonde)

powder for injection, 20 mg
(hydrochloride) in ampoule

Section 12: Cardiovascular Drugs

“hydrochlorothiazide

12.1

methyldopa (7)

tablet. 250 mg

“nifedipine (10)

sustained-release formulations

ANTIANGINAL DRUGS

“atenolol

glyceryl tnnitrate
“isosorbide dinitrate

“verapamil (10)

tablet, 50 mg. 100 mg
tablet (sublingual), 500 pg

tablet (sublingual), 5 mg

tablet. 40 mg. 80 mg
(hydrochloride)

72.2 ANTIARRHYTHMIC DRUGS
“atenolol

tablet. 50 mg. 100 mg

digoxin (4. 11)

tablet. 62.5 pg. 250 pg
oral solution, 50 pg/ml

iniection, 250 pg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

lidocaine

verapamil (8, 10)

scored tablet, 25 mg

tablet. 10 mg
“reserpine

injection, 1 mg in 1-ml ampoule
Complementary drugs

prazosin

injection, 2.5 mg
(hydrochlonde)Zml
in 2-ml ampoule

tablet. 500 pg. 1 mg (mesilate)

“sodium nitroprusside
(C)(2. 8)

scored tablet. 25 mg

digoxin (4. 11)

tablet. 62.5 pg. 250 pg

oral solution. 50 pg/ml
injection. 250 pg/ml in 2-ml ampoule
dopamine

“hydrochlorothiazide

injection, 1 mg
(as hydrochloride)/ml

isoprenaline (C)

injection. 20 pg
(hydrochloride)/ml

injection, 40 mg
(hydrochlonde)rml in 5-ml vial

tablet. 25 mg, 50 mg

72.5 ANTITHROMBOTIC DRUGS
acetylsalicylic acid

Complementary drugs

epinephrine (C)

powder for infusion.
50 mg in ampoule

12.4 DRUGS USED IN HEART FAILURE
“captopril

injection, 20 mg
(hydrochlonde)Zml
in 5-ml ampoule
tablet. 40 mg,
80 mg (hydrochloride)

tablet. 100 pg. 250 pg

tablet. 100 mg

Complementary drug

streptokinase (C)

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
’ All plasma fractions should comply with the Requirements for the Collection, Processing and Quality Control of Blood. Blood
Components and Plasma Derivatives (Revised 1992). WHO Technical Report Series, No. 840, 1994, Annex 2.

256

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

12.6 LIPID-LOWERING AGENTS

13.4 ASTRINGENT DRUGS

The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recog­
nizes the value of lipid-lowering drugs in treating patients
with hyperiipidaemia. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors, often re­
ferred to as 'statins', are potent and effective lipidlowering 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 costeffective for secondary prevention of cardiovascular dis­
ease as well as for pnmary pre vention in some very highrisk 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.

aluminium diacetate

Section 13:
Dermatological Drugs (topical)

solution, 13% for dilution

13.5 DRUGS AFFECTING SKIN
DIFFERENTIATION AND PROLIFERATION
lotion or cream, 5%

benzoyl peroxide

coal tar

solution, 5%

dithranol

ointment, 0.1-2%

fluorouracil

ointment, 5%

"podophyllum resin (7)

solution, 10-25%

salicylic acid

solution 5%

urea

ointment orcream, 10%

13.6 SCAB1CIDES AND PEDICULICIDES
"benzyl benzoate

lotion, 25%

permethrin

cream, 5%

lotion. 1%

13.7 ULTRA VIOLET-BLOCKING AGENTS

13.1 ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS

Complementary drugs

ointment or
cream, 6% ♦ 3%

benzoic acid + salicylic acid
"miconazole

ointment or cream. 2% (nitrate)

sodium thiosulfate

solution, 15%

Complementary drug

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

fluorescein

eye drops. 1% (sodium salt)

"tropicamide

eye drops, 0.5%

14.2 RADIOCONTRAST MEDIA
injection. 140-420 mg iodine
(as sodium or meglumine
salt)/ml in 20-ml ampoule

"amidotrizoate

banum sulfate
"iohexol

cream. 1%. in 500-g container

aqueous suspension

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

"iopanoic acid

13.3 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND
ANTIPRURITIC DRUGS
"betamethasone (3)

Section 14: Diagnostic Agents
14.1 OPHTHALMIC DRUGS

selenium sulfide (C)

silver sulfadiazine

topical sun protection agent with
activity against UVA and UVB (C) cream, lotion or gel

ointment or cream.
0.1% (as valerate)

"calamine lotion

lotion

"hydrocortisone

ointment or cream, 1% (acetate)

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

tablet. 500 mg
oily suspension.
500—600 mg/ml
in 20-ml ampoule

Complementary drug

"meglumine iotroxate (C)

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

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

257

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Section 15:
Disinfectants and Antiseptics

17.2

ANTIEMETIC DRUGS

metoclopramide

tablet. 10 mg (hydrochloride)

injection, 5 mg (hydrochioride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

ANTISEPTICS

15.1

solution, 5%
(digluconate) for dilution

“chlorhexidine

“ethanol

solution, 70% (denatured)

“polyvidone iodine

15.2

tablet. 10 mg,
25 mg (hydrochloride)

“promethazine

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

solution, 10%

injection. 25 mg (hydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

DISINFECTANTS

“chlonne base compound

powder (0.1% available
chlonne) for solution

“chloroxylenol

solution. 4 8%

glutaral

solution. 2%

“amiionde (4. 7, 8)

ANTIHAEMORRHOIDAL DRUGS

17.4

ointment
or suppository

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS
suppository. 25 mg
(acetate)

hydrocortisone

Section 16: Diuretics
“furosemide

17.3

“local anaesthetic, astringent
and anti-inflammatory drug

“ retention enema

tablet, 5 mg (hydrochloride)

tablet. 40 mg

tablet. 500 mg

“sulfasalazine (2)

suppository. 500 mg

injection, 10 mg/ml in
2-ml ampoule

“hydrochlorothiazide
spironolactone (8)

tablet. 25 mg. 50 mg
tablet. 25 mg

retention enema

17.5

ANTISPASMODIC DRUGS
tablet. 0.6 mg (sulfate)

“atropine

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

Complementary drug

“mannitol (C)

injectable solution, 10%. 20%

17.6

Section 17: Gastrointestinal Drugs
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

LAXATIVES
tablet. 7.5 mg (sennosides)
(or traditional dosage forms)

“senna

17.7

DRUGS USED IN DIARRHOEA

17.7.1

ORAL REHYDRATION

oral rehydration salts (for glucoseelectrolyte solution)
Components

sodium chloride
trisodium citrate dihydrate 2
potassium chloride
glucose

powder, 27.9 g/l

gA

3.5
2.9
1.5
20.0

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
’Trisodium citrate dihydrate may be replaced by sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) 2.5 g/1. However, as the
stability of this latter formulation is very poor under tropical conditions, it is only recommended when manufactured for
immediate use.

258

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

17.7.2

ANTIDIARRHOEAL (SYMPTOMATIC)
DRUGS

"codeine (1a)

tablet, 30 mg (phosphate)

Section 18: Hormones, other Endo­
crine Drugs and Contraceptives
18.1

ADRENAL HORMONES AND
SYNTHETIC SUBSTITUTES

"dexamethasone

Essential Drugs

18.3.3

BARRIER METHODS

condoms with or without spermicide
(nonoxinol)

diaphragms with spermicide
(nonoxinol)

18.4

ESTROGENS

tablet. 500 pg, 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

18.5

INSULINS AND OTHER ANTIDIABETIC
AGENTS

18.2

insulin injection (soluble)

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

metformin

Complementary drug
testosterone (C) (2)

18.6
injection, 200 mg
(enantate) in 1-ml ampoule

18.3

CONTRACEPTIVES

HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

"ethinylestradiol +
'levonorgestrel

tablet. 30 pg + 150 pg.

"ethinylestradiol +
“levonorgestrel

tablet. 50 pg
+ 250 pg (pack of four)

"ethinylestradiol +
"norethisterone

levonorgestrel

tablet. 35 pg + 1.0 mg

tablet. 0.75 mg (pack of two)

"levonorgestrel (B)

norethisterone
enantate (B) (7, 8)

18.3.2

tablet. 50 mg (citrate)

PROGESTOGENS
tablet. 5 mg

norethisterone

Complementary drug

medroxyprogesterone acetate (8)

Complementary drugs

medroxyprogesterone
acetate (B) (7, 8)

tablet. 500 m (hydrochloride)

OVULATION INDUCERS

"clomifene (2. 8)

18.7

18.3.1

injection,
40 lU/ml in 10-ml vial.
100 lU/ml in 10-ml vial

intermediate-acting insulin

tablet. 100 pg (acetate)

ANDROGENS

tablet. 2.5 mg, 5 mg

"glibendamide

Complementary drug
fludrocortisone (C)

tablet. 10 pg, 50 pg

"ethinylestradiol

18.8

tablet. 5 mg

THYROID HORMONES AND
ANTITHYROID DRUGS

levothyroxine

tablet. 50 pg. 100 pg
(sooium salt)

potassium iodide

tablet. 60 mg

"propylthiouracil

tablet. 50 mg

tablet. 30 pg
depot injection.
150 mg in 1-ml vial

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

Section 19: Immunologicals
19.1

DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS

tuberculin,3
punfied protein derivative (PPD)

injection

INTRAUTERINE DEVICES

copper-containing device

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
3 All tuberculins should comply with the Requirements for Tuberculins (Revised 1985). WHO Technical Report Series. No.
745, 1987, Annex 1.

