Formulas A–Z
Medicines by active ingredient
Browse all 1697 medicines alphabetically by active ingredient — what each is, how it works, what it treats and what to watch for. Cross-linked to our drug-class guides and conditions.
Education and reference only. Dose-free. These pages explain medicines in plain language; doses and prescribing belong with your clinician, the BNF and the product labelling.
Looking to browse by drug class instead (e.g. statins, ACE inhibitors)? See Medicines & Prescribing Guides. For clinical calculators and risk scores, see Clinical Calculators.
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Antiretrovirals Abacavir An HIV antiretroviral that needs a genetic test first because of a serious hypersensitivity reaction.… Parathyroid hormone-related protein analogue (bone-building osteoporosis treatment) Abaloparatide A daily self-injection that builds new bone to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women at high risk of fractures.… T-cell co-stimulation modulator (biologic) Abatacept A biologic that calms the immune system's T-cells, used mainly for rheumatoid arthritis.… CDK4/6 inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Abemaciclib A targeted tablet used with hormone therapy for some hormone-receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers.… Androgen-synthesis inhibitor (prostate cancer) Abiraterone A tablet hormone therapy for prostate cancer that stops testosterone being made, taken with a steroid.… JAK inhibitors Abrocitinib An oral tablet used for moderate to severe atopic eczema that works by calming an overactive immune response in the skin… BTK inhibitor (blood cancer) Acalabrutinib A targeted oral cancer medicine used to treat chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and mantle cell lymphoma.… Alcohol-dependence drugs Acamprosate A medicine that helps people stay off alcohol after they have stopped drinking, used alongside counselling.… Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors Acarbose A type 2 diabetes tablet taken with meals that slows the digestion of carbohydrate to reduce the glucose spike after eat… Beta-blockers Acebutolol A beta-blocker that slows the heart and eases its workload to help lower blood pressure.… Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant Acenocoumarol An anticoagulant, or 'blood thinner', that works like warfarin to prevent and treat blood clots and needs regular INR bl… Sulfonylureas Acetohexamide An older sulfonylurea tablet that lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, now largely replaced by newer medicines.… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Aciclovir An antiviral for cold sores, genital herpes, shingles and chickenpox that works best when started early — known in the U… Lipid-lowering (niacin-related) Acipimox A nicotinic-acid-related medicine used to lower high triglycerides and cholesterol in selected people.… Isotretinoin (oral) Acitretin An oral vitamin A-based medicine for severe psoriasis, used under specialist supervision with strict pregnancy precautio… Long-acting bronchodilators Aclidinium A twice-daily long-acting antimuscarinic (LAMA) maintenance inhaler that keeps the airways open in COPD; it is not a rel… Prokinetic (functional dyspepsia) Acotiamide A prokinetic medicine used to ease functional dyspepsia (indigestion), helping the stomach work and empty more normally.… Antihistamines Acrivastine A fast-acting, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and itchy allergic rashes; it works quickly but lasts a shorter… Poisoning adsorbent Activated charcoal An emergency medicine given by mouth to bind some poisons in the gut and reduce how much is absorbed.… Anti-TNF biologics Adalimumab An injectable anti-TNF biologic used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and related conditi… Topical retinoids Adapalene A topical retinoid (vitamin-A-related) gel for acne, applied at night; expect early dryness and irritation, use sunscree… Hepatitis antivirals Adefovir An older hepatitis B tablet that controls the virus long term but needs kidney monitoring.… Antiarrhythmic (very short-acting) Adenosine A very short-acting injection given in hospital to stop certain fast heart rhythms (SVT) and during heart stress tests.… EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (lung cancer) Afatinib A targeted oral cancer medicine used for certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR changes.… Cardiac myosin inhibitor Aficamten A specialist heart medicine that reduces excessive heart-muscle contraction in obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.… Anti-VEGF eye injections Aflibercept An injection given into the eye by a specialist for wet AMD and diabetic and retinal-vein eye disease, often with fewer … Enzyme replacement therapy (Fabry disease) Agalsidase A regular drip that replaces the missing enzyme in Fabry disease, an inherited lysosomal storage disorder.… Antidepressants Agomelatine An antidepressant for major depression that works on the body clock and may help sleep, but needs liver-function checks.… Anthelmintics (anti-worm medicines) Albendazole An anti-worm medicine used for several types of worm infection, including some serious ones.… Antihistamines Alcaftadine An antihistamine eye drop used to relieve itchy, watery eyes caused by allergies.… Topical corticosteroids Alclometasone A moderately potent steroid cream and ointment used in short courses to calm flares of eczema and other inflamed, itchy … Astringent / skin protectant (aluminium-based) Alcloxa An aluminium-based astringent and skin protectant used in some topical skin products.… Interleukin-2 immunotherapy (cancer) Aldesleukin An immunotherapy medicine used for some advanced cancers, which stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells.… Adrenal steroid hormone (mineralocorticoid) Aldosterone The body's natural salt-retaining hormone, made by the adrenal glands; it is rarely used as a medicine and is mainly a r… ALK inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Alectinib A targeted tablet used for non-small-cell lung cancer that carries a change in the ALK gene.… Anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody Alemtuzumab A specialist drip used in short courses to treat highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis, with long-term safety monit… Bisphosphonates Alendronic acid A bisphosphonate that strengthens bone and lowers fracture risk in osteoporosis, taken with strict instructions to prote… Vitamin D Alfacalcidol An activated vitamin D used mainly in kidney disease; the liver converts it to the active form calcitriol.… Opioid analgesics Alfentanil A strong, fast- and short-acting opioid given in hospital during anaesthesia and procedures to control pain.… Alpha-blockers (prostate) Alfuzosin An alpha-blocker that relaxes the prostate and bladder neck to ease the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.… Alginate reflux suppressant Alginic acid (alginates) An over-the-counter remedy that forms a protective layer on top of stomach contents to stop heartburn and acid reflux.… Enzyme replacement therapy (Pompe disease) Alglucosidase A regular drip that replaces the missing enzyme in Pompe disease, an inherited lysosomal storage disorder affecting the … Antihistamines Alimemazine A sedating antihistamine used for itchy allergic skin conditions and, because it causes drowsiness, sometimes for short-… PCSK9 inhibitor Alirocumab A self-injection used to lower harmful LDL cholesterol when statins are not enough or cannot be taken.… Antiemetics Alizapride A dopamine-blocking antiemetic used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, such as with chemotherapy.… Xanthine oxidase inhibitors (urate-lowering) Allopurinol The usual first-choice medicine to prevent gout attacks by lowering uric acid over the long term — a preventer, not a tr… Triptans Almotriptan A triptan that relieves a migraine attack once the headache begins; it is taken at the onset of the headache (not the au… DPP-4 inhibitors Alogliptin A once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetes that gently lowers blood sugar with a low hypo risk.… Antidiarrhoeals Alosetron A specialist medicine used only for severe diarrhoea-predominant IBS in women when usual treatments have failed.… PI3K inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Alpelisib A targeted tablet used with hormone therapy for some breast cancers carrying a PIK3CA gene change.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Alprazolam A short-acting benzodiazepine sometimes used for anxiety or panic, but not a first-line UK treatment because of dependen… Prostaglandin (erectile dysfunction) Alprostadil A prostaglandin used as an injection, urethral pellet or cream to produce an erection when tablets do not work.… Antiperspirant (excessive sweating) Aluminium chloride A strong antiperspirant used to control heavy or excessive sweating, applied to the skin, usually at bedtime.… Antispasmodics Alverine An antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscle to ease the cramping pain, spasm and discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome.… Peripherally-acting opioid receptor antagonist Alvimopan A peripherally-acting opioid blocker used short-term in hospital to speed bowel recovery after bowel surgery.… Levodopa Amantadine A Parkinson's medicine giving modest help with symptoms and with levodopa-related involuntary movements.… Endothelin receptor antagonist Ambrisentan A once-daily oral medicine that widens the lung arteries for pulmonary arterial hypertension, with less liver effect tha… Potassium-channel blocker (neuromuscular treatment) Amifampridine A specialist tablet used to improve muscle strength in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.… Aminoglycosides Amikacin A reserved aminoglycoside antibiotic given by injection for serious infections, often when other antibiotics are not sui… Potassium-sparing diuretic Amiloride A mild, potassium-sparing water tablet, often combined with a thiazide diuretic.… Parenteral nutrition (protein component) Amino acid solution The protein part of intravenous feeding, supplying the body's building blocks through a vein when someone cannot eat or … Antifibrinolytic agent Aminocaproic acid An antifibrinolytic medicine that reduces excessive bleeding by stopping clots from breaking down too soon.… Photosensitiser (photodynamic therapy / tumour visualisation) Aminolevulinic acid A light-activated medicine used in photodynamic therapy for some skin lesions, and as a dye that makes brain-tumour tiss… Theophylline Aminophylline An airway-opening medicine used in asthma and COPD, given into a vein in hospital or as slow-release tablets.