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 Formulary Chapter 5: Infections - Full Chapter
Notes:

This chapter of the formulary is under development, please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices.

For more information about the formulary development process, please see: https://www.lancsmmg.nhs.uk/lancashire-and-south-cumbria-icb-formulary-development/
The formulary development team can be contacted here: mlcsu.lscformulary@nhs.net

Prescribers must follow the relevant local and national guidance when treating an infection. Some anti-infectives require approval from the local Trust microbiology team for use, consult local guidance for further information.

Not all anti-infectives listed in this chapter will be available in all localities; availability will be guided by local need and resistance patterns.

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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
Red

Injection 600mg, 1.2g

When prescribing, dispensing, or administering, check that this is the correct preparation—benzylpenicillin sodium is a short-acting form of benzylpenicillin and is not interchangeable with benzathine benzylpenicillin.

 
 
Phenoxymethylpenicillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
Tablets 250mg
Liquid 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL
 
 
05.01.01.02  Expand sub section  Penicillinase-resistant penicillins
Flucloxacillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Capsules 500mg, 250mg
Liquid 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL

Cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis may occur very rarely, up to two months after treatment with flucloxacillin has been stopped. Administration for more than 2 weeks and increasing age are risk factors. Manufacturer advises:

- flucloxacillin should not be used in patients with a history of hepatic dysfunction associated with flucloxacillin
- flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
- careful enquiry should be made about hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactam antibacterials.

 
 
Flucloxacillin injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 250mg, 500mg, 1g

Cholestatic jaundice and hepatitis may occur very rarely, up to two months after treatment with flucloxacillin has been stopped. Administration for more than 2 weeks and increasing age are risk factors. Manufacturer advises:

- flucloxacillin should not be used in patients with a history of hepatic dysfunction associated with flucloxacillin
- flucloxacillin should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment
- careful enquiry should be made about hypersensitivity reactions to beta-lactam antibacterials.

 
 
Temocillin (Negaban®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
Injection 1g

Microbiology request only 
 
05.01.01.03  Expand sub section  Broad-spectrum penicillins
Amoxicillin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Capsules 250mg, 500mg
Liquid 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL
Sachets 3g

 
 
Amoxicillin injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 500mg, 1g

 
 
Co-amoxiclav
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 375mg (250/125), 625mg (500/125)
Oral suspension 125mg/31mg/5ml, 250mg/62mg/5ml, 400mg/57mg/5ml (for paediatric use)

 
 
Co-amoxiclav injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 500mg/100mg, 1000mg/200mg

 
 
05.01.01.04  Expand sub section  Antipseudomonal penicillins
Piperacillin with tazobactam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 2.25g, 4.5g

 
 
05.01.01.05  Expand sub section  Mecillinams
Pivmecillinam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 200mg

 

 
 
05.01.02  Expand sub section  Cephalosporins, carbapenems and other beta-lactums 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

Capsules 250mg, 500mg
Oral suspension 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml

 
 
Cefuroxime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 125mg, 250mg

Suspension 125mg/5mL

 
 
Cefaclor
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Modified release tablet 375mg
Capsule 500mg
Oral suspension 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Cefiderocol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion 1g 

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Cefixime (Suprax®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Tablets 200mg

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Cefotaxime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Injection 500mg, 1g, 2g

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Ceftaroline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 600mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Ceftazidime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 500mg, 1g, 2g 

 
 
Ceftazidime with avibactam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Infusion  2g/0.5g

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Ceftolozane with tazobactam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion 1g/0.5g

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Ceftriaxone
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 250mg, 1g, 2g

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  MHRA: Ceftriaxone (rocephin): incompatible with solutions containing calcium
 
Cefuroxime
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 250mg, 750mg, 1.5g

 
 
05.01.02.02  Expand sub section  Carbapenems
Ertapenem
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 1g

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Meropenem
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 500mg, 1g

On advice of Microbiology only (except for neutropenic sepsis).

 
 
Meropenem with vaborbactam
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion 1g/1g 

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
05.01.02.03  Expand sub section  Other beta-lactums antibiotics to top
05.01.03  Expand sub section  Tetracyclines
Doxycycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Capsules 50mg, 100mg
Dispersible tablets 100mg

 
 
Lymecycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Capsules 408mg

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Oxytetracycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 250mg

 
 
Tetracycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 250mg

 
 
Tigecycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 50mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  MHRA: Tigecycline (Tygacil▼): increased mortality in clinical trials
 
Minocycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Do Not Prescribe
 
Link  LSCMMG: Minocycline
 
05.01.04  Expand sub section  Aminoglycosides
Amikacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 500mg/2mL

Restricted Item  For neutropenia in children undergoing chemotherapy - Manchester protocol

 
Link  MHRA: Liposomal and lipid-complex formulations: name change to reduce medication errors
 
Gentamicin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 20mg/2mL (paediatric), 80mg/2mL

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Neomycin Sulphate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Tablets 500mg

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Tobramycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 80mg/2mL, 240mg/6mL
Nebuliser solution 300mg/5mL
Inhalation powder capsules with device 28mg

On advice of Microbiology only.
Nebuliser solution restricted for use in cystic fibrosis patients only.