259

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13. No. 4, 1999

19.2 SERA AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS ‘
anti-D immunoglobulin
(human)
“antitetanus immunoglobulin
(human)

antivenom serum
diphtheria antitoxin

injection, 250 pg in
single-dose vial
injection, 500 III
in vial

Section 20:
Muscle Relaxants (peripherally acting) and Cholinesterase Inhibitors
injection, 5 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

“alcuronium chloride (2)

injection
injection, 10 000 III,
20 000 IU in vial

immunoglobulin,
human normal (2)

injection (intramuscular)

immunoglobulin,
human normal (2. 8)

injection (intravenous)

“rabies immunoglobulin

injection, 150 lU/ml

tablet,'15 mg (bromide)

“neostigmine

injection, 500 pg. 2.5 mg
(metilsulfate) in 1-ml ampoule
pyridostigmine bromide (2, 8)

tablet, 60 mg
injection, 1 mg
in 1-ml ampoule
injection, 50 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

suxamethonium
chlonde (2)

19.3 VACCINES5

powder for injection

19.3.1 FOR UNIVERSAL IMMUNIZATION

Complementary drug

BCG

vecuronium bromide (C)

powder for injection.
10 mg in vial

diphtheria
pertussis
tetanus

Section 21:
Ophthalmological Preparations

hepatitis B

measles

21.1 ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS
“gentamicin

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

“idoxuridine

solution (eye drops). 0.1%

influenza

silver nitrate

solution (eye drops), 1%
eye ointment, 1% (hydrochloride)

poliomyelitis

19.3.2 FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS

eye ointment. 0.2%

meningitis

“tetracycline

mumps

21.2 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS

rabies

“prednisolone

rubella

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

typhoid

21.3 LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

yellow fever

“tetracaine

solution (eye drops). 0.5%
(hydrochloride)

21.4 MIOTICS AND ANTIGLAUCOMA DRUGS
acetazolamide

tablet. 250 mg

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
‘All plasma fractions should comply with the Requirements for the Collection, Processing and Quality Control of Blood,
Blood components and Plasma Derivatives (Revised 1992). WHO Technical Report Series, No. 840, 1994. Annex 2.
5 All vaccines should comply with current WHO recommendations for biological substances.

260

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

solution (eye drops), 259, 4%
(hydrochloride or nitrate)

“pilocarpine

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

“timolol

Essential Drugs

24.2

DRUGS USED IN MOOD DISORDERS

24.2.1

DRUGS USED IN DEPRESSIVE
DISORDERS

“amitriptyline

tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)

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

atropine
Complementary drug

Section 22:
Oxytocics and Antioxytocics
OXYTOCICS

“ergometnne (1c)

tablet. 200 pg (hydrogen maleate)

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

valproic acid (7, 11)

24.3

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

DRUGS USED IN GENERALIZED
ANXIETY AND SLEEP DISORDERS

“diazepam (1b)

24.4

capsule or tablet, 300 mg

scored tablet. 2 mg, 5 mg

DRUGS USED IN OBSESSIVE
COMPULSIVE DISORDERS AND
PANIC ATTACKS
capsules, 10 mg, 25 mg
(hydrochlonde)

clomipramine

ANTIOXYTOCICS
tablet. 4 mg (as sulfate)

“salbutamol (2)

injection. 50 pg (as sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

intraperitoneal dialysis solution
(of appropriate composition)

Section 25: Drugs Acting on
the Respiratory Tract
25.1

ANTIASTHMATIC DRUGS

“aminophylline (2)

Section 23: Peritoneal
Dialysis Solution

injection. 25 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule
inhalation (aerosol). 50 jig, 250 pg,
(dipropionatel per dose

“beclometasone

parenteral solution

“epinephnne

Section 24:
Psychotherapeutic Drugs
24.1

carbamazepine (10, 11) scored tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg

injection, 10 III in 1-ml ampoule

oxytocin

22.2

DRUGS USED IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS

lithium carbonate (2, 4)
solution (eye drops). 2%
(as hydrochlonde)

epinephnne (A)

22.1

24.2.2

injection. 1 mg (as hydrochlonde
or hydrogen tartrate) in 1-ml ampoule

ipratropium bromide

inhalation (aerosol). 100 ug
(as sulfate) per dose

DRUGS USED IN PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

“chlorpromazine

“fluphenazine (5)

“haloperidol

inhalation (aerosol). 20 ug/dose
tablet. 2 mg, 4 mg (as sulfate)

“salbutamol

tablet. 100 mg (hydrochloride)

syrup, 2 mg (as sulfate)/5 ml

syruo. 25 mg
(hydrochlonde)/5 ml

injection. 50 jig (as sulfatei/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

injection. 25 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml in 2-ml ampoule

respirator solution for use in nebulizers.
5 mg (as sulfate)/ml

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

theophylline (10. 11)

tablet. 2 mg. 5 mg

“cromoglicic acid (0)

injection. 5 mg in
1-ml ampoule

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Vanous drugs can serve

tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg. 300 mg

Complementary drug

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

; alternatives.

261

L
Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

26.3 MISCELLANEOUS

25.2 ANTITUSSIVES
oral solution,
3.5 mg (bromide)/5 ml

"dextromethorphan

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

water for injection

Section 27: Vitamins and Minerals

Section 26:
Solutions correcting Water, Electro­
lyte and Acid-base Disturbances

ascorbic acid

tablet, 50 mg

"ergocalciferol

capsule or tablet, 1.25 mg
(50 000 ID)

oral solution,
250 pg/ml (10 000 lU/ml)

26.1 ORAL
oral rehydration salts (for glucoseelectrolyte solution)

for composition
see section 17.7.1

potassium chloride

powder for solution

iodine (8)

solution. 0.57 ml. (308 mg iodine)
in dispenser bottle

26.2 PARENTERAL
glucose

glucose with
sodium chloride

potassium chloride (2)

injectable solution,
5% isotonic. 10% isotonic.
50% hypertonic
injectable solution. 4%
glucose, 0.18% sodium chloride
(equivalent to Na- 30 mmol/l
Cl’ 30 mmol/l)

capsule. 200 mg
tablet. 50 mg

"nicotinamide

pyridoxine
“retinol

tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)
sugar-coated tablet. 10 000 III
(as palmitate) (5.5 mg)
capsule, 200 000 III (as
palmitate) (110 mg)

11.2% solution in
20-ml ampoule, (equivalent to
* 1.5 mmol/ml. Cl’ 1.5 mmol/ml)
K

sodium chlonde

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, HCO,’ 167 mmol/l)
8 4% solution in 10-ml ampoule
(equivalent to Na- 1000 mmol/l.
HCO.,- 1000 mmol/l)

° compound solution of
sodium lactate

iodized oil. 1 ml (480 mg iodine).
0.5 ml (240 mg iodine) in
ampoule (oral or injectable)

injectable solution

oral oily solution,
100 000 lll/ml in multidose
dispenser (as palmitate)

water-miscible injection.
100 000 III (as palmitate)
(55 mg) in 2-ml ampoule

nbollavm

tablet. 5 mg

“sodium fluoride

in any appropriate formulation

thiamine

tablet. 50 mg (hydrochloride)

Complementary dmg

calcium gluconate (C) (2, 8)

injection,100 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

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.

262

Community Health Cell
From:

"Dr. Hogerzeil" <hogerzeilh@who int>

To:
Sent:
Subject:

"INDIA DRUG" <india-drug@usa.healthnet.org>
Tuesday, May 13, 2003 10:12 PM
[india-drug] 13th WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

(

1.3th WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

Dear all,
The 1.3th WHO Model List of Essential Medicines has been posted on the
WHO/Medicines web site, together with the unedited report of the 13 th
Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines
(2003), and the summary of their recommendations. All materials can be
found al ihe www. who, mt/medicines website under "latest" and then
"Expert Commitee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines". The
direct address is
http://www.who.int/medicines/organi7ation/par/edl/expertcornm.shtrnl .
The main recommendations of the Expert Committee and changes in the
13 th. Model List are summarized below. For (he underlying evidence and
the reasoning of the Committee, please see the original applications
and the report of the Committee.

We are working hard to get the other five language translations of the
Model list on the web; and to adapt the WHO Model Formulary' accordingly
for the 2003 edition.
With best regards,

Hans V. Hogerzeil, MD, PhD, FRCP Edin
Coordinator for policy, access and rational use
Department of Essential Drugs and Medicines Policy
World Health Organisation, 1211 Geneva
Tel 141-22-7913528
Fax +41-22-7914167
<hogerzeilh(®.who. int>

Summary of recommendations of the Expert Committee and changes in the
13th
Model List of Essential Medicines
Added:
- amodiaquine tablet, 153 mg or 200 mg (base);
- azithromycin 250 or 500mg capsule, and suspension 200mg/5ml.
-1.5 mg single levonorgestrel (new dosage form)

Rejected: paediatric ibuprofen, porcine insulin suspension (insulin
semilente), miconazole buccal tablets, misoprostol and valaciclovir.

Page 2 of 4

Deleted:
- ethinylestradiol + levonorgestrel tablet, 50 micrograms + 250
micrograms
(pack of four)

- nonoxinol and spermicides with condoms and diaphragms
- chloral hydrate

- dextromethorphan
- fludrocortisone
- folic acid injection
- ipecacuanha syrup
- human immunoglobulin
- pethidine
- cyclophosphamide in section 2.4
- trimethoprim injection
- iron dextran injection
- prazosin

- hydralazine
- reserpine
- desmopressin
Changed:
- OPS to 75 inFq/1 sodium (sodium chloride 2.6 g/liter) and 75 mmol/I
(13.5 g/liter) glucose

- streptokinase: dosage changed to powder for injection 1.5 million IU
in vial.
The Committee decided to define the criteria for core and complementary
lists, as follows:

The core list presents a list of minimum medicine needs for a basic
health care system, listing the most efficacious, safe and cost
effective medicine 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 Committee recommended that the core and complementary list be
combined as one, with medicines on the complementary list printed in
italics or otherwise identified.

Moved from the core list to the complementary list:
amphotericin-R, aminophylline, azathioprine, clomifene,
diethylcarbamazine.dopamine, ethosuximide, hydrocortisone rectal
preparations, intraperitoneal dialysis solution, methotrexate,
penicillamine, pentamidine, pyridostigmine,sulfadiazine and
sulfasalazine.
Moved from the complementary list to the core list:

amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, chloramphenicol oily solution, epinephrine

5/14/03

Page 3 of 4
(adrenaline) injection, levonorgestrel, mannitol and norcthistcrone
enantate.
The Committee agreed to use the square box symbol on the basis of the

following description:
"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.
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."

Square box symbol removed:
amiloride, amoxicillin, amoxicillin/clavulinic acid, antitetanus
immunoglobulin, azalhioprine, chloramphenicol, chloroquine.
ciclosporin.clomifene. charcoal activated, codeine, cycloserine,
dexamethasone, diloxanidc, DL-mcthioninc, doxorubicin, doxycycline,
epinephrine/adrenaiine.ethtonamide, hydrocortisone, glibenclamide,
ibuprofen, mannitol, morphine,neostigmine, promethazine, quinine,
sodium nitroprusside, retinol,sulfadiazine, sulfadoxine/pyrimelhamine,

sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and verapamil.