… Antiarrhythmic drugs Amiodarone A powerful medicine for serious abnormal heart rhythms — very effective, but it builds up in the body and needs regular … Antipsychotics Amisulpride A second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia that can calm symptoms at higher strengths and lift negative sy… Tricyclic antidepressants Amitriptyline An older antidepressant that, at low intensity, is one of the most useful treatments for nerve pain, migraine prevention… EGFR-MET bispecific antibody (lung cancer) Amivantamab A targeted antibody given by drip for certain types of non-small-cell lung cancer with EGFR or MET changes.… Calcium-channel blockers Amlodipine A common calcium-channel blocker used for high blood pressure and angina, taken once a day.… Topical antifungals Amorolfine An antifungal nail lacquer painted onto infected nails to treat fungal nail infections over many months.… Tricyclic antidepressants Amoxapine An older tricyclic-related antidepressant used for depression, now rarely used in the UK.… Penicillins Amoxicillin A widely used penicillin antibiotic for many common bacterial infections — not for colds and other viral illnesses, and … Systemic antifungals Amphotericin A powerful hospital antifungal drip for severe systemic fungal infections; newer forms are gentler on the kidneys.… Systemic antifungals Amphotericin B A strong antifungal medicine given by drip in hospital to treat serious fungal infections in the body.… Penicillins Ampicillin A broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic used to treat a range of bacterial infections.… Nitrates Amyl nitrite An old inhaled medicine that widens blood vessels, once used for angina and in cyanide-poisoning kits.… Antiseptic throat lozenge Amylmetacresol A mild antiseptic in throat lozenges that soothes sore throats and helps with minor mouth and throat infections.… Platelet-lowering agent Anagrelide A specialist platelet-lowering medicine used to bring down a high platelet count in essential thrombocythaemia.… Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist Anakinra A daily under-the-skin injection that blocks an inflammatory signal to treat rheumatoid arthritis and some auto-inflamma… Aromatase inhibitors Anastrozole An aromatase inhibitor that lowers oestrogen, used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer after the menopause.… Factor Xa inhibitor reversal agent Andexanet alfa An emergency antidote that reverses the blood-thinners apixaban and rivaroxaban in life-threatening bleeding.… Vasopressor Angiotensin II A vasopressor given by drip in intensive care to raise dangerously low blood pressure in shock.… Systemic antifungals Anidulafungin A hospital antifungal drip (echinocandin) for invasive candida, with few drug interactions.… Antihistamines Antazoline An antihistamine used in eye drops, often with a decongestant, to relieve the itchy, red, watery eyes of allergic conjun… Immunoglobulin therapy Anti-D immunoglobulin An injection given to rhesus-negative mothers to prevent their immune system reacting to a rhesus-positive baby's blood … Analgesic / antipyretic (now mainly topical, ear drops) Antipyrine An old painkiller and fever medicine now used mainly in ear drops to ease earache.… Clotting regulator (blood product) Antithrombin A replacement for a natural clotting regulator, given to people with hereditary antithrombin deficiency to help prevent … Androgen receptor inhibitor Apalutamide A hormone-blocking tablet used to treat certain types of prostate cancer by stopping testosterone from driving the cance… DOACs Apixaban A direct oral anticoagulant ("blood thinner") used to prevent and treat clots, including stroke prevention in atrial fib… Dopamine agonists Apomorphine A fast-acting injectable dopamine agonist used to rescue or prevent severe 'off' periods in advanced Parkinson's disease… Glaucoma eye drops Apraclonidine An alpha-agonist eye drop used mainly short-term to control eye pressure, often around laser eye procedures.… PDE4 inhibitors Apremilast An oral tablet that calms inflammation in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis without the infection screening needed for m… Antiemetics Aprepitant An anti-sickness medicine used with others to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.… Laxatives Arachis oil enema A peanut (arachis) oil retention enema used rectally to soften hard, impacted stools so they can pass.… Long-acting bronchodilators Arformoterol A long-acting bronchodilator nebuliser solution used to keep the airways open in COPD.… Direct thrombin inhibitor anticoagulant (intravenous) Argatroban A hospital drip anticoagulant used mainly when heparin cannot be given because of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.… Antipsychotics Aripiprazole An atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that tends to be more weight-neutral, but can cause res… Antipsychotics Aripiprazole lauroxil A long-acting depot injection of the antipsychotic aripiprazole, given every few weeks to treat schizophrenia.… Wakefulness-promoting agent Armodafinil A wakefulness-promoting medicine, the longer-lasting component of modafinil, used for excessive daytime sleepiness.… Antimalarials Artemether An artemisinin medicine combined with lumefantrine to treat malaria; it is a treatment, not a preventive.… Artemisinin antimalarial (severe malaria) Artesunate An injectable medicine that is the main treatment for severe malaria, given in hospital.… Local anaesthetics Articaine A local anaesthetic used mainly in dentistry to numb a small area before treatment, given by injection.… BCR-ABL inhibitor (chronic myeloid leukaemia) Asciminib A targeted oral cancer medicine used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML).… Vitamin C Ascorbic acid A water-soluble vitamin used to prevent and treat vitamin C deficiency (scurvy), which also acts as an antioxidant and h… Antipsychotics Asenapine A second-generation antipsychotic taken as a tablet that dissolves under the tongue, used for bipolar disorder.… Enzyme replacement therapy (hypophosphatasia) Asfotase alfa An enzyme-replacement injection used to treat hypophosphatasia, a rare inherited condition that affects how bones and te… Enzyme chemotherapy (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) Asparaginase An enzyme-based chemotherapy used as part of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).… Antiplatelet drugs Aspirin Used at low intensity as an antiplatelet — not as a painkiller — to help prevent clots after a stroke, TIA or heart prob… Treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy Ataluren A specialist medicine for a particular genetic type of Duchenne muscular dystrophy in people who can still walk.… Antiretrovirals Atazanavir An HIV protease inhibitor used in combination therapy, which can cause harmless yellowing of the skin and eyes.… Beta-blockers Atenolol A heart-selective beta-blocker used to control heart rate in atrial fibrillation and angina, and sometimes for blood pre… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-L1) Atezolizumab A cancer immunotherapy given as a drip that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.… Gepant (CGRP blocker, prevention) Atogepant A daily oral tablet taken regularly to prevent migraine attacks.… Non-stimulant ADHD medicine Atomoxetine A non-stimulant medicine for ADHD, taken daily by mouth, that is not a controlled drug but needs watching for mood chang… Statins Atorvastatin A widely used statin that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.… Oxytocin antagonist (delays preterm labour) Atosiban A hospital drip used to delay premature labour for a short time.… Antimalarials Atovaquone An antimalarial medicine, usually combined with proguanil (Malarone), to prevent and treat malaria.… Neuromuscular blocker (non-depolarising) Atracurium An intermediate-acting muscle relaxant given by an anaesthetist that is broken down in the blood, helpful in kidney or l… Antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) Atropine An antimuscarinic medicine used for very slow heart rates, as an antidote to organophosphate or nerve-agent poisoning, a… Oral gold compound (disease-modifying antirheumatic drug) Auranofin An older gold-containing tablet used as a disease-modifying treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.… C5a-receptor inhibitor (vasculitis) Avacopan An oral capsule used with other medicines for ANCA-associated vasculitis, a serious condition where the immune system at… Enzyme replacement therapy (Pompe disease) Avalglucosidase alfa An enzyme-replacement drip used to treat Pompe disease, a rare inherited condition that weakens muscles, including those… PDE5 inhibitors Avanafil A fast-acting PDE5 inhibitor that helps a man get and keep an erection in response to sexual stimulation.… Kinase inhibitor (KIT/PDGFRA-targeted) Avapritinib A targeted cancer tablet for certain GIST tumours and advanced systemic mastocytosis, with a particular risk of bleeding… Thrombopoietin receptor agonist (platelet booster) Avatrombopag A tablet used to raise low platelet counts, helping reduce the risk of bleeding before a procedure or in long-term low-p… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-L1) Avelumab A cancer immunotherapy given as a drip that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.… Monoclonal antibody (anti-CSF1R) Axatilimab A specialist antibody infusion used for chronic graft-versus-host disease after a stem-cell transplant.… VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Axitinib A targeted tablet used for advanced kidney cancer that works by cutting off the tumour's blood supply.… Hypomethylating chemotherapy (MDS and AML) Azacitidine A chemotherapy medicine used for myelodysplastic syndromes and some types of acute myeloid leukaemia.… Azathioprine Azathioprine A long-term medicine that calms an overactive or transplant-rejecting immune system — used in inflammatory bowel disease… Topical retinoids Azelaic acid A topical treatment that unblocks pores and reduces bacteria and redness, used for acne and rosacea.… Antihistamines Azelastine (nasal/eye) A fast-acting antihistamine, used as a nasal spray for hay fever or as an eye drop for itchy, watery eyes, that can leav… ARBs Azilsartan An angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) taken once daily to lower high blood pressure, often used when an ACE inhibitor ca… Macrolide antibiotics Azithromycin A macrolide antibiotic taken as a short course for chest, throat and some sexually transmitted infections, and a common … Penicillins Azlocillin An injectable penicillin antibiotic used in hospital, particularly against Pseudomonas infections.… Monobactam antibiotic (Gram-negative cover) Aztreonam An antibiotic used for Gram-negative infections, often useful when someone is allergic to penicillin.… Inhaled antibiotic Aztreonam (inhaled) A nebulised antibiotic used in cycles for chronic Pseudomonas lung infection in cystic fibrosis.…
B
