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 Formulary Chapter 5: Infections - Full Chapter
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05.01  Expand sub section  Antibacterial drugs
05.01  Expand sub section  Table 1. Summary of antibacterial therapy
05.01  Expand sub section  Table 2. Summary of antibacterial prophylaxis
05.01.01  Expand sub section  Penicillins
05.01.01.01  Expand sub section  Benzylpenicillin and phenoxymethylpenicillin to top
Benzylpenicillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Phenoxymethylpenicillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Benzylpenicillin Benzathine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
 
 
Procaine Penicillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
 
 
05.01.01.02  Expand sub section  Penicillinase-resistant penicillins
Flucloxacillin Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Injection: 250mg, 500mg, 1g
 
 
Flucloxacillin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Temocillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
05.01.01.03  Expand sub section  Broad-spectrum penicillins
Amoxicillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 250mg, 500mg & 1g injections Red
 
 
Co-Amoxiclav Injection
(Amoxicillin with Clavulanic Acid)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Injection: 500/100 (600mg), 1000/200 (1.2g)
 
 
Co-Amoxiclav Oral Preparations
(Amoxicillin with Clavulanic Acid)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • Tablets: 250/125, 500/125
  • Oral suspension (sugar-free available): 125/31, 250/62, 400/57
 
 
05.01.01.04  Expand sub section  Antipseudomonal penicillins
Piperacillin and Tazobactam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
05.01.01.05  Expand sub section  Mecillinams
Pivmecillinam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
05.01.02  Expand sub section  Cephalosporins, carbapenems and other beta-lactams to top
05.01.02  Expand sub section  Cephalosporins
05.01.02  Expand sub section  Other beta-lactam antibiotics
05.01.02.01  Expand sub section  Cephalosporins
Cefalexin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Cefazolin
View adult BNF View SPC online View SMC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

  • 1g and 2g vials

    • Approved as an alternative to flucloxacillin in patients with non-immediate penicillin allergy or in those who cannot tolerate flucloxacillin or alternatives

    • To be used on the advice of microbiology and ID physicians only.



 
 
Cefiderocol (Fetcroja®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

  • 1g powder for concentrate for solution for infusion

    • approved for the treatment of infections with gram negative aerobic bacteria in patients with limited treatment options. Only to be used on the advice of mricbiology and ID physicians



 
 
Cefixime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
  • 200mg tablets
  • 100mg in 5ml paediatric suspension: also approved for the prevention of irinotecan induced diarrhoea, specialist use only Red Traffic Light.
 
 
Cefotaxime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
Ceftaroline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
Ceftazidime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
Ceftobiprole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Approved for the treatment of hospital acquired pneumonia and other infections on the advice of microbiology/infectious disease physicans.
 
 
Ceftolozane & tazobactam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Approved for use in multiple antibiotic resistant strains of enterobacteriaceae, pseudomonas and acinetobacters on the advice of microbiology/infectious disease physicians.
 
 
Ceftriaxone
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines. Red Traffic Light
  • Approved for use in primary care (i.e. care homes) to treat patients with conditions such as UTIs and pneumonia, at risk of sepsis in line with local guidance and microbiology input Green Traffic Light
 
 
Cefuroxime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
Ceftazadime / avibactam (Zavicefta ®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 2.5g injection
  • Approved for use only on the advice of Microbiology/Infectious Diseases for the treatment of infections with carbapenemase-producing organisms for which treatment options are very limited, toxic and not particularly effective.
 
 
05.01.02.02  Expand sub section  Carbapenems
Ertapenem
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
Imipenem with Cilastatin & Relebactam (Recarbrio®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

  • Imipenem 500 mg,  Cilastatin 500 mg & Relebactam 250 mg powder for solution for infusion

    • Approved for the treatment of multi-resistant gram-negative infections ONLY on the advice of microbiologists



 
 
Meropenem
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
Meropenem & vaborbactamBlack Triangle (Vaborem®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

 

    • Meropenem 1 gram / vaborbactam 1 gram. To be used only on advice of microbiology/infectious disease physician



 

 
 
05.01.02.03  Expand sub section  Other beta-lactam antibiotics to top
Aztreonam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
Aztreonam nebuliser solution (Cayston®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Policy   
 
Link  Clinical Commissioning Policy: Inhaled Therapy for Adults and Children with Cystic Fibrosis
 
05.01.03  Expand sub section  Tetracyclines
Doxycycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

  • 50mg and 100mg capsules Green

  • 100mg/5ml injection Red unlicensed unlicensed

    • approved as sclerosing agent for lymphatic malformations in children




 

 
 
Oxytetracycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Lymecycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Minocycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Restricted Drug Restricted
Green plus

  • Note: not be prescribed for the treatment of acne in new patients (July 2019). 