Square box symbol retained but listed medicine changed:
- cioxacillin to be replaced by dicloxacillin
- captopril to be replaced by enalapril
- cimetidine to be replaced by ranitidine
Review of corticosteroids:
Core list: section 3:
- prednisolone tablets 5mg and 25mg with square box
- dexamethasone, injection 4mg dexamethasone phosphate (as disodium
salt) in 1ml
- hydrocortisone, powder for injection, lOOmg (as sodium succinate) in
vial both
Complementary list, section 8.3: same items listed
Section 18.1: all corticosteroids deleted
Review of antihypertensive drags:
Deleted: reserpine, hydralazine and prazosin
Captopril be replaced by enalapril with square box
Critical review to be carried out of the justification of the use of
dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers as first-line treatment for
hypertension.
Meihyldopa kept on core list, but only for use in pregnancy

In summary, the Committee recommended that boxed atenolol tablet 50mg,

5/14/03

Page 4 of 4

lOOmg; enalapril tablet 25mg; boxed hydrochlorothiazide scored tablet
25mg;
methyldopa tablet 250mg and boxed nifedipine be listed on the core list

of
section 12.3; and that sodium nitroprusside, powder for infusion, 50mg
in
ampoule be listed on the complementary list.
Proposals for fast-track deletion in 2004
Ether, codeine, colchicine, clonazepam, niclosamide, pyrantel.
triclabendazole, oxamniquine, imipenem/cilastatin, nalidixic acid,
spectinomycin, levofloxacin, ihioacetazone/isoniazid, diethyltoluamidc,
ergotamine, polygeline, Factors VUI and IX, isoprenaline,
procainamide,quinidine, nifedepine, topical sun protection agent, local
anaeslhelic/aslringenl ointment, atropine in section 17.4.

medroxyprogesterone acetate, silver nitrate eye solution, ergometrine.
salbutamol in section 22.2.2, aminophyllinc, cromoglicic acid, calcium
gluconate and sodium fluoride.
The Committee recommended that these items be marked in the list with
the following footnote: "The public health relevance and/or efficacy
and/or safety of thi s item has been questioned and its continued
inclusion on tire list will be reviewed at the next meeting of the
Expert. Committee.

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5/14/03

A

R
O
G
R
A
M
M
E

O
F
T
H
E
Delhi
Society for
Promotion of
Rational
Use of Drugs

A Programme on Rational Use of Drugs

Rational Use of brugs or
RUb is a sensible and

What is
Rational
use of
Drugs ?

reasonable way for
patients to
receive
medicines. Medicines are
necessary for prevention
and cure of their medical
condition, in appropriate
doses and for a suitable
time
period.
Most
importantly, availability of
quality
medicines,
independent of where
they live in India, at the
cheapest rates.

Cost of same drug in different years for
Delhi government hospitals
Pooled procurement rate
2002
1993

Name of Drug
Cap. Amoxycillin
(500 mg.)

Rs.21.50 per 10

Rs.13.83 per 10

Cap. Ciprofloxacin
(500 mg.)

Rs.24.30 per 10

Rs.9.48 per 10

Inj. Ceftazidime
(1 gm.)

Rs. 214
per vial

Rs. 62.15
per vial

Inj. Streptokinase
(15 M.U.)

Rs. 1770.00
per inj.

Rs. 885.00
per inj.

Holding the price tine

Is there scope for
change ?


r„

Cost advantage in supply of essential
drugs by pooled procurement
Drugs

Open
tender

Pooled
procurement

% cost
reduction

Syr Amoxycillin

14.65

7.50

50

Tab Erythromycin
(250mg)

3.24

1.54

50

Tab Atenolol
(50mg)

0.42

0.17

60

Inj Ranitidine

1.87

1.63

12.50

Inj Diazepam

5.53

0.93

80

Good medical care means
access to and availability
of medicines for the sick
and needy. Although, a
good percentage of the
health budget state-wise
is allocated for providing
drugs, we are faced with
the problem of shortages
and
even
spurious
medicines at public health
facilities.
Lack of
medicines is a constraint
to health care. This has a
direct effect on the
economic health of India.

Medical
Care:
The
present
status

The answer is 'Yes’. There is a working model already in place.
This model can improve the quality of therapy, reduce wastage in
resources, limit unnecessary expenditure and minimize adverse
side effects. Specifically designed to educate the patient, the
model chooses the 'best' for health care.

oom

The ‘Delhi Model' is a joint initiative on

the rational use of drugs between the
‘World Health Organization' (WHO),

Model:
a success
story

DSPRUD and the Government of Delhi.

Today, patients in Delhi State Hospitals

receive free good quality medicines.

Ninety percent of drugs prescribed

Problems faced
prior to the Model

are actually handed out to patients.

Before 1993:

WHO India Essential Drugs Programme:
Expansion of Delhi programme into other states
executed through DSPfiUD

Drugs when available were of
poor quality


Components

State drug policy
Essential drugs list by level of care

Pooled procurement

Prescribeddrugsnotavailableor
in short supply

Stocking of unnecessary drugs
and combinations

Inadequate quality control
mechanism

No state list of essential drugs;
each hospital has its own list

Efficient distribution
Quality assurance

Information to patients & prescribers
Training in rational prescribing

Drugs procured and distributed
in a disorganized way
Doctor's prescriptions resulted
in use of expensive brand names

Studies on drug use,
pharmacoeconomics

No information given to the
patients on how to use
prescribed drugs

About
DSPRUD

The Delhi Society for
Promotion of Rational Use
of Drugs, DSPRUD in
short, is a registered
Society with its office in
New Delhi. DSPRUD,
headed by Prof. Ranjit Roy
Chaudhury,
eminent
clinical pharmacologist

with a team of committed
professionals, implement
the programme.

Estimates of potential savings from
drug policy
Avg. Worth
Rs.
%

Selection of drugs EML
Quantification of requirment
Procurement by generic names
Use of competitive bidding system
Proper storage conditions
Good inventory management
Reduction of theft and pilferage
Rational prescription
Improved patient compliance

10
15
25
10
10
15
20

1.10
1.26
1.58
1.75
1.92
2.20
2.64
3.96
_

Developing a Drug Policy

Selecting an Essential Medicines List

RUD’s
steps
to
success

Pooled procurement of medicines by a
Central Committee
Establishment of a quality assurance
system

Preparation of a Drug Formulary

Preparation of Standard Treatment
Guidelines
Training at all levels for those who
administer health care in rational
prescribing of medicines

Objective information about medicines
to doctors and patients
Research and monitoring all aspects of
drug use

Results from the
RUD programme
Drug prices contained over the
years
Drugs can be purchased at 35%
cheaper rates with pooled
procurement

Impact on drug quality in public facilities:
Results of quality tests (Delhi State)
Total no. of batches tested
(July 2000 to October 2002)

3529

Batches not of standard quality

28 (0.79%)

Total expenditure

0.53% of
the budget
for drugs

90% of prescribed drugs from
list of essential medicines
Additional savings can be made
by use of Standard Treatment
Guidelines.

Quality of drugs distributed in
government hospitals is
ensured
Increased accessibility with
90% of medicines being
dispensed in public health
facilities
Quality of prescribing is good

Improved prescribing- not
more than three medicines on
an average

Medicines actually dispensed at
various level of health facilities
- Delhi 2002

Impact on rational! prescribing :
Medicines prescribed from EML- Delhi 2002

Make India Healthy
Make India Wealthy

Adopt RUD

The expertise of the Delhi Society for

Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs

is

available for introducing the ’Delhi Model' in any
State or any organization.

Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs
(Registered under Societies Registration Act of 1860, Regn. No. S 30330 of 1996)

National Institute of Immunology
Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067
Phone : 617 9638, 616 2281,616 3009 • Telefax: 616 5776
E-mail: dsprud@satyam.net.in • Website : www.dsprud.org

T P- - I C( .

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs
WHO Model List (revised December 1999)
injection for spinal anaesthesia,
0.5% (hydrochloride) in 4-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution

Section 1: Anaesthetics
1.1

GENERAL ANAESTHETICS AND OXYGEN

ether, anaesthetic (1c) (2)

inhalation

halothane (2)

inhalation

ketamine (2)

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

injection for spinal anaesthesia,
5% (hydrochloride) in 2-ml ampoule
to be mixed with 7.5% glucose solution

inhalation (medicinal gas)

oxygen
“thiopental (2)

topical forms, 2-4% (hydrochloride)

powder for injection, 0.5 g, 1.0 g
(sodium salt) in ampoule

LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

“bupivacaine (2, 9)

injection, 0.25%, 0.5%
(hydrochloride) in vial

injection, 1%, 2%
(hydrochloride) in vial

injection, 1 %, 2% (hydrochloride)
+ epinephrine 1:200 000 in vial

inhalation

nitrous oxide (2)

1.2

“lidocaine

dental cartridge, 2% (hydrochloride)
+ epinephrine 1:80 000

Complementary drug
ephedrine (C)
injection, 30 mg
(For use in spinal anaesthesia
(hydrochloride)/ml in
during delivery to prevent hypotension)
1 -ml ampoule

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

Explanatory Notes
When the strength of a drug is specified in terms of a
selected salt or ester, this is mentioned in brackets; when it
refers to the active moiety, the name of the salt or ester in
brackets is preceded by the word "as".
Many drugs included in the list are preceded by a box (°) to
indicate that they represent an example of a therapeutic
group and that various drugs could serve as alternatives. It
is imperative that this is understood when drugs are selected
at national level, since choice is then influenced by the
comparative cost and availability of equivalent products.
Examples of acceptable substitutions include:
° Hydrochlorothiazide: any other thiazide-type diuretic cur­
rently in broad clinical use.
“ Hydralazine: any other peripheral vasodilator having an
antihypertensive effect.
“ Senna: any stimulant laxative (either synthetic or of plant
origin).
“ Sulfadiazine: any other short-acting, systemically active
sulfonamide unlikely to cause crystalluria.

United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic
Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (1988).
(2)
Specific expertise, diagnostic precision, individualization
of dosage or special equipment required for proper use.
(3)
Greater potency or efficacy.
(4)
In renal insufficiency, contraindicated or dosage adjust­
ments necessary.
(5)
To improve compliance.
(6)
Special pharmacokinetic properties.
(7)
Adverse effects diminish benefit/risk ratio.
(8)
Limited indications or narrow spectrum of activity.
(9)
For epidural anaesthesia.
(10)
Sustained-release preparations are available. A pro­
posal to include such a product in a national list of essential
drugs should be supported by adequate documentation.
(11)
Monitoring of therapeutic concentrations in plasma can
improve safety and efficacy.