Penicillins Bacampicillin A penicillin antibiotic taken by mouth that the body turns into ampicillin to treat infections.… Topical antibiotics Bacitracin An antibiotic used on the skin and eyes for infections, usually combined with other antibiotics, and reserved for topica… Skeletal muscle relaxants Baclofen A muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasms in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and spinal-cord injury… Influenza antivirals Baloxavir marboxil An antiviral medicine for influenza (flu) that is usually taken as a single dose by mouth.… Aminosalicylates Balsalazide An anti-inflammatory bowel medicine used to treat and help prevent flare-ups of ulcerative colitis.… Long-acting bronchodilators Bambuterol An oral once-daily medicine for asthma that turns into terbutaline; not a quick reliever.… JAK inhibitors Baricitinib An oral tablet used for rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and severe hair loss that works by calming an overactive immune res… Radiological contrast agent (imaging) Barium sulfate A contrast agent swallowed or given as an enema to make the gut show up clearly on X-rays and CT scans.… Monoclonal antibody (anti-IL-2 receptor) Basiliximab An antibody infusion given around an organ transplant to help prevent the body rejecting the new organ.… Selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) Bazedoxifene A selective oestrogen receptor modulator, often combined with conjugated oestrogens, used to ease menopausal symptoms an… Vaccines BCG vaccine A live vaccine that protects against tuberculosis (TB), and is also placed into the bladder to treat certain bladder can… Anticonvulsant (older, obsolete) Beclamide An older, now obsolete anticonvulsant once used to help control seizures, now replaced by modern epilepsy medicines.… Inhaled corticosteroids Beclometasone An inhaled steroid "preventer" that calms airway inflammation in asthma (and some COPD) — taken regularly, even when you… Antituberculosis medicine (multidrug-resistant TB) Bedaquiline A specialist tablet used, alongside other medicines, to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB).… Allergen immunotherapy (venom desensitisation) Bee venom extract A preparation used in allergen immunotherapy to gradually desensitise people with severe bee-sting allergy, given only i… Anti-BCMA antibody-drug conjugate (myeloma) Belantamab mafodotin A targeted antibody-drug treatment for multiple myeloma that needs regular eye checks.… Anti-BLyS biologic (lupus) Belimumab A biologic for systemic lupus erythematosus that calms the immune cells driving the disease.… Anti-FGFR2b antibody (cancer) Bemarituzumab An antibody given by drip for certain stomach cancers that carry a specific marker, which works by targeting that marker… Cholesterol-lowering (ACL inhibitor) Bempedoic acid An oral medicine that lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol, used when statins are not tolerated or are not enough on their own.… ACE inhibitors Benazepril An ACE inhibitor used to lower high blood pressure, which can cause a dry cough and must be avoided in pregnancy.… Alkylating chemotherapy (cytotoxic) Bendamustine A chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain blood cancers such as some lymphomas and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.… Thiazide diuretics Bendroflumethiazide A long-established thiazide 'water tablet' used to lower blood pressure, taken once a day in the morning.… Antipsychotics Benperidol An antipsychotic occasionally used under specialist care to control deviant antisocial sexual behaviour.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Benralizumab An add-on injection for severe eosinophilic asthma that reduces flare-ups by clearing eosinophils.… Antiseptic disinfectant Benzalkonium chloride An over-the-counter antiseptic used to clean skin and minor wounds, and widely used as a preservative in other medicines… Antiseptic disinfectant Benzethonium chloride An over-the-counter antiseptic used on the skin and in first-aid products to help clean minor cuts and grazes.… Opioid analgesics Benzhydrocodone An opioid painkiller, combined with paracetamol, used for short-term moderate to severe pain (mainly a US product).… Antiparasitic (Chagas disease / American trypanosomiasis) Benznidazole A specialist medicine used to treat Chagas disease, a parasitic infection mainly seen in parts of Latin America.… Local anaesthetics Benzocaine A topical local anaesthetic that numbs mouth, throat or skin pain, with a rare but serious risk of methaemoglobinaemia, … Non-opioid cough suppressant Benzonatate A non-opioid cough suppressant that must be swallowed whole, as it is dangerous, and potentially fatal, if chewed or tak… Topical retinoids Benzoyl peroxide A topical acne treatment that reduces acne bacteria and unblocks pores, used for mild to moderate acne.… Antispasmodics Benztropine An antimuscarinic medicine used for Parkinson's disease and for movement problems caused by some other medicines.… Mucolytics Benzydamine An anti-inflammatory mouthwash and throat spray used to relieve the pain of a sore mouth or throat, such as from ulcers … Scabies and lice treatments Benzyl benzoate A skin lotion applied to the body to treat scabies, the itchy rash caused by tiny mites burrowing into the skin.… Penicillins Benzylpenicillin An injectable penicillin antibiotic used in hospital to treat serious bacterial infections.… Antihistamines Bepotastine An antihistamine eye drop used to relieve the itchy, red, watery eyes of allergic conjunctivitis.… Pulmonary surfactant (neonatal) Beractant An animal-derived lung surfactant given into the lungs of premature babies with respiratory distress syndrome.… Hereditary angioedema prevention (oral) Berotralstat A daily oral capsule used to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema.… Antiemetics Betahistine A histamine-like medicine used to reduce the dizziness, vertigo, ringing in the ears and hearing problems of Meniere's d… Homocysteine-lowering agent (homocystinuria) Betaine A specialist medicine that lowers raised homocysteine in the inherited condition homocystinuria.… Topical corticosteroids Betamethasone A potent topical steroid cream or ointment used for inflamed skin conditions such as eczema.… Beta-blockers Betaxolol A beta-blocker used as eye drops for glaucoma and as tablets for high blood pressure.… Cholinergic (bladder and bowel stimulant) Bethanechol A cholinergic medicine used to help the bladder, and sometimes the bowel, empty when they are not working well.… Adrenergic-neurone-blocker (older, obsolete) Bethanidine An older, now obsolete blood-pressure medicine notable for causing severe dizziness on standing, now replaced by modern … Anti-VEGF antibody (anti-angiogenic) Bevacizumab A targeted antibody that blocks tumour blood-vessel growth, given by drip by oncology teams for several cancers.… SGLT2 inhibitors Bexagliflozin An SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by removing excess glucose in the urine.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Bexarotene A retinoid medicine used to treat skin (cutaneous) T-cell lymphoma.… Fibrates Bezafibrate A fibrate used mainly to lower high triglycerides (a type of blood fat); it can cause muscle aches and needs liver and k… Anti-androgen (prostate cancer) Bicalutamide A tablet hormone therapy for prostate cancer that blocks testosterone's effect on cancer cells.… Antiretrovirals Bictegravir An HIV integrase inhibitor used, as part of combination therapy, usually in a single-tablet regimen.… Antihistamines Bilastine A once-daily, non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever and hives; it must be taken on an empty stomach away from food and … Glaucoma eye drops Bimatoprost A once-daily prostaglandin eye drop that lowers the pressure inside the eye in glaucoma; used in the evening, it can red… Interleukin-targeting biologics Bimekizumab An under-the-skin injection used for psoriasis and inflammatory spine and joint conditions that works by blocking inflam… MEK inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Binimetinib A targeted tablet used with encorafenib for advanced melanoma that carries a BRAF gene change.… Vitamin B7 (biotin) Biotin A B vitamin used to treat biotin deficiency and certain inherited metabolic conditions; high intake can interfere with s… Laxatives Bisacodyl A stimulant laxative for short-term relief of constipation; it can cause tummy cramps and is not meant for long-term use… Antidiarrhoeals Bismuth subsalicylate An over-the-counter pink remedy used to settle indigestion, nausea and mild diarrhoea, including travellers' diarrhoea.… Beta-blockers Bisoprolol A heart-selective beta-blocker used in heart failure, to control heart rate in atrial fibrillation, and for angina.… Direct thrombin inhibitor anticoagulant (intravenous) Bivalirudin A hospital drip anticoagulant used during heart procedures such as angioplasty and stenting.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Bleomycin A chemotherapy medicine used for some lymphomas, testicular cancer and certain other cancers, with cumulative lung damag… Bispecific T-cell engager (immunotherapy) Blinatumomab An immunotherapy used to treat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, given as a continuous drip into a vein.… Hepatitis antivirals Boceprevir An early hepatitis C medicine, used with peginterferon and ribavirin, now obsolete and replaced by modern treatments.… Mild antiseptic Boric acid A mild antiseptic found in some ear, eye and vaginal preparations, used in limited ways because it can be toxic if swall… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Bortezomib A specialist chemotherapy medicine used to treat multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.… Endothelin receptor antagonist Bosentan An oral medicine that widens the lung arteries to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension, needing monthly liver blood tes… BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Bosutinib A targeted tablet used to treat chronic myeloid leukaemia, a type of blood cancer.… Antitoxin (botulism) Botulinum antitoxin An urgent hospital treatment that neutralises botulism toxin in the bloodstream, made from animal serum so carrying a ri… Botulinum toxin (muscle-relaxing injection) Botulinum toxin type A An injection that relaxes overactive muscles or glands, used for several medical conditions and for cosmetic purposes.… Antibody-drug conjugate (targeted chemotherapy) Brentuximab vedotin A targeted treatment used for certain lymphomas, combining an antibody with a chemotherapy drug.… Antiarrhythmic (historical, ventricular arrhythmias) Bretylium An old hospital-only injection once used for life-threatening fast heart rhythms; now largely obsolete.… Neuroactive steroid antidepressant (postnatal depression) Brexanolone A continuous drip given in hospital to treat severe postnatal (postpartum) depression over a few days.… Antipsychotics Brexpiprazole A newer antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and as an add-on in depression that has not responded enough.