 
Link  Items which should not routinely be prescribed in primary-care
 
05.01.03  Expand sub section  Tigecycline
Tigecycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
05.01.04  Expand sub section  Aminoglycosides
 note 
Amikacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
  • Approved for the treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary diseases caused by Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) that is refractory to current treatment options (adults and post pubescent children) in line with NHSE Specialised Commissioning Policy 
 
Link  Clinical commissioning policy: Nebulised liposomal amikacin for the treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease caused by mycobacterium avium complex refractory to current treatment options (adults and post pubescent children)
 
Gentamicin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 80mg in 2ml & 20mg in 2ml IV/IM injections
  • 5mg in 1ml intrathecal injection
  • bone cement & beads (for use in orthopaedic surgery) unlicensedunlicensed.
 
 
Neomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 500mg tablets
  • 1g in 10ml syrup unlicensedunlicensed.
 
 
Tobramycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
    • 80mg in 2ml & 240mg in 6ml injections.
    • 300mg in 4ml (Bramitob®).
    • 300mg in 5ml (Tobi®).
    • TOBI Podhaler.

  • Inhaled preparations to be used for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Policy/NICE Guidance.   
 
Link  Clinical Commissioning Policy: Inhaled Therapy for Adults and Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Link  TA276:Colistimethate sodium and tobramycin dry powders for inhalation for treating pseudomonas lung infection in cystic fibrosis
 
Gentamicin
(Nebulised)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Green plus
  • Approved for
    • For long term therapy in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis usually in patients having > 3 exacerbations per annum with an organism identified as being sensitive to gentamicin.
    • Nebulised therapy for patients on assisted ventilation, patients with tracheostomies and those with persistant bacterial bronchitis 
 
Link  North of Tyne, Gateshead and North Cumbria - Nebulised Gentamicin Information for Primary Care (March 2023)
 
Spectinomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
  • Only approved for the treatment of gonorrhoea in adults.

 

 
 
05.01.05  Expand sub section  Macrolides
Clarithromycin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
First Choice
Green
  • Tablets: 250mg, 500mg
  • Oral suspension: 125/5ml, 250mg/5ml
 
Erythromycin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
First Choice
Green
  • Tablets: 250mg, 500mg
  • Oral suspension (sugar-free available): 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml, 500mg/5ml 
 
Clarithromycin Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Injection (for IV infusion): 500mg
 
 
Erythromycin Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Injection for infusion: 1g vial*
 
 
Azithromycin Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 500mg powder vial for infusion
 
 
Azithromycin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
  • Tablets: 250mg, 500mg
  • Capsules: 250mg
  • Oral suspension: 200mg/5ml
 
 
05.01.06  Expand sub section  Clindamycin to top
Clindamycin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 150mg capsules.
  • 75mg in 5ml suspension unlicensedunlicensed
 
 
Clindamycin Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Injection: 300mg/2ml, 600mg/4ml
 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Some other antibacterials
Dalbavancin (Xydalba ®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 500mg injection
    • approved for the treatment of significant deep soft tissue infections such as joint, discitis and spinal infection, on the advice of infectious disease physicians or microbiology.

 
 
Tedizolid (Sivextro®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 200mg tablet and 200mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion
  • Approved for thre treatment of bacterial skin and skin structure infections only on the advice of microbiologists/ID physicians
 
 
Pristinamycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
  • Tablets: 500 mg

 

  • Approved for
    • Pregnant women infected with Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG) infection that is resistant to macrolides
    • Mycoplasma Genitalium (MG) infection that is resistant to macrolides, quinolones and tetracyclines in both men and women
 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol
(Systemic)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Fosfomycin
Fosfomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
  • 500mg capsules unlicensedunlicensed Red Traffic Light
  • 4g injections Red Traffic Light
  • 3g sachets: sachets can be initiated in primary care for the treatment of UTIs caused by multi-resistant organisms following advice from microbiology only. Most cost effective option to be used Green
 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Fusidic acid
Sodium fusidate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 250mg film coated tablets
  • 250mg in 5ml suspension
 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Vancomycin and teicoplanin to top
Teicoplanin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
 
Vancomycin Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.

  • 20mg in 4ml intrathecal injection unlicensedunlicensed 
  • 500mg and 1g injections 
 
 
Vancomycin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
    • 125mg capsules 
 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Daptomycin
Daptomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Linezolid
Linezolid Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • IV infusion: 600mg/300ml

 

  • Restricted for use on microbiology/infectious diseases advice, or as agreed in Trust Guidelines.
 