 
Link  NICE TA276: Colistimethate sodium and tobramycin dry powders for inhalation for treating pseudomonas lung infection in cystic fibrosis
 
05.01.05  Expand sub section  Macrolides
Azithromycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 250mg, 500mg
Liquid 200mg/5mL

 
 
Clarithromycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 250mg, 500mg
Liquid 125mg/5ml, 250mg/5mL

 
 
Clarithromycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 500mg

Clarithromycin is rapidly and well absorbed orally. Intravenous clarithromycin is reserved for those who are severely ill and /or unable to tolerate oral medication

 
Link  LSCMMG: Critical Care Intravenous Drug Monographs
 
Erythromycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green Restricted

Tablets e/c 250mg
Suspension 125mg/5mL, 250mg/5mL

 
Link  MHRA: Erythromycin: caution required due to cardiac risks (QT interval prolongation); drug interaction with rivaroxaban
Link  MHRA: Erythromycin: update on known risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
 
Erythromycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 1g

 
Link  LSCMMG: Critical Care Intravenous Drug Monographs
Link  MHRA: Erythromycin: caution required due to cardiac risks (QT interval prolongation); drug interaction with rivaroxaban
Link  MHRA: Erythromycin: update on known risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis
 
05.01.06  Expand sub section  Clindamycin
Clindamycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Capsules 75mg, 150mg 

 
 
Clindamycin
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 to top
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Chloramphenicol
Chloramphenicol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Capsules 250mg
Injection 1g

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Fosfomycin
Fosfomycin (Monuril®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Oral solution sachets 3g

 
 
Fosfomycin injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Fusidic acid
Sodium fusidate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Tablets 250mg
Liquid 250mg/5mL as fusidic acid

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
Link  MHRA: Systemic fusidic acid and interaction with statins
 
Sodium fusidate injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Infusion 500mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  MHRA: Systemic fusidic acid and interaction with statins
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Glycopeptide antibacterials
Dalbavancin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion 500mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Oritavancin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion 400mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  LSCMMG: Oritavancin
 
Teicoplanin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

injection 200mg, 400mg

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Vancomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Capsules 125mg (liquid 250mg/5mL on request)
 
**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **
 

 
Link  MHRA: Prescribing medicines in renal impairment: using the appropriate estimate of renal function to avoid the risk of adverse drug reactions
 
Vancomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 500mg, 1g

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  Lancashire and South Cumbria Critical Care - Vancomycin Guideline
Link  MHRA: Prescribing medicines in renal impairment: using the appropriate estimate of renal function to avoid the risk of adverse drug reactions
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Daptomycin to top
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Linezolid
Linezolid
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Amber 0

Tablets 600mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

Severe optic neuropathy may occur rarely, particularly if linezolid is used for longer than 28 days.

Haematopoietic disorders (including thrombocytopenia, anaemia, leucopenia, and pancytopenia) have been reported in patients receiving linezolid. It is recommended that full blood counts are monitored weekly.

 
Link  LSCMMG: Linezolid
Link  LSCMMG: Linezolid Prescriber Information Sheet
 
Linezolid injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 600mg/300ml

On advice of Microbiology only.

Severe optic neuropathy may occur rarely, particularly if linezolid is used for longer than 28 days.

Haematopoietic disorders (including thrombocytopenia, anaemia, leucopenia, and pancytopenia) have been reported in patients receiving linezolid. It is recommended that full blood counts are monitored weekly.

 
 
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
Red
NHS England

Injection 1 million units, 2 million units
Inhalation powder capsules 1,662,500unit

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  NICE TA276: Colistimethate sodium and tobramycin dry powders for inhalation for treating pseudomonas lung infection in cystic fibrosis
 
Colistimethate for nebulisation (Colomycin®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Amber 0

Injection 1million unit (Colomycin®)

Bronchiectesis (non cystic fibrosis)

On advice of Microbiology only.

Training and education regarding use of nebuliser to be provided by specialist.

 
Link  LSCMMG: Colistimethate for nebulisation (Colomycin®) - Prescribing Information Sheet
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Rifaximin
Rifaximin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 550mg tablets (Targaxan®), 200mg tablets (Xifaxanta®)

Second line antibacterial treatment for the treatment of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.