… Targeted cancer therapy (ALK inhibitor) Brigatinib A targeted cancer tablet used for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer that has a fault in the ALK gene.… Glaucoma eye drops Brimonidine An alpha-agonist eye drop used to lower raised pressure in the eye in glaucoma; it can cause red, itchy eyes and sometim… Glaucoma eye drops Brinzolamide A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drop that lowers the pressure inside the eye by reducing how much fluid the eye makes… Levetiracetam Brivaracetam An antiepileptic medicine used to help control certain types of seizure (focal/partial seizures), often alongside other … Antiviral drugs (herpes) Brivudine An antiviral medicine used to treat shingles in adults, carrying a serious interaction with certain cancer medicines.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Brodalumab A biologic injection used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis by blocking an inflammation signal.… Anti-VEGF eye injections Brolucizumab An injection into the eye for wet AMD that carries a recognised risk of eye inflammation, including retinal vasculitis.… NSAIDs Bromfenac An anti-inflammatory eye drop used to reduce swelling and discomfort after eye surgery.… Dopamine agonists Bromocriptine An older dopamine agonist used for Parkinson's disease, high prolactin levels and to stop unwanted breast milk productio… Antiemetics Bromopride An anti-sickness medicine that blocks dopamine to relieve nausea and vomiting and help the stomach empty.… Antihistamines Brompheniramine An older, sedating antihistamine used for allergy symptoms and commonly found in cough and cold products.… Antihistamines Buclizine An antihistamine used for nausea and vomiting, often included in a combination product taken for migraine.… Inhaled corticosteroids Budesonide An inhaled steroid "preventer" for asthma and COPD, used regularly to calm airway inflammation; rinse your mouth after u… Loop diuretics Bumetanide A powerful 'water tablet' (loop diuretic) that clears excess fluid in heart failure, easing breathlessness and swelling.… Local anaesthetics Bupivacaine A long-acting local anaesthetic used for epidurals, spinal anaesthesia and nerve blocks, giving longer-lasting numbness … Opioid analgesics Buprenorphine An opioid painkiller, often given as a slow-release skin patch for ongoing pain; it can cause constipation, drowsiness a… Smoking-cessation aids Bupropion A prescription tablet that helps people stop smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.… Anti-FGF23 antibody (phosphate-wasting conditions) Burosumab A regular injection used to correct low phosphate in X-linked hypophosphataemia, helping to strengthen bones.… GnRH analogue Buserelin A hormone medicine that lowers the body's sex hormones, used in prostate cancer, endometriosis and assisted conception.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Buspirone An anti-anxiety medicine that eases generalised anxiety over time, without the dependence risk of benzodiazepines.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Busulfan A chemotherapy medicine used in some leukaemias and to prepare the body for a stem-cell transplant.… Barbiturate (in headache combination products) Butalbital A barbiturate combined with a painkiller and caffeine in some tension-headache tablets, used mainly outside the UK.… Local anaesthetics Butamben A numbing medicine applied to the skin or surface tissues to relieve pain and discomfort.… Topical antifungals Butenafine An antifungal cream applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and jock itch.… Opioid analgesics Butorphanol An opioid painkiller, including a nasal spray, used for moderate to severe pain and migraine in some countries.…
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C1-esterase inhibitor (hereditary angioedema) C1-esterase inhibitor A blood-derived protein given by injection to treat and help prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema, a condition causi… Dopamine agonists Cabergoline A long-acting dopamine-agonist tablet that lowers the hormone prolactin.… Antiretrovirals Cabotegravir A long-acting HIV integrase inhibitor given by injection, with rilpivirine for treatment or alone for prevention.… Targeted cancer therapy (multikinase inhibitor) Cabozantinib A targeted cancer tablet used for certain advanced cancers, including kidney, liver and thyroid cancers.… Soothing skin preparation Calamine A classic pink soothing lotion for itchy, irritated skin such as chickenpox, insect bites, sunburn and prickly heat.… Topical corticosteroids Calcipotriol A vitamin D-based cream, gel or ointment used to treat plaque psoriasis on the body and scalp.… Vitamin D Calcitriol The active form of vitamin D used when the body cannot activate ordinary vitamin D, especially in kidney disease.… Antacid & calcium supplement Calcium carbonate A common ingredient that neutralises stomach acid for indigestion and is also used to top up calcium.… Injectable calcium salt (emergency use) Calcium chloride An injectable calcium salt given in hospital for dangerously low calcium, high potassium and some overdoses, with a high… Injectable calcium salt (emergency use) Calcium gluconate An injectable calcium salt for low calcium, high potassium, magnesium toxicity and hydrofluoric-acid burns, gentler on v… SGLT2 inhibitors Canagliflozin A once-daily type 2 diabetes tablet that lowers blood sugar by removing glucose in the urine, and can also help the hear… Interleukin-targeting biologics Canakinumab A specialist injected antibody that blocks an inflammation signal, used for periodic fever syndromes, Still's disease an… ARBs Candesartan A widely used angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) for high blood pressure and heart failure that rarely causes the cough … Anti-epileptic medicine (cannabis-derived) Cannabidiol A cannabis-derived medicine used to help control seizures in certain rare, severe epilepsies.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Capecitabine An oral chemotherapy tablet, given under cancer-team supervision, that the body turns into fluorouracil to treat several… Targeted cancer therapy (AKT inhibitor) Capivasertib A targeted cancer tablet used for certain advanced breast cancers, usually alongside hormone therapy.… Anti-von-Willebrand-factor antibody Caplacizumab A specialist injected medicine used in hospital for the rare blood emergency acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpur… MET inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Capmatinib A targeted tablet used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer with a MET gene change.… Injectable antituberculosis antibiotic Capreomycin A specialist injectable antibiotic used, alongside other medicines, to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (TB).… Topical pain treatment (chilli-derived) Capsaicin A chilli-derived cream or patch applied to the skin to relieve nerve pain and the pain of osteoarthritis.… ACE inhibitors Captopril The original, short-acting ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart failure; now less used, taken more than once … Cholinergic agent (eye surgery and some glaucoma uses) Carbachol A cholinergic medicine used mainly during eye surgery to constrict the pupil, and in some glaucoma situations.… Antiepileptic drugs Carbamazepine A long-established medicine for certain types of epilepsy and for trigeminal neuralgia (a severe facial nerve pain), als… Penicillins Carbenicillin An older penicillin antibiotic, once used for pseudomonas infections, now largely obsolete.… Older anti-inflammatory medicine (mouth ulcers, gastric) Carbenoxolone An older liquorice-derived medicine used mainly for mouth ulcers and inflammation in the mouth.… Long-acting oxytocin-like medicine (postpartum haemorrhage prevention) Carbetocin A long-acting oxytocin-like medicine given after a baby is born to help the womb contract and prevent heavy bleeding.… Levodopa Carbidopa A medicine given together with levodopa in Parkinson's disease that helps more levodopa reach the brain.… Antithyroid drugs Carbimazole A tablet that calms an overactive thyroid by reducing thyroid hormone production — effective, but a sore throat or fever… Antihistamines Carbinoxamine An older sedating antihistamine used to ease allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and itching.… Mucolytics Carbocisteine A medicine that thins sticky phlegm so it is easier to cough up, used mainly in COPD and other chesty conditions.… Medical gas Carbon dioxide A medical gas used mainly to inflate the abdomen during keyhole surgery, and in some breathing situations, used only by … Cytotoxic chemotherapy Carboplatin A platinum-based chemotherapy infusion, given under specialist care, often gentler than cisplatin but more likely to low… Prostaglandin (postpartum haemorrhage) Carboprost A prostaglandin injection used to control heavy bleeding after birth when first-line treatments have not been enough.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Carfilzomib A specialist anti-cancer medicine given by drip to treat multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.… Urea-cycle medicine (hyperammonaemia) Carglumic acid A specialist medicine that lowers high blood ammonia in NAGS deficiency and some organic acidaemias.… Antipsychotics Cariprazine A second-generation antipsychotic for schizophrenia with a long-lasting effect in the body.… Skeletal muscle relaxants Carisoprodol A muscle relaxant taken by mouth for short-term relief of painful muscle conditions, with a risk of drowsiness and depen… Ocular lubricants Carmellose A lubricating eye drop that holds moisture on the eye to relieve dry, gritty discomfort.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Carmustine A chemotherapy used for brain tumours and some blood cancers, sometimes given as a wafer placed in the brain.… Glaucoma eye drops Carteolol A beta-blocker eye drop that lowers the pressure inside the eye in glaucoma and raised eye pressure.… Beta-blockers Carvedilol A beta-blocker used mainly in heart failure (started low and built up slowly) and for high blood pressure — never to be … Antisense therapy (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) Casimersen A targeted medicine used for certain forms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy suitable for exon-45 skipping.… Systemic antifungals Caspofungin A hospital antifungal drip for serious invasive fungal infections such as candida and aspergillus.… Cephalosporins Cefaclor A cephalosporin antibiotic used for some chest, ear, urinary and skin infections.… Cephalosporins Cefadroxil A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth for common bacterial infections of the skin and urinary tract… Cephalosporins Cefalexin A widely used cephalosporin antibiotic for urinary, skin and chest infections — known in the US as cephalexin.… Cephalosporins Cefamandole An older injected cephalosporin antibiotic, notable for a disulfiram-like reaction with alcohol and a bleeding risk.