Letters in parentheses following the drug names indicate the
reasons for the inclusion of complementary drugs:
(A)
When drugs in the main list cannot be made available.
(B)
When drugs in the main list are known to be ineffective or
inappropriate for a given individual.
Numbers in parentheses following drug names indicate:
(C)
For use in rare disorders or in exceptional circumstances.
(1)
Drugs subject to international control under: (a) the (D)
Reserve antimicrobials to be used only when there is
Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961); (b) the Con­
significant resistance to other drugs on the list.
vention on Psychotropic Substances (1971); or (c) the
Drugs are listed in alphabetical order.

249

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

1.3 PREOPERATIVE MEDICATION & SEDATION
FOR SHORT-TERM PROCEDURES

2.4 DISEASE-MODIFYING AGENTS USED
IN RHEUMATIC DISORDERS

atropine

azathioprine (2)

tablet, 50 mg

chloroquine (2)

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

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

"morphine (1a)

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

“promethazine

Section 2: Analgesics, Antipyretics,
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory
Drugs (NSAIDs), Drugs Used to
Treat Gout and Disease-Modifying
Agents used in Rheumatic
Disorders (DMARDs)
2.1

NON-OPIOID ANALGESICS & NSAIDs

cyclophosphamide (2)

tablet, 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)

penicillamine (2)

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

sulfasalazine (2)

tablet, 500 mg

Section 3: Antiallergics and
Drugs Used in Anaphylaxis
tablet, 4 mg (hydrogen maleate)

“chlorphenamine

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

tablet, 500 pg, 4 mg

"dexamethasone

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

tablet, 100-500 mg

acetylsalicylic acid

suppository, 50-150 mg

tablet, 200 mg, 400 mg

"ibuprofen

tablet, 100-500 mg

paracetamol

tablet, 25 mg

methotrexate (2)

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)

4.1 NON-SPECIFIC
“charcoal, activated

ipecacuanha
4.2

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

SPECIFIC

atropine

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg (hydrochloride)
calcium gluconate (2, 8)

2.3

DRUGS USED TO TREAT GOUT

allopurinol (4)

tablet, 100 mg

colchicine (7)

tablet, 500 pg

deferoxamine

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

250

powder

syrup, containing 0.14% ipecacuanha
alkaloids calculated as emetine

acetylcysteine

Complementary drug

“pethidine (A) (1a, 4)

Section 4: Antidotes and Other
Substances Used in Poisonings

injection, 200 mg/ml
in 10-ml vial
injection, 1 mg (sulfate)
in 1-ml ampoule
injection, 100 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule
powder for injection, 500 mg
(mesilate) in vial

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

dimercaprol (2)

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

“□L-methionine

tablet, 250 mg
injection, 10 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

methylthioninium chloride
(methylene blue)

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

naloxone

capsule or tablet, 250 mg

penicillamine (2)

potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate(ll) -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

Section 6: Anti-infective Drugs
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
tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg
(dihydrogen citrate)

diethylcarbamazine

Section 5: Anticonvulsants/
Antiepileptics

ivermectin

carbamazepine (10, 11) scored tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg

suramin sodium (B) (2, 7)

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

"diazepam (1b)

ethosuximide

6.1.3

capsule, 250 mg

magnesium sulfate

phenobarbital (1b, 11)

scored tablet, 3 mg, 6 mg

Complementary drug
powder for injection,
1 g in vial

ANTISCHISTOSOMALS AND OTHER
ANTITREMATODE DRUGS

syrup, 250 mg/5 ml

praziquantel

tablet, 600 mg

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

triclabendazole

tablet, 250 mg

Complementary drug
oxamniquine (C) (8)

capsule, 250 mg

tablet, 15-100 mg

syrup, 250 mg/5 ml

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)

ANTIBACTERIALS

BETA LACTAM DRUGS

“amoxicillin

capsule or tablet, 250 mg,
500 mg (anhydrous)

powder for oral suspension,
125 mg (anhydrous)/5 ml

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

Complementary drug
"clonazepam (B) (1b)

6.2

6.2.1

ampicillin

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

benzathine
benzylpenicillin

powder for injection,
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

scored tablet, 500 pg

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

251

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs

“doxacillin

capsule, 500 mg, 1 g (as sodium salt)

“metronidazole

tablet, 200-500 mg

powder for oral solution, 125 mg
(as sodium salt)/5 ml

injection, 500 mg in 100-ml vial

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

oral suspension, 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

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

suppository, 500 mg, 1 g

tablet, 250 mg, 500 mg

nalidixic acid (8)

nitrofurantoin (4, 8)

tablet, 100 mg

spectinomycin (8)

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

tablet, 500 mg

“sulfadiazine (4)

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

Restricted indications
“amoxicillin +
"clavulanic acid (D)

tablet, 500 mg + 125 mg

tablet, 100 mg + 20 mg,
400 mg + 80 mg

“sulfamethoxazole +
trimethoprim (4)

ceftazidime (D)

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

oral suspension,
200 mg + 40 mg/5 ml

“ceftriaxone (D)

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

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

imipenem +
cilastatin (D)

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

6.2.2

injection, 20 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

Complementary drugs

chloramphenicol (C)

OTHER ANTIBACTERIALS

“chloramphenicol (7)

capsule, 250 mg

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

tablet, 250 mg
(as hydrochloride)

“ciprofloxacin

capsule or tablet,
100 mg (hydrochloride)

“doxycycline (5, 6)

capsule or tablet, 250 mg
(as stearate or ethyl succinate)

“erythromycin

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

tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg

trimethoprim (8)

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

capsule, 150 mg

clindamycin (B) (8)

injection, 150 mg
(as phosphate)/ml
Restricted indications

vancomycin (D)

powder for injection 250 mg (as
hydrochloride) in vial

6.2.3 ANTILEPROSY DRUGS
capsule, 50 mg, 100 mg

clofazimine

dapsone

tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg

rifampicin

capsule or tablet, 150 mg, 300 mg

6.2.4

ANTITUBERCULOSIS DRUGS

ethambutol (4)

isoniazid

isoniazid + ethambutol (5)

” Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

252

tablet, 100-400 mg
(hydrochloride)
tablet, 100-300 mg

tablet, 150 mg + 400 mg

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

tablet, 400 mg

pyrazinamide

capsule or tablet, 150 mg, 300 mg

rifampicin
rifampicin +
isoniazid (5)

6.4.2

ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUGS

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

tablet, 60 mg + 30 mg, 150 mg + 75 mg,
300 mg + 150 mg

nevirapine (8)

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

zidovudine (8)

tablet, 200 mg
oral solution, 50 mg/5 ml
capsule, 100 mg, 250 mg

injection, 10 mg/ml in 20-ml vial

tablet,
60 mg + 30 mg + 150 mg,
150 mg + 75 mg + 400 mg

rifampicin + isoniazid +
pyrazinamide (5)

tablet, 150 mg + 150 mg + 500 mg
(for intermittent use 3 times weekly)
tablet, 150 mg + 75 mg +
400 mg + 275 mg

rifampicin + isoniazid +
pyrazinamide + ethambutol

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

streptomycin (4)

Complementary drug

tablet, 50 mg + 100 mg,
150 mg + 300 mg

thioacetazone +
isoniazid (A) (5, 7)

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

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 (Pls). 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
tablet, 500 mg (furoate)

° diloxanide

6.3

amphotericin B (4)

tablet, 200-500 mg

"metronidazole

ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS
powder for injection, 50 mg in vial

injection, 500 mg in 100-ml vial

capsule, 50 mg

oral suspension, 200 mg
(as benzoate)/5 ml

"fluconazole

injection, 2 mg/ml in vial

oral suspension, 50 mg/5-ml
griseofulvin (7)

capsule or tablet, 125 mg, 250 mg

nystatin

6.5.2

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

“meglumine antimoniate

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

pentamidine (5)

pessary, 100 000 IU

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

Complementary drug

Complementary drugs
flucytosine (B) (4, 8)

capsule, 250 mg

amphotericin B (B) (4)

powder for injection,
50 mg in vial

infusion, 2.5 g in 250 ml
saturated solution

potassium iodide (A)

6.5.3

ANTIMALARIAL DRUGS

(a) FOR CURATIVE TREATMENT

6.4

ANTIVIRAL DRUGS

"chloroquine

6.4.1 ANTIHERPES DRUGS
aciclovir (8)

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

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

° Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

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Essential Drugs

primaquine

tablet, 7.5 mg, 15 mg
(as diphosphate)
tablet, 300 mg (as bisulfate or sulfate)

"quinine

injection, 300 mg (as dihydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

benznidazole (7)

tablet, 100 mg

nifurtimox (2, 8)

tablet, 30 mg, 120 mg, 250 mg

6.6 INSECT REPELLENTS
diethyltoluamide

Complementary drugs
"doxycycline (B) (for use only in
capsule or tablet,
combination with quinine)
100 mg (hydrochloride)

mefloquine (B)

(b) AMERICAN TRYPANOSOMIASIS

tablet, 250 mg (as hydrochloride)

tablet, 500 mg + 25 mg

"sulfadoxine +
pyrimethamine (B)

Restricted indications
artemether (D)

injection, 80 mg/ml
in 1-ml ampoule
tablet, 50 mg

artesunate (D)

topical solution, 50%, 75%

Section 7: Antimigraine Drugs
7.1 FOR TREATMENT OF ACUTE ATTACK
acetylsalicylic acid

tablet, 300-500 mg

ergotamine (1c) (7)

tablet, 1 mg (tartrate)
tablet, 300-500 mg

paracetamol
7.2 FOR PROPHYLAXIS

tablet, 20 mg, 40 mg
(hydrochloride)

“propranolol

(b) FOR PROPHYLAXIS
tablet, 150 mg
(as phosphate or sulfate)

chloroquine

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

capsule or tablet,
100 mg (hydrochloride)

mefloquine

tablet, 250 mg (as hydrochloride)
tablet, 100 mg
(hydrochloride)

proguanil (for use only in
combination with chloroquine)