 
Link  LSCMMG: Rifaximin
 
Rifaximin (Targaxan®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Amber 0

Tablets 550 mg

 
Link  NICE TA337: Rifaximin for preventing episodes of overt hepatic encephalopathy
 
05.01.07  Expand sub section  Fidaxomicin to top
Fidaxomicin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Amber 0

Tablets 200mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  LSCMMG: Fidaxomicin
 
05.01.08  Expand sub section  Sulphonamides and trimethoprim
Co-trimoxazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Tablets 80mg/400mg, 160mg/800mg
Oral solution 40mg/200mg/5ml, 80mg/400mg/5ml

Amber 0 Low dose prophylaxis of pneumocystis jirovecii (Pneumocystis carinii) infections post-transplant.

Red Subacute bacterial peritonitis prophylaxis.

On advice of Microbiology only.

**RAGs under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
Link  LSCMMG: Co-trimoxazole AMBER0
Link  LSCMMG: Co-trimoxazole RED
 
Co-trimoxazole injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Infusion 480mg/5mL

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Trimethoprim
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 100mg, 200mg
Liquid 50mg/5mL

 
 
05.01.09  Expand sub section  Antituberculosis drugs
BedaquilineBlack Triangle
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 100mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
Link  NHSE: Clinical commissioning policy for resistant TB
 
Capreomycin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 1g

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Cycloserine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Capsules 250mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
DelamanidBlack Triangle
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 50mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
Link  NHSE: Clinical commissioning policy statement (2317): treatment for defined patients with rifampicin resistant (RR) tuberculosis (TB), multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB, pre-extensively drug-resistant (pre-XDR) TB and extensively drug-resistant (XDR-TB) includ
 
Ethambutol
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 100mg, 400mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Isoniazid
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 100mg
Liquid 50mg/5mL (unlicensed)
Injection 50mg/2mL

Use Rifater® where possible.

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Pretomanid
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
Link  NHSE: Clinical commissioning policy for resistant TB
 
Pyrazinamide
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 500mg

Use Rifater® where possible

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Rifampicin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 600mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Rifampicin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Amber 0

Capsules 150mg, 300mg
Liquid 100mg/5mL

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only. May be prescribed by GP upon consultant microbiologist advice.

 
 
Rifampicin and Isoniazid
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets rifampicin 300mg, isoniazid 150mg (Rifinah® 300)
Tablets rifampicin 150mg, isoniazid 100mg (Rifinah® 150)

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Rifampicin and Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide (Rifater®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets rifampicin 120mg, isoniazid 50mg, pyrazinamide 300mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol (Voractiv®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets ethambutol hydrochloride 275mg, isoniazid 75mg, pyrazinamide 400mg, rifampicin 150mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
Terizidone
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Capsules 250mg

On advice of Microbiology or a respiratory consultant only.

 
 
05.01.10  Expand sub section  Antileprotic drugs
Dapsone
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Amber 0

Tablets 50mg, 100mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
05.01.11  Expand sub section  Metronidazole and tinidazole
Metronidazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 200mg, 400mg
Liquid 200mg/5mL
Suppositories 500mg,1g
 

 
 
Metronidazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 500mg/100mL

 
 
05.01.12  Expand sub section  Quinolones to top
 note 

Quinolones may induce convulsions in patients with or without a history of convulsions; taking NSAIDs at the same time may also induce them.
Tendon damage (including rupture) has been reported rarely in patients receiving quinolones.

Ciprofloxacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green Restricted

Tablets 100mg, 250mg, 500mg
Liquid 250mg/5mL

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Ciprofloxacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 200mg/100mL, 400mg/200mL

Ciprofloxacin is well absorbed orally; use the intravenous infusion only when the oral route is unavailable.

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
 
Levofloxacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 500mg/100mL

If use is not in line with local antimicrobial guidance, then please contact microbiology for advice.

 
 
Levofloxacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 250mg, 500mg

If use is not in line with local antimicrobial guidance, then please contact microbiology for advice.

 
 
Ofloxacin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 200mg, 400mg

 
 
05.01.13  Expand sub section  Urinary-tract infections
Methenamine Hippurate
(hexamine hippurate)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Tablets 1g

Considered less suitable for prescribing.

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Nitrofurantoin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Modified release capsules 100mg
Capsules 50mg (restricted use to those unable to take gelatin capsules)
Liquid 25mg/5ml (paediatric use only, on approval by consultant microbiologist)

For patients with NG tubes or swallowing difficulties, please seek pharmacy advice.

 
Link  MHRA: Nitrofurantoin now contraindicated in most patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of less than 45 ml/min/1.73m2
Link  MHRA: Nitrofurantoin: reminder of the risks of pulmonary and hepatic adverse drug reactions
 
05.02  Expand sub section  Antifungal drugs
Amphotericin B (liposomal) (AmBisome Liposomal®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

Intravenous infusion 50mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  MHRA: Liposomal and lipid-complex formulations: name change to reduce medication errors
Link  MHRA: Parenteral amphotericin B: reminder of risk of potentially fatal adverse reaction if formulations confused
 
Fluconazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green
Capsules 50mg, 200mg, 150mg single-dose pack
Liquid 50mg/5mL, 200mg/5mL

 
 
Fluconazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 50mg/25mL, 200mg/100mL

 
 
Flucytosine (Ancotil®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 2.5g/250mL

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  MHRA: Flucytosine (Ancotil): new contraindication in patients with DPD deficiency
 
Itraconazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary

Capsules 100mg
Liquid 10mg/mL

On advice of Microbiology only.