Link   MHRA Drug Safety Update (Dec 2014): Linezolid: restricted indication
 
Linezolid Oral Preparations
(For courses greater than 14 days)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 600mg tablets
  • 100mg in 5ml suspension

 

To be used only on the advice of a Consultant Microbiologist for resistant Gram-positive infections.

Patients must have weekly bloods taken to monitor for haematological side effects if receiving treatment for more than 10 to 14 days. In those receiving treatment for more than 4 weeks a pre-treatment eye assessment is recommended followed by monthly assessments. Patients should be warned to report any visual symptoms promptly (see BNF for CSM warning).

Linezolid is a MAO inhibitor and so potentially life threatening interactions can occur. Check before prescribing.

 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (Dec 2014): Linezolid: restricted indication
 
Linezolid Oral Preparations
(For courses up to 14 days)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • 600mg tablets
  • 100mg in 5ml suspension

 

To be used only on the advice of a Consultant Microbiologist for resistant Gram-positive infections.

RED drug for courses greater than 14 days  Red Traffic Light

Patients must have weekly bloods taken to monitor for haematological side effects if receiving treatment for more than 10 to 14 days. In those receiving treatment for more than 4 weeks a pre-treatment eye assessment is recommended followed by monthly assessments. Patients should be warned to report any visual symptoms promptly (see BNF for CSM warning).

Linezolid is a MAO inhibitor and so potentially life threatening interactions can occur. Check before prescribing.

 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (Dec 2014): Linezolid: restricted indication
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Quinupristin and dalfopristin
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Polymyxins
Colistimethate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • 1 million-unit & 2 million-unit vial for nebulisation/intravenous injection
    • Nebulised therapy for bronchiectasis Green Traffic Light
    • Nebulised therapy for patients on assisted ventilation, patients with tracheostomies and those with persistant bacterial bronchitis Green plus
    • To be used for treatment of Cystic Fibrosis in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Policy/NICE Guidance.
    • Nebulised therapy for CF Red Traffic Light.
    • Intravenous therapy Red Traffic Light.
    • Dry powder for inhalation (Colobreath®) Red Traffic Light.

 
Link  Clinical Commissioning Policy: Inhaled Therapy for Adults and Children with Cystic Fibrosis
Link  TA276:Colistimethate sodium and tobramycin dry powders for inhalation for treating pseudomonas lung infection in cystic fibrosis
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (Nov 2014): Colobreathe (colistimethate sodium dry powder for inhalation): risk of capsule breakage from inhaler device
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Rifaximin to top
Rifaximin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • 550mg Tablets: Only approved for use in accordance with NICE guidance. 

 

 
Link  TA337: Rifaximin for preventing episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Fidaxomicin
Fidaxomicin (Dificlir®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
High Cost Medicine
  • 200mg tablets
  • Fidaxomicin 40mg/ml granules for oral suspension
    • Approved for use in the treatment of C. difficile. To be initiated on the recommendation of a consultant microbiologist.
 
 
05.01.08  Expand sub section  Sulphonamides and trimethoprim
Co-trimoxazole Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 480mg in 5ml ampoules for IV infusion
 
 
Co-trimoxazole Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 480mg tablets, 960mg tablets
  • 240mg in 5ml & 480mg in 5ml suspensions.
 
 
Trimethoprim
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
05.01.09  Expand sub section  Antituberculosis drugs
Capreomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 1g injection

 

  • Infectious diseases, microbiology or respiratory advice only Only in patients with MDR-TB intolerant of other medication
 
 
Cycloserine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 250mg capsules Infectious diseases
  • microbiology or respiratory advice only
 
 
Ethambutol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
 
 
Isoniazid Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 50mg in 2ml injection
 
 
Isoniazid Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • 50mg & 100mg tablets
  • 50mg in 5ml elixir unlicensedunlicensed
 
 
Rifabutin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
 
 
Rifampicin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • 150mg & 300mg capsules Green Traffic Light
  • 100mg in 5ml syrup Green Traffic Light
  • 600mg vials for IV infusion Red Traffic Light  
 
 
Rifampicin and Isoniazid
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
 
 
Rifampicin and Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
 
 
Bedaquiline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Policy 
 
Link  Clinical Commissioning Policy: Bedaquiline and Delamanid for defined patients with MDR-TB and XDR-TB
 
Delamanid
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Policy 
 
Link  Clinical Commissioning Policy: Bedaquiline and Delamanid for defined patients with MDR-TB and XDR-TB
 
Prothionamide
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
  • 250mg tablets - Unlicensed

 

  • Infectious diseases, microbiology or respiratory advice only
 
 
Pyrazinamide
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Green plus
 
 
Streptomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
 
 
05.01.10  Expand sub section  Antileprotic drugs
Clofazimine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 50mg and 100mg capsules
    • Approved for the treatment of non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infections, on the advice of microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ID) physicians
 
 
Dapsone
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • Used in the treatment of leprosy and some skin conditions (e.g. dermatitis herpetiformis, pemphigoid on the advice of dermatologists).
 