Section 8: Antineoplastic and
Immunosuppressive Drugs and
Drugs Used in Palliative Care
8.11MMUNOSUPPRESSIVE DRUGS
Adequate resources and specialist oversight are a pre­
requisite for the introduction of this class of drugs.

tablet, 50 mg

“azathioprine (2)

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

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

“ciclosporin (2)
(for organ transplantation)

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

asparaginase (2)
bleomycin (2)
calcium folinate (2)

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

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

tablet, 15 mg

chlorambucil (2)

tablet, 2 mg

chlormethine (2)

powder for injection, 10 mg
(hydrochloride) in vial

" Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

254

powder for injection,
10 000 IU in vial

injection, 3 mg/ml in 10-ml ampoule

Complementary drug
eflornithine (C)

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

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

powder for injection,
10 mg, 50 mg in vial

cisplatin (2)
cyclophosphamide (2)

tablet, 25 mg

Section 9: Antiparkinsonism Drugs
“biperiden

tablet, 2 mg (hydrochloride)

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

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 pg in vial

“doxorubicin (2)

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

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

levodopa +
“carbidopa (5, 6)

Section 10: Drugs affecting the
Blood
10.1 ANTIANAEMIA DRUGS

etoposide (2)

capsule, 100 mg

injection, 20 mg/ml in 5-ml ampoule
fluorouracil (2)
levamisole (2)
mercaptopurine (2)
methotrexate (2)

injection, 50 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule
tablet, 50 mg
(as hydrochloride)

tablet, 2.5 mg (as sodium salt)

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

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

tablet, equivalent
to 60 mg iron +
400 pg 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 pg (acetate)Zml
in 1-ml ampoule
nasal spray, 10 pg (acetate)/
metered dose

heparin sodium

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

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

phytomenadione

injection, 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

tablet, 10 mg, 20 mg (as citrate)

protamine sulfate

injection, 10 mg/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

8.3 HORMONES AND ANTIHORMONES

tamoxifen

tablet, equivalent to 60 mg iron

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

tablet, 50 mg

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

"prednisolone

ferrous salt

tablet, 5 mg

tablet, 10 mg

8.4 DRUGS USED IN PALLIATIVE CARE
“warfarin (2, 6)

The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recom­
mended that all the drugs mentioned in the WHO publi­
cation Cancer Pain Relief: with a Guide to Opioid Avail­
ability, 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.

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

255

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs

Section 11: Blood Products and
Plasma Substitutes
11.1

tablet, 250 mg,
500 mg (hydrochloride)

“procainamide (B)

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

PLASMA SUBSTITUTES

“dextran 70

injectable solution, 6%

“polygeline

injectable solution, 3.5%

tablet, 200 mg (sulfate)

“quinidine (A) (7)

12.3 ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS
11.2 PLASMA FRACTIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE
Complementary drugs

“factor VIII concentrate (C) (2, 8)

dried

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

dried

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg

“atenolol
“captopril

scored tablet, 25 mg

“hydralazine

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

Section 12: Cardiovascular Drugs

"hydrochlorothiazide

12.1 ANTIANGINAL DRUGS

methyldopa (7)

tablet, 250 mg

“nifedipine (10)

sustained-release formulations

"atenolol
glyceryl trinitrate
“isosorbide dinitrate

“verapamil (10)

tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg

tablet (sublingual), 5 mg

tablet, 40 mg, 80 mg
(hydrochloride)

12.2 ANTIARRHYTHMIC DRUGS
tablet, 50 mg, 100 mg

digoxin (4, 11)

tablet, 62.5 pg, 250 pg
oral solution, 50 pg/ml

injection, 250 pg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

verapamil (8, 10)

tablet, 10 mg

tablet (sublingual), 500 pg

“atenolol

lidocaine

scored tablet, 25 mg

injection, 1 mg in 1-ml ampoule

Complementary drugs

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

tablet, 500 pg, 1 mg (mesilate)

prazosin
“sodium nitroprusside
(C) (2, 8)

scored tablet, 25 mg

tablet, 62.5 pg, 250 pg

digoxin (4, 11)

oral solution, 50 pg/ml
injection, 250 pg/ml in 2-ml ampoule
dopamine

“hydrochlorothiazide

epinephrine (C)

injection, 1 mg
(as hydrochloride)/ml

isoprenaline (C)

injection, 20 pg
(hydrochloride)/ml

injection, 40 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml in 5-ml vial
tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg

12.5 ANTITHROMBOTIC DRUGS
acetylsalicylic acid

Complementary drugs

powder for infusion,
50 mg in ampoule

12.4 DRUGS USED IN HEART FAILURE
“captopril

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

tablet, 40 mg,
80 mg (hydrochloride)

tablet, 100 pg, 250 pg

"reserpine

tablet, 100 mg

Complementary drug
streptokinase (C)

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
’All plasma fractions should comply with the Requirements forthe Collection, Processing and Quality Control of Blood, Blood
Components and Plasma Derivatives (Revised 1992). WHO Technical Report Series, No. 840, 1994, Annex 2.

256

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WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

12.6 LIPID-LOWERING AGENTS

13.4

The WHO Expert Committee on Essential Drugs recog­
nizes the value oflipid-lowering drugs in treating patients
with hyperlipidaemia. Beta-hydroxy-beta-methylglutarylcoenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors, often re­
ferred to as "statins", are potent and effective lipidlowering 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 costeffective for secondary prevention of cardiovascular dis­
ease as well as for primary prevention in some very highrisk 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.

aluminium diacetate

Section 13:
Dermatological Drugs (topical)
13.1

lotion or cream, 5%

benzoyl peroxide

coal tar

solution, 5%

dithranol

ointment, 0.1-2%
ointment, 5%

fluorouracil

solution, 10-25%

“podophyllum resin (7)

solution 5%

salicylic acid

ointment or cream, 10%

urea
13.6

SCABICIDES AND PEDICULICIDES

“benzyl benzoate

lotion, 25%

permethrin

cream, 5%

lotion, 1%
ULTRAVIOLET-BLOCKING AGENTS

Complementary drugs
ointment or
cream, 6% + 3%

topical sun protection agent with
activity against UVA and UVB (C) cream, lotion or gel

ointment or cream, 2% (nitrate)

solution, 15%

sodium thiosulfate

Complementary drug

Section 14: Diagnostic Agents
14.1

selenium sulfide (C)

13.2

solution, 13% for dilution

DRUGS AFFECTING SKIN
DIFFERENTIATION AND PROLIFERATION

13.7

ANTIFUNGAL DRUGS

benzoic acid + salicylic acid
"miconazole

13.5

ASTRINGENT DRUGS

detergent-based
suspension, 2%

OPHTHALMIC DRUGS
eye drops, 1% (sodium salt)

fluorescein

eye drops, 0.5%

“tropicamide

ANTI-INFECTIVE DRUGS

14.2

RADIOCONTRAST MEDIA

"methylrosanilinium chloride
(gentian violet)

aqueous solution, 0.5%
tincture, 0.5%

“amidotrizoate

neomycin + “bacitracin (7)

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

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

barium sulfate

aqueous suspension

potassium permanganate

aqueous solution, 1:10 000

silver sulfadiazine
13.3

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

"iopanoic acid

ANTI-INFLAMMA TORY AND
ANTIPRURITIC DRUGS

"betamethasone (3)

'iohexol

cream, 1%, in 500-g container

ointment or cream,
0.1% (as valerate)

“calamine lotion

lotion

“hydrocortisone

ointment or cream, 1% (acetate)

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

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

Complementary drug
"meglumine iotroxate (C)

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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

257

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs

Section 15:
Disinfectants and Antiseptics

17.2

ANTIEMETIC DRUGS

tablet, 10 mg (hydrochloride)

metoclopramide

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

ANTISEPTICS

15.1

solution, 5%
(digluconate) for dilution

“chlorhexidine

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

solution, 70% (denatured)

“ethanol
“polyvidone iodine

solution, 10%

injection, 25 mg (hydrochloride)/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

DISINFECTANTS

15.2

tablet, 10 mg,
25 mg (hydrochloride)

“promethazine

“chlorine base compound

powder (0.1 % available
chlorine) for solution

solution, 4.8%

“chloroxylenol

solution, 2%

glutaral

“furosemide

ANTIHAEMORRHOIDAL DRUGS

17.4

ointment
or suppository

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS

hydrocortisone

Section 16: Diuretics
“amiloride (4, 7, 8)

17.3

“local anaesthetic, astringent
and anti-inflammatory drug

suppository, 25 mg
(acetate)

“ retention enema

tablet, 5 mg (hydrochloride)
tablet, 40 mg

tablet, 500 mg

“sulfasalazine (2)

suppository, 500 mg

injection, 10 mg/ml in
2-ml ampoule

“hydrochlorothiazide
spironolactone (8)

tablet, 25 mg, 50 mg
tablet, 25 mg

retention enema
17.5

ANTISPASMODIC DRUGS

“atropine

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

Complementary drug

“mannitol (C)

injectable solution, 10%, 20%
17.6

Section 17: Gastrointestinal Drugs
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

LAXATIVES

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

“senna

17.7

DRUGS USED IN DIARRHOEA

17.7.1

ORAL REHYDRATION

oral rehydration salts (for glucoseelectrolyte solution)
Components
sodium chloride
trisodium citrate dihydrate 2
potassium chloride
glucose

powder, 27.9 g/l

g/i
3.5
2.9
1.5
20.0

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
2Trisodium citrate dihydrate may be replaced by sodium bicarbonate (sodium hydrogen carbonate) 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.