There have been reports of heart failure associated with itraconazole.

**RAG under consultation and awaiting update - Please use local/national antimicrobial guidelines to support prescribing choices. **

 
 
Miconazole (Daktarin®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Oral gel 20mg/g

 
Link  MHRA: Miconazole (Daktarin): over-the-counter oral gel contraindicated in patients taking warfarin
Link  MHRA: Topical miconazole, including oral gel: reminder of potential for serious interactions with warfarin
 
Nystatin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

 Liquid 100,000units/mL 30mL

 
 
Posaconazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 100mg
Oral suspension 40mg/mL

On advice of Microbiology only.

Posaconazole tablets and oral suspension are not bioequivalent and should not be used interchangeably, due to differences in dosing frequency, administration with regards to food, and the plasma-drug concentration achieved.

 
Link  MHRA: Posaconazole (Noxafil): tablets and oral suspension are not directly interchangeable
 
RezafunginBlack Triangle (Rezzayo®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion 200mg

 
 
Terbinafine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 250mg

 
 
Voriconazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 50mg, 200mg
Liquid 200mg/5mL
Intravenous infusion 200mg

On advice of Microbiology only.

 
Link  MHRA: Voriconazole: reminder of risk of liver toxicity, phototoxicity, and squamous cell carcinoma
 
05.02  Expand sub section  Treatment of fungal infections
05.02.01  Expand sub section  Triazole antifungals
05.02.02  Expand sub section  Imidazole antifungals to top
05.02.03  Expand sub section  Polyene antifungals
05.02.04  Expand sub section  Echinocandin antifungals
Anidulafungin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

Powder for concentrate for solution for infusion 100mg

 
 
Caspofungin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

Infusion 50mg, 70mg

 
 
05.02.05  Expand sub section  Other antifungals
05.03  Expand sub section  Antiviral drugs
Baricitinib
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Use in line with NG191.

 
Link  NICE NG191: COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-19
 
Molnupiravir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Use in line with NG191.

 
Link  NICE NG191: COVID-19 rapid guideline: managing COVID-19
 
Nirmatrelvir with RitonavirBlack Triangle (Paxlovid®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 150mg/100mg

 
Link  LSCMMG: Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab
Link  MHRA: COVID-19 antivirals: reporting to the UK COVID-19 Antivirals Pregnancy Registry
Link  MHRA: Nirmatrelvir, ritonavir (Paxlovid▼): be alert to the risk of drug interactions with ritonavir
Link  NICE TA878: Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab for treating COVID-19
 
RemdesivirBlack Triangle (Veklury®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Concentrate for solution for infusion 100mg

Agreed as a pass through cost to the ICB.

 
Link  MHRA: COVID-19 antivirals: reporting to the UK COVID-19 Antivirals Pregnancy Registry
Link  NICE TA971: Remdesivir and tixagevimab plus cilgavimab for treating COVID-19
 
Sotrovimab Black Triangle (Xevudy®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View SMC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Concentrate for solution for infusion
500mg

 
Link  LSCMMG: Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab
Link  NICE TA878: Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab for treating COVID-19
 
Tocilizumab
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Infusion

 
Link  LSCMMG: Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab
Link  MHRA: Tocilizumab (RoActemra): rare risk of serious liver injury including cases requiring transplantation
Link  NICE TA878: Nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, sotrovimab and tocilizumab for treating COVID-19
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  HIV infection to top
 note 

All drugs in this section are classed as RED - Primary care prescribers must not be asked to prescribe. Treatment of HIV infection should be undertaken by specialists only. Occupational Health and A&E doctors and Consultant Microbiologists may recommend the use of antiretrovirals for post exposure prophylaxis.

Atazanavir sulfate and cobicistat (Evotaz®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Tablets atazanavir 300 mg, cobicistat 150 mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
 
Cobicistat
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 150mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
Link  MHRA: Elvitegravir boosted with cobicistat: avoid use in pregnancy due to risk of treatment failure and maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1
 
FostemsavirBlack Triangle (Rukobia®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View SMC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
BlueTeq

Prolonged release tablets 600mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Tenofovir alafenamide, elvitegravir, cobicistat & emtricitabine  (Genvoya®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Tablets Cobicistat 150mg, Elvitegravir 150mg, Emtricitabine 200mg, Tenofovir alafenamide 10mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
Link  MHRA: Elvitegravir boosted with cobicistat: avoid use in pregnancy due to risk of treatment failure and maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  HIV-integrase inhibitors
Cabotegravir Black Triangle (Vocabria®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 30mg
Prolonged-release injection 600mg/3ml