 
05.01.11  Expand sub section  Metronidazole and tinidazole to top
Metronidazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 200mg & 400mg tablets 
  • 200mg in 5ml suspension 
  • 500mg & 1g suppositories 
 
 
Metronidazole Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 50mg in 10ml injection & 500mg in 100ml IV infusion 
 
 
05.01.12  Expand sub section  Quinolones
Ciprofloxacin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
First Choice
Green
  • 250mg, 500mg & 750mg tablets
  • 250mg in 5ml suspension
 
Ciprofloxacin Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 100mg & 200mg, 400mg intravenous infusions 
 
 
Delafloxacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 450mg tablets
  • 300mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion

  • approved for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections where other antibiotics are inappropriate either due to resistant organisms or intolerance/allergy
 
 
Levofloxacin Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 500mg/100ml infusion 
 
 
Levofloxacin Nebuliser Solution (Quinsair®)
(Inhaled)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • 240mg/2.4ml nebuliser solution in line with NHS England Commissioning Policy
 
 
Ofloxacin Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • IV infusion: 200mg/100ml 
 
 
Moxifloxacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
 
 
Ofloxacin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
  • Tablets: 200mg, 400mg
  • For use in the treatment of pelvic inflammatory disease and chlamydia genital tract infections in accordance with local primary care guidelines.
 
 
Levofloxacin Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green plus
  • 250mg & 500mg tablets 

 

 
 
05.01.13  Expand sub section  Urinary-tract infections
Nitrofurantoin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • Note: Liquid presentations of nitrofurantoin are very expensive compared to
    other solid dosage formulation. Please consider whether capsules can be used.
 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (April 2023): Nitrofurantoin: reminder of the risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (Feb 2015): Nitrofurantoin now contraindicated in most patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 45 ml/min/1.73m2
 
Methenamine Hippurate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • Approved as second line agent for prophylaxis in patients with recurrent UTI’s who have failed long-term antibiotic prophylaxis, have contraindications to antibiotics or breakthrough infection with resistant organisms.
 
 
05.02  Expand sub section  Antifungal drugs
05.02  Expand sub section  Treatment of fungal infections
05.02  Expand sub section  Drugs used in fungal infections to top
05.02.01  Expand sub section  Triazole antifungals
Fluconazole Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • Capsules: 50mg, 150mg, 200mg
  • Oral solution: 50mg/5ml, 200mg/5ml 
 
 
Itraconazole Oral Preparations
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • 100mg capsules 
  • 50mg in 5ml oral solution 
 
 
Fluconazole Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • IV infusion: 50mg/25ml, 200mg/100ml
 
 
Isavuconazole (Cresemba®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • Approved for use in line with licensed indications and specifically in solid organ transplant and bone marrow transplant recipients.
 
 
Itraconazole Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 250mg in 25ml injection for IV infusion 
 
 
Posaconazole  (Noxafil®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • Approved for the prevention of invasive fungal infection in immunocompromised patients in whom there is a specific risk of aspergillus infection or where fluconazole and itraconazole are not tolerated or are unlikely to be sufficiently effective (largely for secondary prevention).
  • Approved for patients with invasive fungal infections that are not responding to other treatments or where they are not tolerated (largely in place of liposomal amphotericin/ voriconazole).
 
 
Voriconazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
Link  MHRA Safety Alert (May 2014): Voriconazole: reminder of liver toxicity, phototoxicity and squamous cell carcinoma
 
05.02.02  Expand sub section  Imidazole antifungals
05.02.03  Expand sub section  Polyene antifungals
Nystatin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 100,000 units/ml suspension Green Traffic Light.
  • 100,000 unit pessaries unlicensedunlicensed Red Traffic Light
    • Second line treatment for vaginal non albicans infection, for patients who have not responded to standard treatments such as azoles. Prescribing is restricted to the GUM clinics.