… Cephalosporins Cefazolin An injected cephalosporin antibiotic, commonly used to prevent infections during surgery.… Cephalosporins Cefdinir An oral cephalosporin antibiotic used for common bacterial infections such as chest, ear and skin infections.… Cephalosporins Cefditoren An oral third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used in some countries, with a few specific cautions.… Cephalosporins Cefepime A strong cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection in hospital to treat serious bacterial infections.… Cephalosporins Cefiderocol A specialist hospital antibiotic given by drip into a vein for serious infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bact… Cephalosporins Cefixime An oral cephalosporin antibiotic used for certain bacterial infections; people with a penicillin allergy need caution, a… Cephalosporins Cefotaxime A third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic given by injection in hospital for serious infections.… Cephalosporins Cefotetan An injected cephalosporin often used for surgical prophylaxis, notable for an alcohol reaction and a bleeding risk.… Cephalosporins Cefoxitin An injectable antibiotic used mainly to prevent infection around surgery and to treat infections in the abdomen and pelv… Cephalosporins Cefpodoxime An oral cephalosporin antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, such as some chest, urine and skin infectio… Cephalosporins Cefprozil A cephalosporin antibiotic taken by mouth to treat common bacterial infections such as chest, ear, throat and skin infec… Cephalosporins Cefradine A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic used for some skin, soft-tissue and urinary infections.… Cephalosporins Ceftaroline fosamil A specialist hospital antibiotic given by drip into a vein, notable for working against MRSA.… Cephalosporins Ceftazidime An injectable antibiotic used for serious infections, including those caused by pseudomonas.… Cephalosporins Ceftazidime with avibactam A hospital drip antibiotic combining a cephalosporin with a beta-lactamase blocker, used for serious resistant Gram-nega… Cephalosporins Ceftobiprole A hospital drip cephalosporin with a broad reach, including activity against MRSA, used for serious infections such as p… Cephalosporins Ceftolozane with tazobactam A hospital drip antibiotic combining a cephalosporin with a beta-lactamase blocker, used for serious resistant Gram-nega… Cephalosporins Ceftriaxone A long-acting third-generation cephalosporin given by injection for serious infections.… Cephalosporins Cefuroxime A cephalosporin antibiotic used for a range of respiratory, urine and skin infections.… NSAIDs Celecoxib A COX-2 selective anti-inflammatory painkiller for arthritis, gentler on the stomach than older NSAIDs but still carryin… Beta-blockers Celiprolol A beta-blocker that eases the heart's workload and helps relax blood vessels to lower blood pressure.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1) Cemiplimab A cancer immunotherapy given as a drip that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.… Anti-epileptic medicine Cenobamate An add-on epilepsy tablet used to help control focal seizures that have been hard to manage.… Targeted cancer therapy (ALK inhibitor) Ceritinib A targeted cancer tablet used for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer that has a fault in the ALK gene.… Enzyme replacement therapy (CLN2 / Batten disease) Cerliponase alfa An enzyme replacement given directly into the brain's fluid spaces through an implanted device to treat CLN2 (Batten) di… Anti-TNF biologics Certolizumab pegol An injectable anti-TNF biologic used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Crohn's d… Antihistamines Cetirizine A once-daily, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and hives — available over the counter, and far less likely to c… Antiseptic (skin cleanser) Cetrimide An antiseptic used to clean minor cuts, grazes and burns and help prevent infection.… Anti-EGFR antibody Cetuximab A targeted antibody for certain bowel and head and neck cancers, given by drip by oncology teams.… Oral antiseptic Cetylpyridinium chloride An over-the-counter antiseptic used in throat lozenges and mouthwashes to help with sore throats and oral hygiene.… Cholinergic medicine (dry mouth) Cevimeline A medicine that stimulates the salivary glands to make more saliva, used to relieve a dry mouth.… Cough suppressant (antitussive) Chlophedianol An older cough suppressant used to calm a dry, tickly cough that has no useful purpose.… Chloramphenicol eye drops Chloramphenicol A broad antibiotic used mainly as eye drops or ointment for bacterial conjunctivitis.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Chlordiazepoxide A benzodiazepine used mainly for the short-term management of alcohol withdrawal.… Topical antibiotics Chlorhexidine A widely used antiseptic for cleaning skin and as a mouthwash, killing a broad range of germs to help prevent and contro… Local anaesthetics Chloroprocaine A short-acting local anaesthetic used to numb an area for procedures, given by professionals.… Antimalarials Chloroquine A medicine used to prevent and treat malaria and, in some cases, to help conditions such as lupus and rheumatoid arthrit… Thiazide diuretics Chlorothiazide A thiazide 'water tablet' used to lower high blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.… Antiseptic disinfectant Chloroxylenol An over-the-counter antiseptic and disinfectant used on the skin, minor wounds and surfaces, familiar as the active ingr… Antihistamines Chlorphenamine A sedating older antihistamine for allergies, hay fever and itchy rashes, also found in many "all-in-one" cold remedies;… Antipsychotics Chlorpromazine An older 'first-generation' antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and other conditions with psychosis, also valued f… Sulfonylureas Chlorpropamide An old, very long-acting diabetes tablet that lowers blood sugar; now largely obsolete.… Thiazide diuretics Chlortalidone A long-acting thiazide-like water tablet used mainly for high blood pressure.… Skeletal muscle relaxants Chlorzoxazone A muscle relaxant taken by mouth for short-term relief of painful muscle spasm, with a rare but serious risk of liver in… Oral pain-relief gel Choline salicylate A salicylate gel used to ease the pain of mouth ulcers and sore gums in adults.… Calcium supplements Chondroitin A joint supplement taken for osteoarthritis, often with glucosamine, with limited and uncertain evidence.… Inhaled corticosteroids Ciclesonide A preventer inhaler that calms airway inflammation in asthma when used regularly.… Topical antifungals Ciclopirox A topical antifungal for skin and nail fungal infections and, as a shampoo, for dandruff.… Calcineurin inhibitors Ciclosporin A strong immunosuppressant used to prevent transplant rejection and to treat severe eczema, psoriasis and similar condit… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Cidofovir A hospital drip for CMV eye infection, given with a protective medicine and fluids because of significant kidney toxicit… Carbapenems Cilastatin A partner medicine combined with the antibiotic imipenem to stop it being broken down in the kidney.… ACE inhibitors Cilazapril An ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels to lower high blood pressure.… Antiplatelet / vasodilator (claudication) Cilostazol A medicine that eases leg pain on walking from poor circulation, but must not be used by people with heart failure.… H2-receptor antagonists Cimetidine An H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid for heartburn and reflux; unlike newer H2 blockers it inhibits liver enzymes and… Calcimimetic Cinacalcet A tablet that lowers an overactive parathyroid hormone in kidney disease on dialysis and some parathyroid conditions.… Local anaesthetics Cinchocaine A strong numbing medicine used in piles creams and suppositories and some skin products.… Antiemetics Cinnarizine An antihistamine-type medicine used for travel sickness and for inner-ear balance problems such as vertigo and Meniere's… Fibrate (lipid-lowering) Ciprofibrate A tablet from the fibrate group used to lower raised blood fats, particularly triglycerides, and to help cholesterol.… Fluoroquinolones Ciprofloxacin A broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic now reserved for specific infections because of rare but serious, sometimes … Neuromuscular blocker (non-depolarising) Cisatracurium An intermediate-acting muscle relaxant given by an anaesthetist that is broken down in the blood, with less flushing tha… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Cisplatin A powerful platinum-based chemotherapy infusion, given under specialist care, for many cancers, with careful kidney prot… SSRIs Citalopram A commonly used SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety, taken once daily as a long-term tablet.… Purine-analogue chemotherapy (cytotoxic) Cladribine A medicine used to treat hairy-cell leukaemia and some other blood cancers, and separately for relapsing multiple sclero… Macrolide antibiotics Clarithromycin A macrolide antibiotic often used when penicillin cannot be — effective for chest and other infections, but with many dr… Penicillins Clavulanic acid A partner ingredient combined with amoxicillin (as co-amoxiclav) to overcome resistance and help the antibiotic work.… Antiemetics Clebopride An older medicine that blocks dopamine to relieve nausea and help the stomach empty.… Antihistamines Clemastine An older, sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms and itching.… Calcium-channel blockers Clevidipine A fast-acting, short-lived drip used in hospital to lower dangerously high blood pressure.… Antispasmodics Clidinium An antispasmodic, usually combined with chlordiazepoxide, used to ease gut cramping and spasm.… Macrolide antibiotics Clindamycin An antibiotic used for certain bacterial infections, including some skin, soft-tissue, dental and bone infections.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Clobazam A benzodiazepine used mainly as an add-on treatment to help control epileptic seizures, which must not be stopped sudden… Topical corticosteroids Clobetasol A very potent topical steroid used for short courses on stubborn inflamed skin.… Topical corticosteroids Clobetasone A moderately potent steroid cream for eczema flares; used as a thin layer in short courses, with care on the face and sk… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Clofarabine A specialist chemotherapy used for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia that has relapsed or not responded to other t… Antimycobacterial (leprosy and drug-resistant TB) Clofazimine A specialist medicine used as part of combination treatment for leprosy and drug-resistant tuberculosis, well known for … Ovulation induction (anti-oestrogen) Clomifene A fertility tablet used to stimulate ovulation in some women who are not ovulating regularly.