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  NICE TA757: Cabotegravir with rilpivirine for treating HIV-1
 
Dolutegravir (Tivicay®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 50mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Dolutegravir (Tivicay▼, Triumeq▼, Juluca▼): updated advice on increased risk of neural tube defects
 
Emtricitabine with Tenofovir alafenamide (Descovy®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 200mg emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate equivalent to 10 mg of tenofovir alafenamide,
200 mg of emtricitabine and tenofovir alafenamide fumarate equivalent to 25 mg of tenofovir alafenamide

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Raltegravir (Isentress ®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 400mg, 600mg
 
Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
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
NHS England

Tablets 300mg
Liquid 20mg/mL (only available when tablets are unsuitable)

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Abacavir: risk of myocardial infarction—update from epidemiological studies
 
Abacavir and Lamivudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Tablets abacavir 600mg with lamivudine 300mg

Restricted Item Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Abacavir: risk of myocardial infarction—update from epidemiological studies
 
Elvitegravir with cobicistat, emtricitabine and tenofovir disoproxil (Stribild®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets Cobicistat 150 mg, Elvitegravir 150 mg, Emtricitabine 200 mg, Tenofovir disoproxil (as Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) 245 mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
Link  MHRA: Elvitegravir boosted with cobicistat: avoid use in pregnancy due to risk of treatment failure and maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1
 
Emtricitabine (Emtriva®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Capsules 200mg

Bluteq required if prescribing for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Lamivudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 100mg, 150mg
Liquid 50mg/5ml (only available when tablets are unsuitable)

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Lamivudine with tenofovir disoproxil and doravirine (Delstrigo®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets Doravirine 100 mg, Lamivudine 300 mg, Tenofovir disoproxil (as Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) 245 mg

Restricted Item Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Rilpivirine hydrochloride
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 25mg (Edurant)
Prolonged-release injection 900mg/3ml (Rekambys) Black Triangle

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  NICE TA757: Cabotegravir with rilpivirine for treating HIV-1
 
Tenofovir 245mg, Efavirenz 600mg and Emtricitabine 200mg
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets efavirenz 600mg with emtricitabine 200mg and tenofavir 245mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Tenofovir and Emtricitabine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets tenofovir 245mg with emtricitabine 200mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Tenofovir Disproxil
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 245mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  NICE CG165: Hepatitis B (chronic): diagnosis and management
Link  NICE TA173: Tenofovir disoproxil for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B
 
Zidovudine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Capsules 100mg, 250mg
Oral solution 100mg/10ml
Infusion 200mg/20ml

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Protease inhibitors
Atazanavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Capsules 150mg, 200mg, 300mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Darunavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Tablets 400mg, 600mg, 800mg
Oral suspension 100mg/mL (only available when tablets are unsuitable)

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Darunavir boosted with cobicistat: avoid use in pregnancy due to risk of treatment failure and maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1
 
Lopinavir and Ritonavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets lopinavir 200mg with ritonavir 50mg
Liquid available on request.

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
Link  MHRA: Ritonavir-containing products: reports of interaction with levothyroxine leading to reduced thyroxine levels
 
Ritonavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 100mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only 

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
Link  MHRA: Ritonavir-containing products: reports of interaction with levothyroxine leading to reduced thyroxine levels
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors
Doravirine (Pifeltro®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 100mg

Restricted Item Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Efavirenz
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Tablets 600mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Etravirine (Intelence®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England

Tablets 100mg, 200mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Etravirine: reports of severe hypersensitivity reactions
 
Nevirapine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 200mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
05.03.01  Expand sub section  Other antiretrovirals to top
 note  Other drugs for the treatment of HIV infection are available on request. Contact pharmacy for advice.
Abacavir with Dolutegravir and Lamivudine (Triumeq®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets abacavir (as abacavir sulfate) 600 mg, dolutegravir (as dolutegravir sodium) 50 mg, lamivudine 300 mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Abacavir: risk of myocardial infarction—update from epidemiological studies
 
Darunavir with Cobicistat (Rezolsta®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets cobicistat 150mg, darunavir (as darunavir ethanolate) 800mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
Link  MHRA: Darunavir boosted with cobicistat: avoid use in pregnancy due to risk of treatment failure and maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1
 
Darunavir with Cobicistat, Emtricitabine and Tenofovir alafenamide (Symtuza®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets cobicistat 150 mg, darunavir (as darunavir ethanolate) 800 mg, emtricitabine 200 mg, tenofovir alafenamide (as tenofovir alafenamide fumarate) 10 mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Cobicistat, ritonavir and coadministration with a steroid: risk of systemic corticosteroid adverse effects
Link  MHRA: Darunavir boosted with cobicistat: avoid use in pregnancy due to risk of treatment failure and maternal-to-child transmission of HIV-1
 