 
 
Amphotericin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • 50mg injection (Fungizone®)
  • 50mg liposomal injection (Ambisome®)
 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (July 2018): Parenteral amphotericin B: reminder of risk of potentially fatal adverse reaction if formulations confused
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (July 2020): Liposomal and lipid- complex formulations: name change to reduce medication errors
 
05.02.04  Expand sub section  Echinocandin antifungals
Anidulafungin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Caspofungin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Micafungin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
05.02.05  Expand sub section  Other antifungals to top
Terbinafine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Griseofulvin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • For very limited use where terbinafine is contraindicated.
 
 
Flucytosine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 500mg tabletsunlicensedunlicensed.
  • 2.5g in 250ml IV infusion.
 
 
05.03  Expand sub section  Antiviral drugs
05.03.01  Expand sub section  HIV infection
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Abacavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Didanosine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Emtricitabine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Lamivudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 150 mg and 300 mg tablets
  • 50 mg/5ml oral solution
 
 
Stavudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Tenofovir Disoproxil
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
Zidovudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Protease inhibitors
Saquinavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Tipranavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Atazanavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • For limited use as part of triple therapy where other protease inhibitors are unsuitable
 
 
Atazanavir sulfate and cobicistat
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

To be used in accordance with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy (SSC1614).

 
 
Darunavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Darunavir and Cobicistat
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

To be used in accordance with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy (SSC1614).

 
 
Fosamprenavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Indinavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Nelfinavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Ritonavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors to top
Efavirenz (Sustiva®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Etravirine (Intelence®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Nevirapine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Rilpivirine hydrochloride
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • For patients who, due to renal impairment, require reduced doses that are not able to be accommodated by the fixed combination product.
 
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Other antiretrovirals
Cabotegravir (Vocabria®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View SMC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

  • 30mg tablet

  • 600mg/3ml prolonged-release suspension for injection

  • Approved in combination with rilpivirine (Rekambys) for treating HIV-1 in adults in line with NICE

 
Link  NICE TA757: Cabotegravir with rilpivirine for treating HIV-1
 
Dolutegravir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Enfuvirtide
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Fostemsavir (Rukobia®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View SMC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
BlueTeq
  • 600mg MR tablets
  • Approved for the treatment of multi-drug resistant HIV-1 infection in adults
 
 
Maraviroc
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • Approved for use in the treatment of patients with HIV infections that are resistant to standard therapy in accordance with British HIV Association and EACS guidelines.
 
 
Raltegravir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • Approved for use in the treatment of patients with HIV infections that are resistant to standard therapy in accordance with British HIV Association and EACS guidelines.
 
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Pharmacokinetic enhancers of anti-retrovirals
Cobicistat (Tybost®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
Link  Clinical Commissioning Policy: Use of cobicistat as a booster in treatment of HIV infection (all ages)
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Combination Products
Abacavir & Lamivudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Abacavir & Lamivudine & Zidovudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Abacavir & Lamivudine & Dolutegravir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Dolutegravir Sodium & Lamivudine (Dovato®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • Film-coated tablet containing dolutegravir sodium equivalent to 50 mg dolutegravir and 300 mg lamivudine
 
 
Dolutegravir Sodium & Rilpivirine HydrochlorideBlack Triangle (Juluca®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • Film-coated tablets containing dolutegravir sodium (equivalent to 50 mg dolutegravir) and rilpivirine hydrochloride (equivalent to 25 mg rilpivirine)
 
 
Emtricitabine & Tenofovir Disoproxil
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • Tablets: Emtricitabine 200 mg and Tenofovir disoproxil (as fumarate) 245 mg

 

  • Use generic preparation in preference to the branded product (Truvada®)
 
 
Emtricitabine & Rilpivirine & Tenofovir disoproxil (Eviplera®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • Tablets: 200 mg / 25 mg / 245 mg
 
 
Lopinavir and Ritonavir (Kaletra®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Tenofovir Disproxil & Cobicistat & Elvitegravir & Emtricitabine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy.
 
 
Tenofovir Disproxil & Efavirenz & Emtricitabine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Emtricitabine & Elvitegravir & Cobicistat & Tenofovir alafenamide (Genvoya®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • Tablet: 200mg / 150 mg / 150 mg / 10 mg
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy.
 
 
Emtricitabine & Rilpivirine & Tenofovir alafenamide (Odefsey®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • Film coated tablets containing rilpivirine 25mg, emtricitabine 200mg & tenofovir alafenamide (as fumarate) 25mg
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy.
 
 
Emtricitabine & Tenofovir alafenamide (Descovy®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • Film coated tablets containing:
    • emtricitabine 200mg & tenofovir alafenamide (as fumarate) 10mg
    • emtricitabine 200mg & tenofovir alafenamide (as fumarate) 25mg
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Clinical Commissioning Policy.
 
