BASIC GUIDELINES FOR PRESCRIBING
1. PLEASE USE GENERIC OR DISCOVERY PRODUCT for ALL scripts except lithium , phenytoin , sodium valproate, carbamazepine theophylline preparations,
and long acting diltiazem and nifedepine preparations. Avoid combination preparations wherever possible particularly co-codamol 30/500.
Category M drugs often much cheaper to use the trade name e.g. Beconase at the present time
2. FIRST LINE DRUGS:SYSTEM
Gastrointestinal
CATEGORY
DRUG
H2 antagonist
P.P.I.
Ranitidine
Omeprazole or lansoprazole
Laxative
Antacid
Antispasmodic
Senna or magnesium hydroxide
Peptac ( not Gaviscon Advance)
Dicyclomine/mebeverine
Thiazide diuretic
Loop diuretic
Nitrates (prophylactic)
Beta-blocker
Calcium antagonists
ACE inhibitor
Angiotensin receptor blocker
Alpha-blocker
Bendroflumetiazide
Furosemide
I.S.M.N. bd NOT long acting
Atenolol
Diltiazem as Slozem* ( angina) or nifedepine as
Coracten* ( BP)
Ramipril or lisinopril
Candesartan
Indoramin ( BPH) or doxazosin (not m/r)
Statin
Anti-platelet
Simvastatin
Aspirin (soluble)
Respiratory system
Beta agonist inhaler
Cortico-steroid inhaler
Long acting beta agonist inhaler
Ant-muscarinic inhaler
Antihistamine
Salbutamol inhaler
Beclomethasone inhaler
Salmeterol inhaler
Iprapropium bromide inhaler
Cetirizine NO STEREOISOMERS
Central Nervous System
Anxiolytic
Hypnotics
Tricyclic anti-depressant
Diazepam short term only
Temazepam ( limited use ) NO Z drugs
Amitriptyline or lofepramine
Cardiovascular drugs
BRANDED GENERIC OR CHEAPER
BRAND AND NOTES
Mepradec branded generic of
omeprazole
Lopace branded generic of ramipril
Third line tamsulosin as branded generic
Tabphyn
Simvador + branded generic
Ventolin
Becotide (but being withdrawn late 07)
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S.S.R.I. antidepressants
Mild to moderate analgesia
Neuropathic pain
Fluoxetine or citalopram
Paracetamol or codeine phosphate
Amitriptyline
Infections
Streptococcal sore throat
Otitis media if AB indicated
Sinusitis if AB indicated
Exacerbation COPD
Uncomplicated U.T.I.
Impetigo
Cellulitis
Animal /human bite
Moderate acne
Zoster
Penicillin V or erythromycin
Amoxycillin
Amoxycillin or erythromycin
Amoxycillin or erythromycin
Trimethoprim or cefalexin
Flucloxacillin or erythromycin
Penicillin V and Flucloxacillin
Co-amoxyclav nb ONLY INDICATION
Oxytetracycline
Oral acyclovir
Endocrine
Diabetes type II
Metformin up to 3g /day
Gynaecology
HRT intact uterus**
HRT without uterus**
Oral contraceptive pill
Progesterone only pill
Morning after pill
Elleste - Duet
Premarin /Elleste – Solo
Microgynon 30
Micronor
Levonelle II
Urinary drugs
Urinary incontinence
Oxybutynin
Rheumatology drugs
N.S.A.I.
Topical NSAI if indicated
Ibuprofen 1st line then diclofenac
Diethylamine salicylate ( Algesal ) or ketoprofen
gel
The Eye
Conjunctivitis
Chloramphenicol eye drops
ENT
Otitis externa
Nasal congestion
Betamethasone N eye drops
Beclomethasone nasal spray
* should be branded
** see CSM guidance
Oxacten branded generic
Glitazones expensive and 3rd line
Beconase preferred