Dolutegravir and Lamivudine (Dovato®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets dolutegravir (as dolutegravir sodium) 50mg, Lamivudine 300mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Dolutegravir (Tivicay▼, Triumeq▼, Juluca▼): updated advice on increased risk of neural tube defects
 
Dolutegravir and Rilpivirine Black Triangle (Juluca®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 50mg/25mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Dolutegravir (Tivicay▼, Triumeq▼, Juluca▼): updated advice on increased risk of neural tube defects
 
Emrticitabine with Rilpivirine and Tenofovir disoproxil (Eviplera®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets Emtricitabine 200mg, Rilpivirine (as Rilpivirine hydrochloride) 25mg, Tenofovir disoproxil 245mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Emtricitabine with Rilpivirine and Tenofovir alafenamide (Odefsey®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets emtricitabine 200mg, rilpivirine (as rilpivirine hydrochloride) 25mg, tenofovir alafenamide (as tenofovir alafenamide fumarate) 25mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Maraviroc (Celsentri®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England

Tablets 150mg, 300mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
05.03.02  Expand sub section  Herpesvirus infections
05.03.02.01  Expand sub section  Herpes simplex and varicella-zoster infection
Aciclovir injection
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 250mg, 500mg

 
 
Aciclovir oral
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 200mg, 400mg, 800mg
Dispersible tablets 200mg, 400mg, 800mg
Oral suspension 200mg/5ml

 
 
05.03.02.02  Expand sub section  Cytomegalovirus infection
Ganciclovir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

Intravenous infusion 500mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
LetermovirBlack Triangle (Prevymis® )
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 240mg

Restricted Item Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  NICE TA591: Letermovir for preventing cytomegalovirus disease after a stem cell transplant
 
MaribavirBlack Triangle (Livtencity® )
View adult BNF View SPC online View SMC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 200mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  NICE TA860: Maribavir for treating refractory cytomegalovirus infection after transplant
 
Valganciclovir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 450mg

Suspension 250mg/5mL

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
05.03.03  Expand sub section  Viral hepatitis
Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

Tablets 10mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only 

 
Link  NICE TA96: Adefovir dipivoxil and peginterferon alfa-2a for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B
 
Bulevirtide Black Triangle (HEPCLUDEX®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Powder for solution for injection 2mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only 

 
Link  NICE TA896: Bulevirtide for treating chronic hepatitis D
 
Entecavir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

Tablets 500micrograms, 1mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  NICE TA153: Entecavir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B
 
Ribavirin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
Capsules 200mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only 
Link  NICE TA106: Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of mild chronic hepatitis C
Link  NICE TA200: Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Link  NICE TA300: Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C in children and young people
Link  NICE TA75: Interferon alfa (pegylated and non-pegylated) and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
 
SofosbuvirBlack Triangle
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine

Tablets 200mg, 400mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Direct-acting antiviral interferon-free regimens to treat chronic hepatitis C: risk of hepatitis B reactivation
Link  MHRA: Direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C: risk of hypoglycaemia in patients with diabetes
Link  MHRA: Direct-acting antivirals to treat chronic hepatitis C: risk of interaction with vitamin K antagonists and changes in INR
Link  MHRA: Simeprevir with sofosbuvir: risk of severe bradycardia and heart block when taken with amiodarone
Link  MHRA: Sofosbuvir with daclatasvir; sofosbuvir and ledipasvir: risks of severe bradycardia and heart block when taken with amiodarone
Link  NICE TA330: Sofosbuvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
05.03.03.01  Expand sub section  Chronic hepatitis B to top
05.03.03.02  Expand sub section  Chronic hepatitis C
 note 

Hepatitis C therapy is based on genotype and cirrhosis status. Treatment options are dictated by the 'rate card' which is published by NHSE.
All cases in this region are discussed at the hepatitis C MDT for all local Trusts.

Elbasvir with grazoprevir  (Zepatier®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets elbasvir 50mg, grazoprevir 100mg

 
Link  NICE TA413: Elbasvir–grazoprevir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Glencaprevir with pibrentasvir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets glecaprevir 100mg, pibrentasvir 40mg

 
Link  NICE TA499: Glecaprevir–pibrentasvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Ledipasvir and Sofosbuvir (Harvoni®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 45mg/200mg, 90mg/400mg

 
Link  MHRA: Sofosbuvir with daclatasvir; sofosbuvir and ledipasvir: risks of severe bradycardia and heart block when taken with amiodarone
Link  NICE TA363: Ledipasvir–sofosbuvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Ribavirin
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Capsules 200mg

 
Link  NICE TA106: Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of mild chronic hepatitis C
Link  NICE TA200:Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Link  NICE TA300: Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C in children and young people
Link  NICE TA75: Interferon alfa (pegylated and non-pegylated) and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
 
Sofosbuvir (Sovaldi® )
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 200mg, 400mg