 
Zidovudine & Lamivudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
05.03.02  Expand sub section  Herpesvirus infections
05.03.02.01  Expand sub section  Herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infection to top
Aciclovir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
First Choice
Green
  • Tablets: 200mg, 400mg, 800mg
  • Dispersible tablets: 200mg, 400mg, 800mg
  • Oral suspension (sugar-free available): 200mg/5ml, 400mg/5ml
 
Aciclovir Injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Injection (for IV infusion): 250mg, 500mg
 
 
Valaciclovir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Green
 
 
05.03.02.02  Expand sub section  Cytomegalovirus infection
Foscarnet Sodium
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Ganciclovir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Letermovir (Prevymis®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

  • Approved for the prevention of cytomegalovirus disease after a stem cell transplant in line with NICE

 
Link  NICE TA591: Letermovir for preventing cytomegalovirus disease after a stem cell transplant
 
MaribavirBlack Triangle (Livtencity®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • 200mg film coated tablets
 
Link  NICE TA860: Maribavir for treating refractory cytomegalovirus infection after transplant
 
Valganciclovir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
 
Cidofovir infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Restricted Drug Restricted
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • For use in the prevention and treatment of cytomegalovirus infection. 
  • For limited use by ENT Surgeons in the treatment of selected
    patients with respiratory papillomatosis (unlicensedunlicensed)
 
 
05.03.03  Expand sub section  Viral hepatitis
05.03.03.01  Expand sub section  Chronic hepatitis B
Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
  • 10 mg tablets
 
Link  NICE CG165: Hepatitis B (chronic) - incorporates TA96
Link  NICE TA96: Hep B - adefovir dipivoxil and pegylated interferon alpha-2a
 
Entecavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
Link  NICE CG165: Hepatitis B (incorporates TA153)
Link  NICE TA153: Hepatitis B (chronic) - etecavir
 
Lamivudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
Link  NICE CG165: Chronic Hepatitis B
 
Tenofovir Disproxil (Viread®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
 
Link  NICE CG165: Hepatitis B (incorporates TA153)
Link  NICE TA173: Hepatitis B (chronic) - tenofovir disoproxil
 
05.03.03.02  Expand sub section  Chronic hepatitis C & hepatitis D
Daclatasvir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

  • Approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in line with NICE and NHS England Commissioning Policy.  

 
 
Elbasvir & grazoprevir (Zepatier®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

  • Approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in line with NICE and NHS England Commissioning Policy.

 
Link  NICE TA413: Elbasvir–grazoprevir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Glecaprevir & Pibrentasvir (Maviret®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

  • Approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in line with NICE and NHS England Commissioning Policy.

 
Link  NICE TA499: Glecaprevir–pibrentasvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Peginterferon Alfa (Pegasys®, ViraferonPeg®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Approved  for hepatitis B and C in accordance with NICE guidelines and NHS England Commissioning Policies. 

 

  • See Section 08.02.04
 
 
Ribavirin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
 
Link  NICE TA106: Hepatitis C - peginterferon alfa and ribavirin
Link  NICE TA200: Hepatitis C - peginterferon alfa and ribavirin
Link  NICE TA75: Hepatitis C - pegylated interferons, ribavirin and alfa interferon
 
SofosbuvirBlack Triangle (Sovaldi®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

 

    • Approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in line with NICE and NHS England Commissioning Policy.

 

 
Link  NICE TA330: Sofosbuvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Sofosbuvir & Ledipasvir  (Harvoni®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Commissiong Policy  

 
Link  NICE TAG63: Ledipasvir–sofosbuvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Sofosbuvir & velpatasvir ( Epclusa®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

  • Approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in line with NICE and NHS England Commissioning Policy.

 
Link  NICE TA430: Sofosbuvir–velpatasvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Sofosbuvir, Velpatasvir & Voxilaprevir  (Vosevi®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

  • Approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in line with NICE and NHS England Commissioning Policy.

 
Link  NICE TA507: Sofosbuvir–velpatasvir–voxilaprevir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Bulevirtide (Hepcludex®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
BlueTeq
  • 2mg powder for solution for injection
  • Approved as an option for treating chronic hepatitis D in adults with compensated liver disease in line with NICE and NHSE Specialised Commissioning Policy only if:
    • there is evidence of significant fibrosis (METAVIR stage F2 or above or Ishak stage 3 or above) and
    • their hepatitis has not responded to peginterferon alfa‑2a (PEG‑IFN) or they cannot have interferon-based therapy
  • Only available from:
    • The Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation trust
 
Link  NICE TA896: Bulevirtide for treating chronic hepatitis D
 
05.03.04  Expand sub section  Influenza to top
Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

  • 30mg, 45mg and 75mg capsules

  • 6mg/mL oral suspension

  • Only approved for use in accordance with NICE guidance. 