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WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

17.7.2 ANTIDIARRHOEAL (SYMPTOMATIC)
DRUGS
"codeine (1a)

tablet, 30 mg (phosphate)

Section 18: Hormones, other Endo
crine Drugs and Contraceptives
18.1 ADRENAL HORMONES AND
SYNTHETIC SUBSTITUTES

diaphragms with spermicide
(nonoxinol)

18.4 ESTROGENS

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

18.5 INSULINSAND OTHER ANTIDIABETIC
AGENTS

insulin injection (soluble)

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

metformin

Complementary drug
testosterone (C) (2)

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

“clomifene (2, 8)

tablet, 50 mg (citrate)

18.7 PROGESTOGENS

18.3 CONTRACEPTIVES

"ethinylestradiol +
"levonorgestrel

tablet, 30 pg + 150 pg,

“ethinylestradiol +
"levonorgestrel

tablet, 50 pg
+ 250 pg (pack of four)

"ethinylestradiol +
"norethisterone

tablet, 35 pg + 1.0 mg

tablet, 5 mg

norethisterone

Complementary drug

tablet, 5 mg

medroxyprogesterone acetate (B)

tablet, 0.75 mg (pack of two)

Complementary drugs

18.8 THYROID HORMONES AND
ANTITHYROID DRUGS
levothyroxine

tablet, 50 pg, 100 pg
(sodium salt)

potassium iodide

tablet, 60 mg

"propylthiouracil

tablet, 50 mg

tablet, 30 pg

"levonorgestrel (B)

medroxyprogesterone
acetate (B) (7, 8)

tablet, 500 m (hydrochloride)

18.6 OVULATION INDUCERS

18.3.1 HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVES

levonorgestrel

injection,
40 lU/ml in 10-ml vial,
100 lU/ml in 10-ml vial

intermediate-acting insulin

tablet, 100 pg (acetate)

18.2 ANDROGENS

tablet, 2.5 mg, 5 mg

"glibenclamide

Complementary drug
fludrocortisone (C)

tablet, 10 pg, 50 pg

"ethinylestradiol

tablet, 500 pg, 4 mg

"dexamethasone

18.3.3 BARRIER METHODS
condoms with or without spermicide
(nonoxinol)

depot injection,
150 mg in 1-ml vial

Section 19: Immunologicals
19.1 DIAGNOSTIC AGENTS

norethisterone
enantate (B) (7, 8)

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

tuberculin,3
purified protein derivative (PPD)

injection

18.3.2 INTRAUTERINE DEVICES
copper-containing device

" Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
3 All tuberculins should comply with the Requirements for Tuberculins (Revised 1985). WHO Technical Report Series, No.
745, 1987, Annex 1.

259

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4,1999

Essential Drugs

19.2

SERA AND IMMUNOGLOBULINS4

anti-D immunoglobulin
(human)
“antitetanus immunoglobulin
(human)
antivenom serum

diphtheria antitoxin

injection, 250 pg in
single-dose vial
injection, 500 III
in vial

injection, 5 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

“alcuronium chloride (2)

injection

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 lU/ml

19.3

Section 20:
Muscle Relaxants (peripherally act­
ing) and Cholinesterase Inhibitors

tablet, 15 mg (bromide)

"neostigmine

injection, 500 pg, 2.5 mg
(metilsulfate) in 1-ml ampoule

tablet, 60 mg

pyridostigmine bromide (2, 8)

injection, 1 mg
in 1-ml ampoule
injection, 50 mg/ml
in 2-ml ampoule

suxamethonium
chloride (2)

VACCINES5

19.3.1

FOR UNIVERSAL IMMUNIZATION

BCG

powder for injection

Complementary drug
powder for injection,
10 mg in vial

vecuronium bromide (C)

diphtheria

pertussis
tetanus

Section 21:
Ophthalmological Preparations

hepatitis B
27.7 ANTI-INFECTIVE AGENTS
measles

"gentamicin

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

"idoxuridine

solution (eye drops), 0.1 %

influenza

silver nitrate

solution (eye drops), 1%

meningitis

"tetracycline

eye ointment, 1 % (hydrochloride)

poliomyelitis
19.3.2 FOR SPECIFIC GROUPS OF INDIVIDUALS

eye ointment, 0.2%

mumps

27.2 ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AGENTS

rabies

"prednisolone

rubella

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

typhoid

27.3 LOCAL ANAESTHETICS

yellow fever

“tetracaine

solution (eye drops), 0.5%
(hydrochloride)

27.4 MIOTICS AND ANTIGLAUCOMA DRUGS
acetazolamide

tablet, 250 mg

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.
4 All plasma fractions should comply with the Requirements for the Collection, Processing and Quality Control of Blood,
Blood components and Plasma Derivatives (Revised 1992). WHO Technical Report Series, No. 840,1994, Annex 2.
5 All vaccines should comply with current WHO recommendations for biological substances.

260

Essential Drugs

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

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

“pilocarpine

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

“timolol

24.2

DRUGS USED IN MOOD DISORDERS

24.2.1

DRUGS USED IN DEPRESSIVE
DISORDERS
tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)

“amitriptyline

21.5 MYDRIATICS

atropine

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

Complementary drug

Section 22:
Oxytocics and Antioxytocics
OXYTOCICS

“ergometrine (1c)

valproic acid (7, 11)

24.3

DRUGS USED IN GENERALIZED
ANXIETY AND SLEEP DISORDERS
scored tablet, 2 mg, 5 mg

“diazepam (1b)

tablet, 200 pg (hydrogen maleate)

ANTIOXYTOCICS
tablet, 4 mg (as sulfate)

“salbutamol (2)

injection, 50 pg (as sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

DRUGS USED IN OBSESSIVE
COMPULSIVE DISORDERS AND
PANIC ATTACKS

clomipramine

capsules, 10 mg, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)

intraperitoneal dialysis solution
(of appropriate composition)

Section 25: Drugs Acting on
the Respiratory Tract
25.1

ANTIASTHMATIC DRUGS
injection, 25 mg/ml
in 10-ml ampoule

“aminophylline (2)

Section 23: Peritoneal
Dialysis Solution

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

“beclometasone
parenteral solution

Section 24:
Psychotherapeutic Drugs

"epinephrine

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

ipratropium bromide

“fiuphenazine (5)

“haloperidol

inhalation (aerosol), 20 pg/dose

tablet, 2 mg, 4 mg (as sulfate)

"salbutamol

inhalation (aerosol), 100 pg
(as sulfate) per dose

DRUGS USED IN PSYCHOTIC DISORDERS

“chlorpromazine

capsule or tablet, 300 mg

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

injection, 10 IU in 1-ml ampoule

oxytocin

24.1

carbamazepine (10, 11) scored tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg

24.4

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

22.2

DRUGS USED IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS

lithium carbonate (2, 4)

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

epinephrine (A)

22.1

24.2.2

tablet, 100 mg (hydrochloride)

syrup, 2 mg (as sulfate)/5 ml

syrup, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)/5 ml

injection, 50 pg (as sulfate)/ml
in 5-ml ampoule

injection, 25 mg
(hydrochloride)/ml in 2-ml ampoule

respirator solution for use in nebulizers,
5 mg (as sulfate)/ml

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

theophylline (10, 11)

tablet, 2 mg, 5 mg

“cromoglicic acid (B)

injection, 5 mg in
1-ml ampoule

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve

tablet, 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg

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

; alternatives.

261

WHO Drug Information Vol. 13, No. 4, 1999

Essential Drugs

26.3

25.2 ANTITUSSIVES
oral solution,
3.5 mg (bromide)/5 ml

“dextromethorphan

Section 26:
Solutions correcting Water, Electrolyte and Acid- base Disturbances

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

water for injection

Section 27: Vitamins and Minerals
ascorbic acid

tablet, 50 mg

"ergocalciferol

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

26.7 ORAL
oral rehydration salts (for glucoseelectrolyte solution)

for composition
see section 17.7.1

potassium chloride

powder for solution

iodine (8)

solution, 0.57 ml, (308 mg iodine)
in dispenser bottle

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
* 1.5 mmol/ml, Ch 1.5 mmol/ml)
K

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,
HC03-1000 mmol/l)

“ compound solution of
sodium lactate

iodized oil, 1 ml (480 mg iodine),
0.5 ml (240 mg iodine) in
ampoule (oral or injectable)

injectable solution

capsule, 200 mg

tablet, 50 mg

"nicotinamide
pyridoxine
“retinol

tablet, 25 mg (hydrochloride)
sugar-coated tablet, 10 000 III
(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

tablet, 5 mg

riboflavin
“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

“ Example of a therapeutic group. Various drugs can serve as alternatives.

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.
262

The Hindu : Kerala News : Kerala model of healthcare in peril, says Ekbal

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Kerala model of healthcare in peril, says Ekbal

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'Prescribe only necessary essential drugs'

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'The poor may find it difficult to meet the medical
expenses.'
THiRUVANANTHAPURAM: The former Kerala University vicechancellor, B. Ekbal, has said that the "good health at low
cost" Kerala model of healthcare based on social justice and
equity is in danger of being dismantled following the
switchover from process patency to product patency regime.

Features:
Life
Magazine
Literary Review
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Open Page
Education Plus
Book Review
Business
ScITech
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Property Plus
Quest
Folio

Speaking on 'Indian Patent Laws Changes and the Medical
Profession' at the 13th State annual conference of the
Qualified Private Medical Practitioners' Assocation (QPMPA)
here on Saturday, Dr. Ekbal said the poor and the middle
class were going to find it extremely difficult to meet the

jLjb

http://www.hinduonnet. com/2005/04/24/stories/2005042407670400.htm

4/25/2005

ne .iinau : rs-eraia News : Kerala model or Tk .utncare in pen , says nKoa

age x. u*

healthcare expenses in the very near future on account of
the changes in the patency regime. Under the product
patency regime in existence in the country since 1970,
Indian companies could make cheap drugs through different
processes for the drugs patented in other countries.
However, hereafter, this would not be possible and all new
drugs patented would be priced very high. Since majority of
the people in Kerala utilised modern medicines, the high
drug prices would hit Keralites more than the people in other
States, he said.
Role of doctors

Dr. Ekbal, who is also the national convener of the People's
Health Movement, said the medical profession has a major
role to play in the changed context. The medical
practitioners can, for instance, help the people a lot by
prescribing only the necessary essential drugs and avoiding
non-essential drugs. For this, the doctors should first
become drug price conscious. They should also select good
quality cheap drugs that are available in the market instead
of costly drugs marketed by big multinational companies. At
present, the same class of drugs are marketed by different
companies at different prices. For example, in the case of
Atenolol, a drug commonly used for management of heart
diseases, the lowest priced good quality drug marketed by
an Indian company, is priced at 40 paise a tablet whereas
the price of the widely prescribed brand of a multinational
company is Rs. 2.30 a tablet.
Similarly, in the case of Cetrizine, a drug for the
management of allergic conditions, the prices at the low end
and the high end were 30 paise and Rs. 3.15 a tablet.
Besides being price conscious, doctors should avoid
prescribing drugs of dubious therapeutic benefits, irrational
combination drugs and drugs banned in other countries, he
said. Drug companies are spending about 40 per cent of
their sales turnover for drug promotion, mostly targeting
doctors.
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http://www.hinduonnet.corn/2005/04/24/stories/2005042407670400.htm

4/25/2005

New York Times EDITORIAL
April 21. 2005

Time to Ban Ephedra
he recent disappointing federal court decision that the Food and Drug Administration
lacks the authority to issue a blanket ban on ephedra, a dangerous herbal supplement, is a
clarion call to the Bush administration and Congress to change the 1994 law on dietary
supplements. The law should be amended to give health regulators clear and
unambiguous power to take harmful products off the market, and to require supplement
makers to report any adverse reactions.
Ephedra, an adrenalinelike stimulant promoted as a weight-loss aid and energy booster,
excites the central nervous system and speeds metabolism, increasing the rate at which a
person bums calories. But it can also drive up blood pressure and stress the circulatory
system. It has been linked to heart attacks and strokes and dozens of deaths.