 
Link  NICE TA330: Sofosbuvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Sofosbuvir and Velpatasvir  (Epclusa® View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF Formulary
Red
High Cost Medicine
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets 200mg/50mg, 400mg/100mg

 
Link  NICE TA430: Sofosbuvir–velpatasvir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
Sofosbuvir with Velpatasvir and Voxilaprevir (Vosevi®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Tablets Sofosbuvir 400 mg, Velpatasvir 100mg, Voxilaprevir 100mg

 

 
Link  NICE TA507: Sofosbuvir–velpatasvir–voxilaprevir for treating chronic hepatitis C
 
05.03.04  Expand sub section  Influenza
Oseltamivir
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Capsules 30mg, 45mg, 75mg
Oral suspension 30mg/5mL

Public Health England advises that oseltamivir oral suspension should be reserved for children under the age of 1 year. Children over 1 year of age, adults with swallowing difficulties, and those receiving nasogastric oseltamivir, should use capsules which can be opened and mixed into an appropriate sugary liquid.

Tamiflu® is not prescribable in NHS primary care except for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza as indicated in the NICE guidance; endorse prescription ‘SLS’.

 
Link  LSCMMG: Oseltamivir
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

Dry powder for inhalation 5mg/blister

Relenza® is not prescribable in NHS primary care except for the treatment and prophylaxis of influenza as indicated in the NICE guidance; endorse prescription ‘SLS’.

 
Link  LSCMMG: Zanamivir
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
 
Amantadine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Do Not Prescribe
 
Link  LSCMMG: Amantadine
 
05.03.05  Expand sub section  Respiratory syncytial virus
Palivizumab (Synagis®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
NHS England
BlueTeq

Injection 50mg, 100mg

 
Link  MHRA: Respiratory syncytial virus: the green book, chapter 27a
 
05.04  Expand sub section  Antiprotozoal drugs
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Antimalarials to top
 note 

Drugs for malaria prophylaxis are not prescribable in NHS primary care.
Tablets can be sold to the public provided it is licensed and labelled for the prophylaxis of malaria.

Expert advice must be sought in all patients suspected to have malaria.

Artemether with lumefantrine (Riamet®)
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red
Tablets Artemether 20mg with lumefantrine 120mg 
 
Artesunate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Injection 60mg
unlicensed
Consultant Microbiologist request only

Available for ‘named-patient’ use from infectious disease units or specialist tropical disease centres.

 
 
Chloroquine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 250mg (equivalent to chloroquine base 155mg)

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
Link  MHRA: Hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine: increased risk of cardiovascular events when used with macrolide antibiotics; reminder of psychiatric reactions
 
Doxycycline
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Capsules 50mg, 100mg
Dispersible tablets 100mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only when used for treatment of malaria

 
 
Primaquine
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 7.5mg, 15mg
unlicensed 

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Proguanil Hydrochloride with Atovaquone
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets proguanil hydrochloride 100mg with atovaquone 250mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only

 
 
Quinine sulphate
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Red

Tablets 200mg

Restricted Item  Specialist prescribing only when used for treatment of malaria

 
Link  MHRA: Quinine: not to be used routinely for nocturnal leg cramps
Link  MHRA: Quinine: reminder of dose-dependent QT-prolonging effects; updated medicine interactions
 
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Treatment of malaria
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 to top
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Artemether with lumefabtrine
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Chloroquine
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Mefloquine
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Primaquine
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Proguanil to top
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Pyrimethamine
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Quinine
05.04.01  Expand sub section  Tetracyclines
05.04.02  Expand sub section  Amoebicides
Metronidazole
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Formulary
Green

Tablets 200mg, 400mg
Liquid 200mg/5mL
Suppositories 500mg,1g

 
 
Metronidazole
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Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 500mg/100mL

 
 
05.04.03  Expand sub section  Trichomonacides to top
Metronidazole
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Formulary
Red

Intravenous Infusion 500mg/100mL

 
 
Metronidazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 200mg, 400mg
Liquid 200mg/5mL
Suppositories 500mg,1g

 
 
05.04.04  Expand sub section  Antigiardial drugs
Metronidazole
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Formulary
Red

Intravenous infusion 500mg/100mL

 
 
Metronidazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 200mg, 400mg
Liquid 200mg/5mL
Suppositories 500mg,1g

 
 
05.04.05  Expand sub section  Leishmaniacides
05.04.06  Expand sub section  Trypanocides
05.04.07  Expand sub section  Drugs for toxoplasmosis
05.04.08  Expand sub section  Drugs for pneumocystis pneumonia to top
 note 

Contact microbiology for advice.

Co-trimoxazole
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Formulary

See section 05.01.08

 
 
05.04.08  Expand sub section  Treatment
05.04.08  Expand sub section  Prophylaxis
05.05  Expand sub section  Anthelmintics
 note 

Contact microbiology for advice.