 
Link  NICE TA158: Oseltamivir, amantadine (review) and zanamivir for the prophylaxis of influenza
Link  NICE TA168: Amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir for the treatment of influenza
 
Zanamivir  (Relenza®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 5mg inhalation powder blisters with Diskhaler  
    • Only approved for use in accordance with NICE guidance. 

 






 

 
Link  NICE TA158: Oseltamivir, amantadine (review) and zanamivir for the prophylaxis of influenza
Link  NICE TA168: Amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir for the treatment of influenza
 
Zanamivir InjectionBlack Triangle (Dectova®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 200mg/20mL solution for infusion
    • Approved on the advice of virology/microbiology/ID physician only




 

 
Link  NICE TA158: Oseltamivir, amantadine (review) and zanamivir for the prophylaxis of influenza
Link  NICE TA168: Amantadine, oseltamivir and zanamivir for the treatment of influenza
 
05.03.05  Expand sub section  Respiratory syncytial virus
Palivizumab
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
  • To be used in accordance with NHS England Commissioning Policy.   
 
 
Ribavirin (Virazole®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
05.03.06  Expand sub section  COVID-19 therapeutics
Nirmatrelvir and RitonavirBlack Triangle (Paxlovid®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Nirmatrelvir 150mg tablets and Ritonavir 100mg tablets (Paxlovid®)
  • As per NICE TA 878
 
Link  NICE TA878: Casirivimab plus imdevimab, nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab for treating COVID-19
 
SotrovimabBlack Triangle (Xevudy®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 500mg concentrate for solution for infusion

 

 
Link  NICE TA878: Casirivimab plus imdevimab, nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab for treating COVID-19
 
MolnupiravirBlack Triangle (Lagevrio®)
(For use in CMDU only)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Restricted Drug Restricted
Red
 
 
05.04  Expand sub section  Antiprotozoal drugs
Paromomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
  • 250mg tablets and Injection
  • For Leishmaniasis
  • Infectious diseases of microbiology advice only
 
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Antimalarials
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Treatment of malaria to top
Dihydroartemisinin / piperaquine phosphate (Eurartesim®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 160mg/20mg & 320mg/40mg tablets
    • Approved for the treatment for plasmodium falciparum malaria in line with current UK and WHO guidelines.
    • Only available from Newcastle Hospitals (RVI)
 
 
Artesunate
(injection)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
  • Approved for severe malaria in in line WHO guidance.
 
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Falciparum malaria (treatment)
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Benign malarias (treatment)
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Prophylaxis against malaria
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Specific recommendations
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Artemether with lumefabtrine to top
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Chloroquine
Chloroquine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
  • 200mg tablets (=150mg chloroquine base) Green Traffic Light Not NHS Not NHS. 
  • 68mg in 5ml syrup (=50mg in 5ml chloroquine) Green Traffic Light Not NHS Not NHS
    272.5mg in 5ml injection (=200mg in 5ml chloroquine) unlicensedunlicensed Red Traffic Light.
 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Update (Feb 2022): Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine: increased risk of cardiovascular events when used with macrolide antibiotics; reminder of psychiatric reactions
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Mefloquine
Mefloquine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus

Note: not approved on the NHS for prophylaxis. Not NHS 

 
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Primaquine
Primaquine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
 
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Proguanil
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Pyrimethamine to top
Pyrimethamine (Darprim®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Quinine
Quinine sulphate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Alert (Nov 2017): Quinine: reminder of dose-dependent QT-prolonging effects; updated medicine interactions
 
Quinine Dyhydrochloride
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
 
Link  MHRA Drug Safety Alert (Nov 2017): Quinine: reminder of dose-dependent QT-prolonging effects; updated medicine interactions
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Tetracyclines
05.04.02  Expand sub section  Amoebicides
Metronidazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Diloxanide
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
Tinidazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Alternatives
Red
  • 500mg tablets
  • Last line option for resistant Trichomonas vaginalis
  • unlicensed unlicensed
 
 
05.04.03  Expand sub section  Trichomonacides
05.04.04  Expand sub section  Antigiardial drugs to top
Metronidazole
(giardia)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
 
 
Mepacrine Hydrochloride
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Green plus
 
 
05.04.05  Expand sub section  Leishmaniacides
Sodium Stibogluconate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
05.04.06  Expand sub section  Trypanocides
05.04.07  Expand sub section  Drugs for toxoplasmosis
Sulfadiazine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Infectious diseases or microbiology advice only
 