… Tricyclic antidepressants Clomipramine A tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and particularly for obsessive-compulsive disorder, effective but with no… Tetracyclines Clomocycline A tetracycline antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections and acne.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Clonazepam A benzodiazepine used to help control certain types of epilepsy; it can cause drowsiness and dependence, so it must not … Centrally-acting antihypertensive Clonidine An older medicine with several uses — high blood pressure, menopausal hot flushes, ADHD and tics, and some pain and with… Antiplatelet drugs Clopidogrel An antiplatelet tablet that makes platelets less "sticky" to help prevent clots after a stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), hea… Topical antifungals Clotrimazole A widely available antifungal cream and pessary for thrush, athlete's foot and ringworm — sold as Canesten in the UK and… Antipsychotics Clozapine The most effective medicine for schizophrenia that has not responded to other treatments — powerful but requiring regula… Penicillins Co-amoxiclav A broad-spectrum penicillin combination used for infections likely to be resistant to amoxicillin alone.… Levodopa Co-beneldopa A levodopa medicine for Parkinson's disease, combined with benserazide to reduce nausea and side effects.… Levodopa Co-careldopa The main medicine for Parkinson's disease, combining levodopa with carbidopa to ease slowness, stiffness and tremor.… Opioid analgesics Co-codamol A combination painkiller of paracetamol and codeine for pain not relieved by paracetamol alone.… Laxatives Co-danthramer A combination stimulant laxative used mainly for constipation in people receiving palliative care.… Laxatives Co-danthrusate A combination stimulant laxative used mainly for constipation in people receiving palliative care.… Opioid analgesics Co-dydramol A combination painkiller of paracetamol and dihydrocodeine for pain not relieved by paracetamol alone.… Antidiarrhoeals Co-phenotrope A combination medicine (diphenoxylate with atropine) used for short-term relief of diarrhoea.… Sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim antibiotic Co-trimoxazole A combination antibiotic used mainly to treat and prevent PCP pneumonia and some other specific infections.… Topical corticosteroids Coal tar A traditional tar-based treatment that reduces scaling and itching in psoriasis and some eczema.… Antiretrovirals Cobicistat A 'booster' medicine that raises the levels of certain HIV medicines but has no antiviral effect itself.… MEK inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Cobimetinib A targeted cancer medicine taken with vemurafenib to treat advanced melanoma that has a BRAF gene change.… Local anaesthetics Cocaine A controlled local anaesthetic, used only in specialist surgery for its numbing and blood-vessel-narrowing effects.… Opioid analgesics Codeine A weak opioid used for short-term pain that has not settled with simpler painkillers — effective for many people, but wi… Colchicine Colchicine A medicine that settles the intense inflammation of a gout attack — effective, but must be used at a low, careful amount… Vitamin D supplement Colecalciferol (vitamin D3) A vitamin D3 supplement used to treat or prevent low vitamin D and to help the body use calcium for healthy bones.… Bile-acid sequestrants Colesevelam A bile-acid sequestrant that lowers cholesterol by binding bile acids in the gut; it must be taken well apart from other… Bile-acid sequestrants Colestipol A medicine that lowers cholesterol by binding bile acids in the gut, often used when other options are unsuitable.… Bile-acid sequestrants Colestyramine A powder mixed with water or juice that lowers cholesterol by binding bile acids in the gut; it can cause constipation a… Inhaled antibiotic (cystic fibrosis) Colistimethate An inhaled (or hospital intravenous) antibiotic used against Pseudomonas lung infection in cystic fibrosis.… Anti-TFPI monoclonal antibody (haemophilia) Concizumab A specialist injection given under the skin to help prevent bleeding episodes in people with haemophilia.… C1-esterase inhibitor (hereditary angioedema, acute) Conestat alfa An injection used to treat an acute attack of hereditary angioedema by replacing a missing protein.… Vasopressin receptor antagonist (vaptan) Conivaptan A hospital medicine given into a vein to treat certain types of low blood sodium caused by holding on to too much water.… Menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) Conjugated oestrogens An oestrogen hormone replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms.… Mineral supplement (copper replacement) Copper supplement A supplement used to replace copper in people who are deficient, for example during long-term tube or drip feeding or wi… Systemic corticosteroids Corticotropin A hormone (ACTH) used in a few specific conditions and as a test, which works by switching on the body's own steroids.… Systemic corticosteroids Cortisone An older steroid tablet used for adrenal hormone replacement and to reduce inflammation.… Vaccines COVID-19 vaccine A vaccine that helps the immune system protect against COVID-19, given through the national vaccination programme.… CRF1-receptor antagonist (congenital adrenal hyperplasia) Crinecerfont A specialist medicine used with steroids to reduce excess androgens in congenital adrenal hyperplasia.… Topical PDE4 inhibitor (eczema) Crisaborole A non-steroid ointment used to treat mild-to-moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis).… Anti-P-selectin monoclonal antibody (sickle cell) Crizanlizumab A medicine given as a drip into a vein to reduce how often painful sickle cell crises happen.… Targeted cancer medicine (ALK/ROS1 kinase inhibitor) Crizotinib A targeted cancer tablet for certain lung cancers with specific gene changes; specialist use.… Anti-itch skin preparation Crotamiton A cream that relieves itching and is also used to settle the itch that lingers after scabies treatment.… Vitamin B12 Cyanocobalamin An oral form of vitamin B12 used to treat or prevent B12 deficiency where an oral form is suitable; pernicious anaemia u… Antiemetics Cyclizine An antihistamine anti-sickness medicine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and vertigo; it commonly causes drows… Skeletal muscle relaxants Cyclobenzaprine A muscle relaxant used for short-term relief of muscle spasm, which causes marked drowsiness.… Thiazide diuretic Cyclopenthiazide A water tablet from the thiazide group used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention.… Eye drops to widen the pupil and relax focusing Cyclopentolate Eye drops that widen the pupil and temporarily relax the eye's focusing so the back of the eye can be examined.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Cyclophosphamide A widely used chemotherapy medicine, given under specialist care, for many cancers and some severe immune conditions.… Tuberculosis drugs Cycloserine A second-line antibiotic used as part of combination treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis, known for affecting mood… Antihistamines Cyproheptadine An older sedating antihistamine that also stimulates appetite and is sometimes used for allergic symptoms and migraine.… Anti-androgen Cyproterone A medicine that blocks the effects of male hormones, used in prostate cancer, severe acne and some other conditions.… Cystine-depleting agent (cystinosis) Cysteamine A specialist medicine that lowers the build-up of cystine in cells in the inherited condition cystinosis.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Cytarabine A chemotherapy medicine used mainly to treat leukaemia and some lymphomas.…
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DOACs Dabigatran A direct oral anticoagulant ("blood thinner") that reduces the risk of stroke and clots, and has its own specific revers… BRAF inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Dabrafenib A targeted cancer medicine for tumours with a BRAF V600 gene change, often given with a MEK inhibitor.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Dacarbazine A chemotherapy medicine used to treat melanoma and Hodgkin lymphoma.… Hepatitis antivirals Daclatasvir A modern hepatitis C medicine taken with sofosbuvir as part of a short course aimed at curing the infection.… EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Dacomitinib A targeted daily tablet used to treat a specific type of non-small-cell lung cancer with an EGFR gene change.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Dactinomycin A chemotherapy medicine used mainly for some childhood cancers and gestational trophoblastic disease.… Glycopeptide antibiotics Dalbavancin A long-acting glycopeptide-type antibiotic given as one or two drips, used for serious skin and soft-tissue infections.… Heparins Dalteparin An injectable blood thinner given under the skin to treat and prevent blood clots.… Gonadotrophin inhibitor (androgenic) Danazol An androgenic hormone used for endometriosis, severe breast pain and hereditary angioedema, with masculinising effects.… Skeletal muscle relaxants Dantrolene A muscle relaxant for long-term severe muscle stiffness, and the hospital treatment for a rare anaesthetic emergency.… SGLT2 inhibitors Dapagliflozin An SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar by removing glucose in the urine, and also protects the heart and kidneys — u… HIF prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (anaemia of CKD) Daprodustat An oral tablet used to treat anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease.… Sulfone antibacterial / anti-inflammatory Dapsone A sulfone medicine used for leprosy, dermatitis herpetiformis and some immune skin conditions, and to help prevent a par… Lipopeptide antibiotic (injection) Daptomycin A powerful antibiotic given by injection in hospital for serious bacterial infections, including those caused by MRSA.… Anti-CD38 antibody (myeloma) Daratumumab A targeted antibody for multiple myeloma, given by drip or injection by oncology teams.… Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents Darbepoetin alfa A long-acting injection that helps the body make red blood cells, used to treat anaemia in kidney disease and some cance… Bladder antimuscarinics Darifenacin A modified-release antimuscarinic that calms an overactive bladder; common effects are dry mouth and constipation, and i… Androgen receptor inhibitor Darolutamide A tablet used to treat prostate cancer by blocking the effect of male hormones that the cancer feeds on.… Antiretrovirals Darunavir An HIV medicine taken as part of combination treatment, always with a booster, to keep the virus under control.… Hepatitis antivirals Dasabuvir An older hepatitis C medicine used as part of a combination regimen, now largely superseded by simpler treatments.