A year ago, the F.D.A. imposed a ban on all products containing ephedra on the grounds
that it poses "an unreasonable risk of illness or injury." Overturning that decision, Judge
Tena Campbell of the Federal District Court in Utah said the agency had erred in using a
cost-benefit analysis, weighing the supplement's substantial risks against its dubious
benefits. The judge also said that the 1994 law required dose-specific findings to justify a
ban. The judge concluded that the agency's assertion that it was impossible to establish a
level of safe use failed to meet the burden of proving that the supplement poses an
unreasonable risk when taken in the 10-milligram doses contained in the product at issue.
The ruling leaves the ephedra ban intact for products containing doses above 10
milligrams. But by dismissing the F.D.A.'s voluminous evidence of potential danger, the
court set an unrealistically high threshold for agency action, and that could undermine the
ban even for higher-dose ephedra products.
Under current law, supplement manufacturers may sell products without first having to
establish their safety or efficacy. But after the F.D.A. found a significant hazard, it was
only reasonable for the agency to weigh ephedra's lack of any real health benefits in
deciding on a regulatory response.
The agency should appeal, but the White House and Congress should not let the F.D.A.
do all the heavy lifting. The decision is their cue to move promptly to enact overdue legal
revisions that will significantly strengthen the agency's power to monitor and police the
supplement industry.

Essential Medicines for the Elderly

Delhi Society for
Promotion of Rational
Use of Drugs
and
HelpAge India

III®

‘Essential Medicines for the 'Elderly

Delhi Society for Promotion
of Rational Use of Drugs

and
HelpAge India

Foreword

It has not yet been clearly understood that the drugs to be administered

to the elderly need careful deliberation before use. There are several
reasons for this. The metabolic processes which inactivate a drug become

less in the elderly. This means that a reduced quantity of the medicine
should be adequate and there may be no need for the higher dose, which

needs to be given to a person at the age of 35 or 40 years. Indeed the
dose given to the elderly may, for many drugs, induce serious side effects
because of the high level of these medicines in the blood.

Elderly people usually need more drugs as they get old. The danger
of interaction between drugs increases as the number of drugs being taken

are enhanced. Physicians, when prescribing a large number of medicines

to the elderly, need to consider carefully, whether any of the medicines
being taken at the same time could induce interactions.
It is no wonder therefore that a WHO Technical Report has

stated that half of the total drug consumption is by people aged 60 years
and over in those countries where the proportion of this age group is
high. India is a country where there will be a very large proportion of

aged people in the next twenty years. The numbei of medicines which
would be used would be very high. Unless propel doses are used and a
programme of rational use of drugs for the elderly set up theie would be

misuse of the medicines. A WHO group has pointed out

that one fifth of patients entering the geriatric department of a general
hospital have symptoms, which can be attributed to the effect of prescribed

drugs.

The purpose of this publication is to list those drugs which are suitable

for the elderly. An expert group from the Delhi Society for Promotion of
Rational Use of Drugs and HelpAge India have prepared this list. This
has been further reviewed by other experts. It is hoped that clinicians
and hospitals looking after elderly persons would use this information
which would lead to optimal use of medicines in the elderly.

The

formulation and strength of the medicines to be used has also been
provided. If used properly medicines could be a boon to the elderly patient.

Used inappropriately and irrationally medicines could be hazardous for
the elderly.

This list is only one component of a collaborative endeavour of the
Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs and HelpAge India.
Such a complementary effort would be of great benefit to the elderly.

New Delhi
17th March, 2003

Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhury,
President, Delhi Society for
Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs.

PREFACE
In India, today, there are more than 60 million elderly people who are unable to
reach basic medical aid. HelpAge India’s Mobile Medicare Unit (MMU) Programme
enables older people to assume an active role in maintaining and improving their
health. These MMUs visit the assigned area the same day week after week to give
medical care to older persons. About 50 MMUs are at present serving thousands of
older persons residing in slums, resettlement colonies and adjoining rural areas
providing medicines, counselling and health care free of cost.
As the joint initiative of the Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs
under the INDIA- WHO Essential Drugs Programme and Helpage India, one of the
important steps identified for this purpose was to prepare an Essential Medicines
List for the elderly. Eight experts met and prepared this list in July 2002. The Essential
Drugs List implies that drugs included in it are adequate to meet the common
contemporary health needs of the elderly population, and health administrators should
ensure abundant availability of such drugs. The exclusion of any medicines in the
List, which is currently available and recommended by physicians, does not imply
that they are less effective or unsuitable for the patients. Their exclusion may have
been influenced by one or more of the following factors: cost-benefit ratio indicated
in the treatment of diseases not considered significant in the context, insufficient
experience with the drug in India.
The List is meant to be used as a guideline to the concept of rational therapeutics.
The medicines selected are considered adequate to treat diseases commonly
encountered in the outpatient department at the mobile health units by HelpAge
India. The List is intended to be a dynamic document, subject to change, with
addition and/or deletion, as medical knowledge advances and new drugs become
available at remunerative prices. The list uses generic names for scientific clarity.

(Sangeeta Sharma)
Assistant Professor, Deptt. of Neuropsychopharmacology
Institute of Human Behaviour & Allied Sciences and
Technical Coordinator, India-WHO Essential Drugs Programme

List of Contributors

Professor Ranjit Roy Chaudhury

Air Marshall Vinod Patney (Retd.)

President
Delhi Society for Promotion of
Rational Use of Drugs
New Delhi

Director General
HelpAge India
New Delhi

Dr. Sangeeta Sharma

Col. A. Sharma (Retd.)

Assistant Professor, Dept, of
Neuropsychopharmacology
Institute of Human Behaviour &
Allied Sciences and
Technical Coordinator, India-WHO
Essential Drugs Programme

Head, Mobile Medicare Unit
HelpaAge India
New Delhi

Prof. Gopal Sachdev

Dr. Karmakar

Professor, Department of Medicine
Maulana Azad Medical College
New Delhi

Consultant Physician, Mobile
Medicare Unit
HelpaAge India
New Delhi

Col. V.P. Chaturvedi

Dr. Shubha Soneja

Head, Department of Rheumatology
Army Hospital (R&R), New Delhi

Head, Research & Development and
Convenor
Help Age India
New Delhi

THE ESSENTIAL MEDICINES CONCEPT
Effective health care requires a judicious balance of preventive and curative services.
A crucial and often deficient element in curative services is an adequate supply of
appropriate medicines. The health objectives of the Drug Policy is:
• To ensure the availability and accessibility of essential drugs to all citizens
• To ensure good prescribing and dispensing practice
• To promote the rational use of drugs by prescribers, dispensers and patients
through provision of the necessary training, education and information
Achieving these objectives requires a comprehensive strategy that not only includes
improved supply and distribution, but also appropriate and extensive human resource
development. The criteria for the selection of essential medicines include the following
points:
• Any drug included must meet the needs of the majority of the population
• Sufficient proven scientific data regarding effectiveness must be available
• Any drug included in the EML
• should have substantial safety and benefit/risk ratio
• All products must be of an acceptable quality, and must be tested on a continuous
basis
• The aim, as a rule, is to include only products containing single pharmacologically
active ingredients
• Combination products, as an exception, will be included where patient compliance
becomes an important factor, or two pharmacologically active ingredients are
synergistically active in a product
• Products are listed according to their generic names only
• Where drugs are clinically equally effective, the drugs are compared on the
following factors:
■ The best cost advantage
■ The best researched
■ The best pharmacokinetic properties
■ The best patient compliance
A request for a new product to be included in the EDL must be supported by scientific
evidence-based data and appropriate references on its advantages and benefits over

an existing product.

Essential drugs are those that satisfy the priority needs of the
population. They should, therefore, be available at all times, in
adequate amounts, and in the appropriate dosage forms.

ESSENTIAL MEDICINES LIST
FOR THE ELDERLY
List of contents
S.No.

1

Category

Page
No.

The essentia! medicines concept

i

Analgesics & Antipyretics

1

Ibuprofen, Dextropropoxyphen, Paracetamol,
Dicyclomine, Roficoxib
2

Antacids

1

Omeprazole, Ranitidine, Aluminium
hydroxide/silicate/carbonate+Magnesium
hydroxide/carbonate/trisilicate +Methyl Polysiloxane
(Dimethicone)
3

Antiameobic

1

Tinidazole
4

Antibiotics

1

Amoxycillin, Ciprofloxacin, Co-trimoxazole,
Doxycycline, Norfloxacin, Roxithromycin, Ofloxacin
5

Antiemetics

2

Domperidone, Metoclopropamide, Prochlorperazine
6

Antifungal

Fluconazole, Griseofulvin
7

Antihelmintic

Albendozole, Pyrantel pamoate
8

Antihistamines

Cetrizine, Pheniramine maleate

2

2

2

9

Antihypertensives

2

Amlodipine, Atenolol, Enalapril, Lisinopril, Losartan,
Metoprolol, Nifedipine, Prazosin
10

Antimalarials
Chloroquine, Pyrimethamine (+Sulphadoxine),

2

Quinine
11

Anti-tubercular drugs

3

Ethambutol (E), Isonaizid (H), Pyrazinamide (Z),
Rifampicin (R), Fixed dose preparations
12

Antitussives, Cough syrups, Decongestants

3

Cough syrup
13

14

Bronchodilators

Budesonide, Ipratropium, Salbutamol, Theophyline-SR

3

Cardiovascular drugs

3

Acenocoumarol, Aspirin, Digoxin, Diltiazem, Isosorbide dinitrate,
Isosorbide mononitrate
15