 
05.04.08  Expand sub section  Drugs for pneumocystis pneumonia
Co-trimoxazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green plus
  • See section 05.01.08
 
 
Atovaquone
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • Approved for use in patients intolerant of co-trimoxazole
 
 
Co-trimoxazole Infusion
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
  • 480mg/5ml injection
 
 
Pentamidine Isetionate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
 
 
05.04.08  Expand sub section  Treatment to top
05.04.08  Expand sub section  Prophylaxis
05.05  Expand sub section  Anthelmintics
Ivermectin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
  • Unlicensed Oral formulations - 3mg tablets
  • Chronic strongyloides infection; cutaneous larva migrans;
 
 
Levamisole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
  • 50mg tablets
  • For roundworm infections.
 
 
05.05.01  Expand sub section  Drugs for threadworms
Mebendazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
 
 
Albendazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
 
 
05.05.02  Expand sub section  Ascaricides
05.05.03  Expand sub section  Drugs for tapeworm infections to top
05.05.03  Expand sub section  Taenicides
05.05.03  Expand sub section  Hydatid disease
05.05.04  Expand sub section  Drugs for hookworms
05.05.05  Expand sub section  Schistosomicides
Praziquatel Biltricide
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Unlicensed Drug Unlicensed
Red
 
 
05.05.06  Expand sub section  Filaricides to top
05.05.07  Expand sub section  Drugs for cutaneous larva migrans
05.05.08  Expand sub section  Drugs for strongyloidiasis
 ....
 Non Formulary Items
Casirivimab with Imdevimab Black Triangle  (Ronapreve®)

View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Non Formulary
Not Recomended
  • Not approved for treating COVID-19 as per NICE TA878
  
Key
note Notes
Section Title Section Title (top level)
Section Title Section Title (sub level)
First Choice Item First Choice item
Non Formulary Item Non Formulary section
Restricted Drug
Restricted Drug
Unlicensed Drug
Unlicensed
Track Changes
Display tracking information
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Link to adult BNF
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Link to children's BNF
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Link to SPCs
Cytotoxic Drug
Cytotoxic Drug
CD
Controlled Drug
High Cost Medicine
High Cost Medicine
NHSE
NHS England
Homecare
Homecare
CCG
CCG

Traffic Light Status Information

Status Description

Red

Drugs for hospital use only. The responsibility for initiation and monitoring treatment should rest with an appropriate hospital clinician and the drug should be supplied through the hospital throughout the duration of treatment. In some very exceptional circumstances (e.g. due to distance from the hospital, storage, supply or mobility/transport problems) it may be appropriate for the GP to be asked to prescribe a Red drug. This should be negotiated on an individual patient basis and should only be done with the GP’s prior informed agreement where the roles of the GP and hospital services are clearly defined and agreed. The GP should not feel under pressure to prescribe in these circumstances. For all RED drugs automatically added to the formulary in response to a positive NICE TA: Prescribers need to ensure that local Trust new drug governance procedures and pharmacy processes are followed before any prescribing.  

Amber

Drugs initiated by hospital specialist, but where continuing treatment by GPs may be appropriate under a shared care arrangement. The specialist should send the GP a copy of the shared care agreement to sign. The GP should sign the shared care agreement, or indicate they do not want to be part of such an agreement, and return a copy back to the specialist. Shared care guidelines are available or are being developed for most of the drugs listed as Amber. If no shared care guideline is available, the hospital specialist should provide the patient’s GP with sufficient information and support to allow treatment to be continued and managed safely in primary care.  

Green plus

Drugs normally recommended or initiated by a specialist (hospital or GP with an extended role https://www.rcgp.org.uk/gpwer), but can be safely maintained in primary care with very little or no monitoring required. In some cases there may be a further restriction for use outlined - these will be defined in each case. Provision of additional information, or an information leaflet, may be appropriate in some cases to facilitate continuing treatment by GPs.  

Green

Drugs where prescribing by GPs is appropriate. Can be initiated and prescribed in all care settings, and if appropriate, discontinued without recourse to secondary care.  

Black

NOT APPROVED: Drugs that have been considered by NTAG or the NENC ICB Medicines Subcommittee (or other approved body) and are not approved for prescribing within the North East and North Cumbria.   

Brown

UNDER REVIEW: drugs whose current formulary status or RAG status is currently under review.  

Not Recomended

NOT REVIEWED: Drugs that haven not been reviewed yet. This usually means that an application is in progress. These drugs are not normally considered appropriate for prescribing in the North East and North Cumbria until such time that a decision is taken on their formulary status.  

netFormulary