… Targeted cancer therapy (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) Dasatinib A targeted cancer tablet for some leukaemias, started and monitored by blood-cancer specialists.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Daunorubicin An anthracycline chemotherapy used mainly to treat acute leukaemias.… Adrenergic neurone blocker (historical antihypertensive) Debrisoquine An old, now-obsolete blood-pressure medicine, also famous in genetic research into how people process drugs.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Decitabine A chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain bone-marrow cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic… Iron-chelating agent (oral) Deferasirox An oral specialist medicine that removes excess iron caused by repeated blood transfusions.… Iron-chelating agent (oral) Deferiprone An oral specialist iron-removing medicine for iron overload, with regular blood-count checks to watch for a serious drop… Iron-chelating agent (infusion) Deferoxamine A specialist iron-removing medicine given by infusion for iron overload and acute iron poisoning.… Medicine for hepatic veno-occlusive disease (transplant care) Defibrotide A specialist hospital medicine used to treat severe hepatic veno-occlusive disease (a serious liver complication) after … Systemic corticosteroids Deflazacort An oral steroid used to calm inflammation and overactive immune responses in a range of conditions.… GnRH antagonist Degarelix A hormone treatment given under the skin that rapidly lowers testosterone to treat advanced prostate cancer.… Anti-tuberculosis medicine (multidrug-resistant TB) Delamanid A specialist tablet used, always alongside other medicines, to treat multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.… Tetracyclines Demeclocycline A tetracycline antibiotic, also used to help control low sodium caused by excess antidiuretic hormone.… Denosumab Denosumab An injection given every six months for osteoporosis that strengthens bone and reduces fractures — effective, but its ef… Interleukin-targeting biologics Depemokimab A long-acting biologic injection used as an add-on for severe eosinophilic asthma.… Topical antibiotics Dequalinium A vaginal antibacterial tablet used to treat bacterial vaginosis by reducing the overgrowth of bacteria that causes the … Rauwolfia alkaloid antihypertensive (historical) Deserpidine An old, now obsolete blood-pressure medicine very similar to reserpine.… General anaesthetic (inhaled) Desflurane An inhaled anaesthetic that works and wears off quickly; very pungent, so used only to maintain anaesthesia, with notabl… Tricyclic antidepressants Desipramine An older tricyclic antidepressant used mainly to treat depression.… Antihistamines Desloratadine A once-daily, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and hives; non-drowsy for most people, though some can still fee… Desmopressin Desmopressin A man-made form of the body's water-balancing hormone, used to reduce excess urine in conditions such as diabetes insipi… Progestogen-only contraception Desogestrel A progestogen-only ('mini') pill that prevents pregnancy and has a more forgiving missed-pill window than older progesto… Topical corticosteroids Desonide A mild steroid cream or ointment used to calm inflamed, itchy skin in conditions like eczema and dermatitis.… Topical corticosteroids Desoximetasone A strong steroid cream or ointment used for stubborn, inflamed skin conditions.… SNRIs Desvenlafaxine An SNRI antidepressant, the active form of venlafaxine, used to treat depression.… TYK2 inhibitor (oral, for psoriasis) Deucravacitinib A daily tablet used to treat moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis by blocking an inflammation signal.… VMAT2 inhibitor (movement disorders) Deutetrabenazine A medicine taken by mouth to reduce the involuntary movements of tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's chorea.… Systemic corticosteroids Dexamethasone A potent, long-acting steroid used for croup, some cancers, severe inflammation and (during the pandemic) serious COVID … Systemic corticosteroids Dexamethasone (eye drops) A potent prescription steroid eye drop used in short, supervised courses to settle inflammation inside or on the surface… ADHD stimulant medicines Dexamfetamine A stimulant medicine used for ADHD and for narcolepsy; it is a controlled drug.… Antihistamines Dexbrompheniramine An older, sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and itching.… Antihistamines Dexchlorpheniramine A sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, itching and rashes.… NSAIDs Dexketoprofen A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used for the short-term relief of mild to moderate pain.… Proton pump inhibitors Dexlansoprazole A medicine that strongly reduces stomach acid, used for acid reflux and inflammation of the gullet.… Alpha-2 agonist sedative (intravenous) Dexmedetomidine A sedative given as a hospital drip to keep people calm in intensive care and during some procedures.… ADHD stimulant medicines Dexmethylphenidate A stimulant medicine for ADHD, the active form of methylphenidate, which is a controlled drug.… Heart-protective medicine for anthracycline chemotherapy Dexrazoxane A specialist medicine used to protect the heart from anthracycline chemotherapy and to treat anthracycline that has leak… Mucolytics Dextromethorphan An over-the-counter cough suppressant used to calm a dry, tickly cough — not for a chesty cough where you are bringing u… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Diazepam A long-acting benzodiazepine used short-term for severe anxiety, certain muscle spasms and some seizure situations; it c… Acetazolamide Dichlorphenamide A specialist medicine used to reduce attacks of muscle weakness in primary periodic paralysis.… NSAIDs Diclofenac A strong anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) for pain and inflammation, with a comparatively higher heart risk than som… Penicillins Dicloxacillin A penicillin antibiotic used to treat infections caused by staph bacteria, working much like flucloxacillin.… Cyanide poisoning antidote Dicobalt edetate An emergency antidote for severe cyanide poisoning that is itself toxic, so it is used only when cyanide poisoning is ce… Antispasmodics Dicycloverine An antimuscarinic antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscle to relieve cramping pain in conditions such as irritable bowel s… Antiretrovirals Didanosine An older HIV medicine (a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) once used in combination therapy but now rarely cho… Antiparasitic medicine (filarial worm infections) Diethylcarbamazine A specialist medicine used to treat filarial worm infections, such as lymphatic filariasis and loiasis.… Stimulant appetite suppressant (anorectic) Diethylpropion A stimulant-type appetite suppressant used only for short-term weight loss, with important heart and dependence risks.… Synthetic oestrogen (largely historical) Diethylstilbestrol A synthetic oestrogen, now rarely used, that was historically given for some prostate and breast cancers.… Topical corticosteroid Diflucortolone A potent steroid cream or ointment used to calm inflamed, itchy skin conditions such as eczema.… NSAIDs Diflunisal An anti-inflammatory painkiller, related to aspirin, used for pain and inflammation such as in arthritis.… Systemic corticosteroids Difluprednate A steroid eye drop used to calm inflammation in the eye, including after surgery.… Cardiac glycosides Digoxin A long-established heart medicine that slows a fast pulse in atrial fibrillation and can help some people with heart fai… Digoxin antidote (antibody fragments) Digoxin-specific antibody Digoxin-binding antibody fragments used in hospital to reverse life-threatening digoxin (and digitoxin) poisoning.… Opioid analgesics Dihydrocodeine A moderate-strength opioid painkiller used for pain that is not controlled by ordinary painkillers; it can cause drowsin… Ergot alkaloid (acute migraine and cluster headache) Dihydroergotamine An ergot medicine used to treat acute attacks of migraine and cluster headache.… Antiamoebic medicine (luminal agent) Diloxanide A medicine used to clear amoebae that remain in the gut in the carrier stage of amoebiasis.… Calcium-channel blockers Diltiazem A "rate-limiting" calcium-channel blocker that relaxes vessels and slows the heart; modified-release brands are often no… Antihistamines Dimenhydrinate An older sedating antihistamine used to prevent and treat nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.… Heavy-metal chelator (poisoning antidote) Dimercaprol An emergency antidote given by injection to treat poisoning with heavy metals such as arsenic, gold, mercury and lead.… Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapy Dimethyl fumarate An oral medicine that reduces relapses in multiple sclerosis, with early flushing and stomach upset and a need for blood… Scabies and lice treatments Dimeticone A silicone-based lotion used to treat head lice by physically coating and smothering them.… Prostaglandin (labour induction) Dinoprostone A prostaglandin used in hospital to ripen the cervix and induce labour.… Antidiarrhoeals Diosmectite A clay-based adsorbent medicine used to help relieve diarrhoea by coating the gut lining.… Antihistamines Diphenhydramine An older, sedating antihistamine that causes drowsiness — used in the UK mainly as a sleep aid (Nytol) rather than for a… Antitoxin (antiserum against diphtheria toxin) Diphtheria antitoxin An animal-derived antitoxin given in hospital to neutralise the toxin in diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection.… Opioid analgesics Dipipanone A strong opioid painkiller for moderate to severe pain, available combined with cyclizine as Diconal.… Antiplatelet drugs Dipyridamole An antiplatelet, often combined with aspirin, used to help prevent further strokes after a stroke or TIA.… Antiarrhythmic medicine (older) Disopyramide An older medicine used to control certain abnormal heart rhythms.… Long-acting cholinesterase inhibitor Distigmine A long-acting medicine used for certain types of urinary retention and sometimes for myasthenia gravis.… Alcohol-dependence drugs Disulfiram A medicine that causes an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is taken, used to support staying alcohol-free.… Antipsoriatic (dithranol) Dithranol An older but effective psoriasis cream applied carefully to plaques, often for a short time then washed off.… Inotrope (heart-stimulating medicine) Dobutamine An intravenous medicine used in hospital to make a failing or weakened heart pump more strongly.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Docetaxel A taxane chemotherapy given by drip for breast, prostate and lung cancers, among others.… Cold-sore antiviral cream Docosanol An over-the-counter cream that helps treat cold sores on the lips when applied at the first sign of tingling.