Ivermectin
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Formulary
Amber 0

Tablets 3mg

 
Link  LSCMMG NHS: Scabies Operational Clinical Pathway
 
Levamisole
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Formulary
Red

Tablets 50mg

unlicensed named patient only

Restricted Item  To be used on consultant microbiologist or specialist advice only

 
Link  LSCMMG: Levamisole
 
05.05.01  Expand sub section  Drugs for threadworms
Mebendazole
View adult BNF View SPC online View childrens BNF
Formulary
Green

Tablets 100mg

 
 
05.05.02  Expand sub section  Ascaricides to top
05.05.03  Expand sub section  Drugs for tapeworm infections
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 to top
05.05.06  Expand sub section  Filaricides
05.05.07  Expand sub section  Drugs for cutaneous larva migrans
05.05.08  Expand sub section  Drugs for strongyloidiasis
 ....
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
click to search medicines.org.uk
Link to adult BNF
click to search medicines.org.uk
Link to children's BNF
click to search medicines.org.uk
Link to SPCs
SMC
Scottish Medicines Consortium
Cytotoxic Drug
Cytotoxic Drug
CD
Controlled Drug
High Cost Medicine
High Cost Medicine
Cancer Drugs Fund
Cancer Drugs Fund
NHSE
NHS England
Homecare
Homecare
CCG
CCG
Green Low Carbon

Low carbon footprint

Amber Medium Carbon

Medium carbon footprint

Red High carbon footprint

High carbon footprint

Traffic Light Status Information

Status Description

Green

Green: Appropriate for initiation and ongoing prescribing in both primary and secondary care. Generally, little or no routine drug monitoring is required.  

Green Restricted

Green (Restricted): Appropriate for initiation and ongoing prescribing in both primary and secondary care provided: Additional criteria specific to the medicine or device are met, or The medicine or device is used following the failure of other therapies as defined by the relevant LSCMMG pathway. Generally, little or no routine drug monitoring is required.   

Red

Red medicines: Medicine is supplied by the hospital for the duration of the treatment course. Primary care initiation or continuation of treatment is not recommended unless exceptional circumstances such as specialist GP. Red medicines are those where primary care prescribing is not recommended. These treatments should be initiated by specialists only and prescribing retained within secondary care. They require specialist knowledge, intensive monitoring, specific dose adjustments or further evaluation in use. If however, a primary care prescriber has particular specialist knowledge or experience of prescribing a particular drug for a particular patient it would not always be appropriate for them to expect to transfer that prescribing responsibility back to secondary care. There should be a specific reason and a specific risk agreement, protocol and service set up to support this. Primary care prescribers may prescribe RED medicines in exceptional circumstances to patients to ensure continuity of supply while arrangements are made to obtain ongoing supplies from secondary care.  

Amber 0

Amber level 0: Suitable for prescribing in primary care following recommendation or initiation by a specialist. Little or no specific monitoring required. Patient may need a regular review, but this would not exceed that required for other medicines routinely prescribed in primary care. Brief prescribing document or information sheet may be required. Primary care prescribers must be familiar with the drug to take on prescribing responsibility or must get the required information. When recommending or handing over care, specialists should ask primary care prescribers to take over prescribing responsibility, and should give enough information about the indication, dose, monitoring requirements, use outside product licence and any necessary dose adjustments to allow them to confidently prescribe.  

Amber 1

Amber level 1 (with shared care): Suitable for prescribing in primary care following recommendation or initiation by a specialist. Minimal monitoring required. Patient may need a regular review, but this would not exceed that required for other medicines routinely prescribed in primary care. Full prior agreement about patient’s on-going care must be reached under the shared care agreement. Primary care prescribers are advised not to take on prescribing of these medicines unless they have been adequately informed by letter of their responsibilities with regards monitoring, side effects and interactions and are happy to take on the prescribing responsibility. A copy of locally approved shared care guidelines should accompany this letter which outlines these responsibilities. Primary care prescribers should then tell secondary care of their intentions as soon as possible by letter so that arrangements can be made for the transfer of care.  

Amber 2

Amber level 2 (with shared care and enhanced service): Initiated by specialist and transferred to primary care following a successful initiation period. Significant monitoring required on an on-going basis. Full prior agreement about patient’s on-going care must be reached under the shared care agreement. Suitable for enhanced service. These medicines are considered suitable for GP prescribing following specialist initiation of therapy, as per shared care document which will be sent out with the request to prescribe, with on-going communication between the primary care prescriber and specialist. Amber Level 2 medicines require significant monitoring for which an enhanced service may be suitable. (Subject to local commissioning agreements).  

Do Not Prescribe

Do not prescribe: NOT recommended for use by the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria. Includes medicines that NICE has not recommended for use and terminated technology appraisals, unless there is a local need.  

Grey

Grey medicines: Medicines which have not yet been reviewed or are under the review process. GPs and specialists are recommended not to prescribe these drugs. This category includes drugs where funding has not yet been agreed.   

Multiple

Refer to local guidance.  

netFormulary