Central Nervous System drugs + drugs for psychiatric illness

4

Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Sodium valproate, Alprazolam,
Diazepam, Fluoxetine, Imipramine, Sertraline, Cinnarizine
16

Diuretics

4

Frusemide, Triameterene (+ Benzthiazide), Spiranolactone +
Frusemide
17

Hormone and anti-hormones

4

Carbimazole, L-Thyroxine, Glibenclamide, Gliclazide, Metformin,
Prednisolone
18

Laxative, Purgatives & Anti-diarrheals

Bisacodyl, Isapgol husk, Paraffin + milk of magnesia,
Sodium picosulphate, Loperamide

4

19

Nutritional supplements and vitamins

5

Calcium (carbonate) + Vitamin D2 , Folic Acid,
Ferrous sulphate/Ferros fumarate, Vitamin B Complex,
Vitamin C, Vitamin E, ORS Sachets
20

Topical Preparations

5

20.1

Analgesic

5

Diclofenac sodium
20.2 Antibiotic preparations

5

Povidone Iodine, Polymixin B, Soframycin
20.3

Antifungal preparations

5

Clotrimazole, Miconazole
20.4

Eye drops & Ointments^

6

Pillocarpine, Timolol, Sulphacetamide, Gentamicin, Ciprofloxacin,
Polymyxin B, Methyl Cellulose
20.5

ENT preparations

6

Oxymetazoline nasal drops, Ciprofloxacin ear drops, Gentamicin ear
drops, Wax softener
20.6

For Scabies

6

Benzyl Benzoate, Gamma benzene hexachloride
20.7

Miscellaneous items

Cotton packet, Diastix, Gauge and bandage, Glycerine, Cetrimide

6

Essential Medicines List for the Elderly
I Name & Class of the drug 1

1 Formulation & Strength 1

1. Analgesics & Antipyretics
Ibuprofen
Dextropropoxyphen3
Paracetamol3
Dicyclomine3
Roficoxib'

Tab 200mg, 400mg, 600mg
Cap 65mg
Tab 500mg, 1000mg
Tab 20mg
Tab 12.5mg, 25 mg

2. Antacids
Omeprazole'
Tab 20mg
Ranitidine'
Tab 150mg
Combinations of
Liquid, Tab
Aluminium hydroxide/silicate/carbonate
+Magnesium hydroxide/carbonate/trisilcate
+Methyl Polysiloxane (Dimethicone)

3.

Antiameobic
Tab 500mg, 1000mg

Tinidazole

4. Antibiotics
Cap 250mg, 500mg
Tab 250mg, 500mg
Tab (SMX 400mg+TMP80mg)
Tab (SMX 800mg+TMP160mg)
Cap 100mg
Tab 400mg
Tab 150mg
Tab 200mg

Amoxycillin
Ciprofloxacin3
Co-trimoxazole1

Doxycycline
Norfloxacin3
Roxithromycin3
Ofloxacin3
a
b
c

Contraindicated in renal dysfunction
Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction
Contraindicated in both renal and hepatic dysfunction

d
e
f

Administer with caution in renal dysfunction
Adminstcr with caution in hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal and /or hepatic dysfunction

1

5. Antiemetics
Tab 10mg
Tab 10mg
Tab 5mg, 25mg

Domperidoned
Metoclopropamide
Prochlorperazine0

6. Antifungal
Cap 50mg, 100mg
Tab 125mg, 250mg

Fluconazoleb
Griseofulvinb

7. Antihelmintic
Tab 400mg
Tab 200mg, 250mg

Albendozole'
Pyrantel pamoateb

8. Antihistamines
Tab 10mg
Tab 25mg, 50mg

Cetrizined
Pheniramine maleate

9. Antihypertensives
Amlodipine6
Atenolold
Enalapril0
Lisinopril0
Losartan6
Metoprolol
Nifedipine
Prazosin

Tab 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg
Tab 25mg, 50mg, 100mg
Tab 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg
Tab 2.5mg, 5mg, 10mg
Tab 25mg, 50mg
Tab 50mg, 100mg
Tab 10mg, 20mg
Tab 1, 2mg, 5mg

10 . Antimalarials
Chloroquine0
Pyrimethamine+Sulphadoxine
Quinine'

a
b
c
d
e
f

Tab 250mg
Tab 25mg +500mg
Tab 300mg, 600mg

Contraindicated in renal dysfunction
Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction
Contraindicated in both renal and hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal dysfunction
Adminster with caution in hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal and /or hepatic dysfunction

2

11. Anti-tubercular drugs'

12.

Ethambutol (E)
Isonaizid (H)
Pyrazinamide (Z)b
Rifampicin (R)

Tab 400mg, 600mg, 800mg
Tab 100mg, 300mg
Tab 500mg, 750mg
Cap 300mg, 450mg, 600mg

Fixed dose preparations
Rifampicin 450mg + Isoniazid 300mg
Rifampicin 600mg + Isoniazid 300mg
R450 + H300 + E800 + Z1500mg
R450 + H300 + E800

Cap/Tab
Cap/Tab
Kit
Kit

Antitussives, Cough syrups, Decongestants
Cough syrup with very small quantity of Codeine
and no pseudoephedrine)

13. Bronchodilators
MDI 100mcg, 200mcg
MD] 20mcg
MDI 200mcg
Tab 2mg, 4mg
Tab 300mg

Budesonide
Ipratropium
Salbutamol
Salbutamol
Theophyline-SRe

14. Cardiovascular drugs
Tab 1mg, 2mg, 4mg
Tab 100mg
Tab 0.25mg
Tab 30mg, 90mg (SR),
120mg (SR)
Tab 5mg
Tab 10mg, 20mg, 60mg (SR)

Acenocoumarol'
Aspirin'
Digoxin
Diltiazem’

Isosorbide dinitrate
Isosorbide mononitrate

a
b
c

Contraindicated in renal dysfunction
Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction
Contraindicated in both renal and hepatic dysfunction

d
e
f

Administer with caution in renal dysfunction
Adminster with caution in hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal and /or hepatic dysfunction

3

15. Central Nervous System drugs + drugs for
psychiatric illness
Carbamazepine'
Phenytoin'
Sodium valproate”

Tab 200mg
Tab/Cap100mg, 300mg
Tab 200mg

Alprazolam
Diazepam'
Fluoxetine3,1
Imipramine'
Sertraline'
Cinnarizine

Tab 0.25mg, 0.5mg
Tab 5mg
Cap 20mg
Tab 25mg, 75mg
Tab, Cap 50mg, 100mg
Tab 25, 75mg

16. Diuretics
Frusemide
Triamterene ( + Benzthiazide 25mg)'
Spiranolactone + Frusemide3,6

Tab 40mg
Tab 50mg
Tab 50mg

17. Hormone and anti-hormones
Tab 5mg, 10mg
Tab 0.025mg, 0.05mg, 0.1mg
Tab 2.5mg, 5mg
Tab 80mg, 40mg
Tab 500mg, 850mg
Tab 5mg, 10mg, 20mg

Carbimazole
L-Thyroxine
Glibenclamide
Gliclazide0
Metformin
Prednisolone

18. Laxative, Purgatives &
Anti-diarrheals
Bisacodyl
Isapgol husk
Liquid paraffin + milk of magnesia
Sodium picosulphate
Loperamide
a
b
c
d
e
f

Contraindicated in renal dysfunction
Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction
Contraindicated in both renal and hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal dysfunction
Adminster with caution in hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal and /or hepatic dysfunction

4

Tab 5mg
Powder
Liquid
Tab 10mg
Tab/Cap 2 mg

19.

Nutritional supplements and vitamins
Calcium (carbonate) + Vitamin D2

Tab 500mg

Folic Acid
Iron preparations

Tab 5mg

Ferrous sulphate
Ferros fumarate
(Any one of the above where
elemental Iron is = 60mg,

Tab/Cap 30mg/100mg
Tab/Cap 33.3mg/100mg

equivalent to 200mg)
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
ORS

20.

Tab, Cap
Tab 100mg, 500mg
Cap 200mg, 400mg
Sachets (WHO composition)

Topical Preparations

20.1 Analgesic
Oint. 1.16%

Diclofenac sodium

20.2 Antibiotic preparations
Oint, Sol 5%
Oint.
Oint

Povidone Iodine
Polymixin B
Soframycin

20.3 Antifungal preparations

1% cream
2% cream

Clotrimazole
Miconazole

a
b
c
d
e
f

Contraindicated in renal dysfunction
Contraindicated in hepatic dysfunction
Contraindicated in both renal and hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal dysfunction
Adminster with caution in hepatic dysfunction
Administer with caution in renal and /or hepatic dysfunction

5

20.4

Eye drops & Ointments
1%, 2%, 4%
0.25%, 0.5%
10%, 20%
0.3%
Eye drop and Oint
Eye drop and Oint
Eye drop and Oint

Pillocarpine
Timolol
Sulphacetamide
Gentamicin
Ciprofloxacin
Polymyxin B
Methyl Cellulose

20.5

ENT preparations
0.1% 3mg/ml
0.3%
Ear drops

Oxymetazoline nasal drops
Ciprofloxacin ear drops
Gentamicin ear drops
Wax softener

20.6

For Scabies
Benzyl Benzoate
Gamma benzene hexachloride

20.7

Miscellaneous items
Cotton packet
Diastix
Gauge and bandage
Glycerine
Cetrimide

6

Emulsion 25%
Lotion 1%

----- SOME OTHER PUBLICATIONS -----o

Delhi Drug Policy.

o

Delhi State Essential Drug Formulary.

o

List of Essential Drugs for Hospitals and Dispensaries in
Delhi and other States.

o

Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs in the Indian Scenario.

o

The Medicine Scenario in India: Perception and
Perspectives.

®

Research on Rational Drug Use in India : A Glimpse.



Standard Treatment Guidelines for Karnataka, Mumbai &
Himachal Pradesh.

o

HIV/AIDS and Traditional Medicines : A Journey to
Dialogue.

o

Standard Treatment Guidelines.

o

Use Your Medicines Correctly - A User’s Guide.

Delhi Society for Promotion of Rational Use of Drugs
(Registered under Societies Registration Act of 1860, Regd. No. S 30330 of 1996)

National Institute of Immunology
Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi 110 067 Phone : 2616 2281, 2617 9638, Fax : 2616 2125
Website: www.dsprud.org
E-mail: dsprud@satyam.net.in

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