… Laxatives Docusate A gentle stool-softener laxative that makes stools easier to pass; it works mildly and is helped by drinking plenty of f… Antiarrhythmic medicine (rhythm control) Dofetilide A specialist medicine used to maintain a normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation.… Antiemetics Dolasetron An anti-sickness medicine used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, working by blocking a chemical that triggers si… Antiretrovirals Dolutegravir An integrase inhibitor that is a preferred, potent part of modern HIV combination therapy.… Antiemetics Domperidone A medicine for nausea and vomiting that also helps the stomach empty — used short-term and with attention to the heart, … Anticholinesterase dementia drugs Donepezil A cholinesterase inhibitor used to help with the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia.… Intensive-care circulatory support medicine Dopamine A drip given in intensive care to support blood pressure and heart output in shock.… Inotrope and vasodilator (hospital use) Dopexamine An intravenous medicine used in hospital to help a weak heart pump and to relax blood vessels, improving blood flow.… Antiretrovirals Doravirine A newer HIV NNRTI used, as part of combination therapy, that is generally well tolerated.… Mucolytic (cystic fibrosis) Dornase alfa An inhaled (nebulised) enzyme that thins sticky lung mucus in cystic fibrosis so it can be cleared more easily.… Glaucoma eye drops Dorzolamide A carbonic anhydrase inhibitor eye drop used to lower raised pressure in the eye in glaucoma; it can cause stinging and … Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1 immunotherapy) Dostarlimab An immunotherapy given by drip that helps the immune system attack certain cancers.… Tricyclic antidepressants Dosulepin An older tricyclic antidepressant that is effective but particularly dangerous in overdose, so it is now usually only co… Respiratory stimulant Doxapram A hospital-only respiratory stimulant given by drip to support breathing in certain situations, under close monitoring.… Alpha-blockers (prostate) Doxazosin An alpha-blocker used to ease prostate symptoms in men, and sometimes as an add-on treatment for high blood pressure.… Tricyclic antidepressants Doxepin An older, sedating tricyclic antidepressant for depression; it takes weeks to work, causes anticholinergic effects such … Vitamin D Doxercalciferol An activated form of vitamin D used to control overactive parathyroid glands (secondary hyperparathyroidism) in kidney d… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Doxorubicin A widely used red-coloured chemotherapy infusion, given under specialist care, for many cancers, with careful heart moni… Tetracyclines Doxycycline A versatile tetracycline antibiotic used for chest infections, acne, rosacea and more — needs sun care, plenty of water,… Antihistamines Doxylamine A sedating antihistamine used as a short-term sleep aid and, combined with pyridoxine, to treat nausea and vomiting in p… Cannabis-derived medicine (THC); controlled drug Dronabinol A cannabis-derived medicine (a form of THC) used for nausea and vomiting with chemotherapy and for appetite loss, and a … Antiarrhythmic Dronedarone A tablet used to help maintain a normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation, with liver and heart monitoring.… Antipsychotics Droperidol A butyrophenone medicine used mainly to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, especially after surgery or with opioids.… Combined hormonal contraception Drospirenone A progestogen used in some contraceptive pills, with a mild water-balancing effect, to prevent pregnancy.… Medicine for neurogenic orthostatic hypotension Droxidopa A medicine used to raise blood pressure and reduce severe dizziness on standing in neurogenic orthostatic hypotension.… GLP-1 receptor agonists Dulaglutide A once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar, supports weight loss and can protect the heart.… SNRIs Duloxetine An SNRI used for depression and anxiety, and also widely used for nerve pain such as diabetic neuropathy.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Dupilumab An injected biologic that blocks the IL-4 and IL-13 allergic signals, used for moderate to severe eczema and asthma.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-L1) Durvalumab A cancer immunotherapy given as a drip that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.… 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors Dutasteride A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that shrinks an enlarged prostate over time to improve urinary flow in men.… Local anaesthetics Dyclonine A topical local anaesthetic used in lozenges and sprays to numb and soothe a sore mouth or throat.… Menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) Dydrogesterone A progestogen given alongside oestrogen in HRT to protect the lining of the womb, and used in some other hormone-related…
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Topical antifungals Econazole A topical antifungal used for fungal skin infections and vaginal thrush.… Complement (C5) inhibitor biologic Eculizumab A biologic for rare conditions that blocks part of the immune system, with a key requirement for meningococcal vaccinati… Free-radical scavenger (motor neurone disease) Edaravone A specialist medicine for motor neurone disease (ALS), given as an infusion in repeating cycles.… Chelating agent (heavy-metal poisoning) Edetate calcium disodium A chelating medicine given by infusion in hospital to bind and remove lead in people with lead poisoning.… DOACs Edoxaban A once-daily direct oral anticoagulant ("blood thinner") used to prevent and treat clots, including stroke prevention in… Short-acting cholinesterase inhibitor (diagnostic) Edrophonium A very short-acting medicine used mainly as a diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis.… Antiretrovirals Efavirenz An HIV antiretroviral that blocks the virus from copying itself, always used as part of a combination.… Neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) blocker Efgartigimod A specialist antibody medicine used to treat generalised myasthenia gravis by lowering the harmful antibodies that cause… Topical antifungals Efinaconazole An antifungal solution painted onto the nail to treat a fungal nail infection.… Antiprotozoal (sleeping sickness) and facial-hair cream Eflornithine A medicine used as a specialist injection to treat African sleeping sickness, and separately as a cream to slow unwanted… Enzyme replacement therapy (ADA-SCID) Elapegademase An enzyme-replacement injection used to treat ADA-SCID, a rare inherited condition in which the immune system does not d… Triptans Eletriptan A fast-acting, effective triptan taken at the start of a migraine attack to relieve the headache and its accompanying sy… CFTR modulator (cystic fibrosis) Elexacaftor Part of the triple combination Kaftrio (with tezacaftor and ivacaftor), a major advance for F508del cystic fibrosis.… Substrate-reduction therapy (Gaucher disease) Eliglustat An oral capsule used to treat Gaucher disease type 1, a rare inherited condition in which a fatty substance builds up in… Laxatives Elobixibat A laxative for chronic constipation that works by increasing bile acids in the bowel to draw in water and get things mov… Enzyme replacement therapy (MPS IVA / Morquio A) Elosulfase alfa An enzyme replacement given by drip into a vein to treat Morquio A syndrome (MPS IVA).… Thrombopoietin receptor agonist Eltrombopag An oral medicine that helps the body make more platelets in some low-platelet conditions.… Antiretrovirals Elvitegravir A boosted HIV integrase inhibitor used, as part of combination therapy, in a single-tablet regimen taken with food.… Monoclonal antibody (anti-interferon-gamma) Emapalumab A specialist antibody medicine used to treat primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare immune condition.… Antihistamines Emedastine Antihistamine eye drops used to relieve the itchy, watery, red eyes of allergic conjunctivitis.… Factor VIII-mimetic antibody (haemophilia A) Emicizumab A regular preventive injection for haemophilia A that mimics a missing clotting factor to reduce bleeds.… SGLT2 inhibitors Empagliflozin An SGLT2 inhibitor that lowers blood sugar through the kidneys and protects the heart and kidneys — used in type 2 diabe… Antiretrovirals Emtricitabine An antiretroviral that forms part of combination treatment for HIV and is a key ingredient of PrEP.… ACE inhibitors Enalapril An ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart failure; can cause a dry cough and is avoided in pregnancy.… ACE inhibitors Enalaprilat An injection given in hospital to lower blood pressure; it is the active form of the ACE inhibitor enalapril.… IDH2 inhibitor (targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukaemia) Enasidenib A targeted tablet used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia that has a specific gene change called an IDH2 mutation.… BRAF inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Encorafenib A targeted cancer medicine for tumours with a BRAF V600 gene change, often given with binimetinib.… Antibody-drug conjugate (targeted chemotherapy for urothelial cancer) Enfortumab vedotin A targeted treatment given by drip for advanced cancer of the bladder and urinary tract.… Antiretrovirals Enfuvirtide An injectable HIV medicine (a fusion inhibitor) used as part of combination therapy when HIV has become resistant to oth… Heparins Enoxaparin An injectable blood thinner given under the skin to treat and prevent blood clots.… Phosphodiesterase-inhibitor inotrope (hospital use) Enoximone An intravenous medicine used in hospital to help the heart pump in severe heart failure that has not responded to other … COMT inhibitors Entacapone A COMT inhibitor always taken with levodopa to extend each dose and reduce 'wearing off' in Parkinson's disease.… Hepatitis antivirals Entecavir A long-term hepatitis B tablet that suppresses the virus and protects the liver, though it does not usually cure the inf… ROS1/NTRK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Entrectinib A targeted cancer medicine for tumours driven by ROS1 or NTRK gene changes, which can also reach the brain.… Anti-androgen (prostate cancer) Enzalutamide A strong anti-androgen tablet for advanced prostate cancer, with a small seizure risk and many interactions.… Decongestants Ephedrine A medicine used to raise blood pressure during anaesthesia and, as drops or spray, to relieve a blocked nose.… Antihistamines Epinastine Antihistamine eye drops used to relieve and help prevent the itchy, watery eyes of allergic conjunctivitis.… Adrenaline auto-injectors Epinephrine (adrenaline) The emergency medicine for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), given by auto-injector into the outer thigh — called… Spironolactone Eplerenone A potassium-sparing medicine that blocks aldosterone, used in heart failure and sometimes resistant high blood pressure.… Prostacyclin (continuous infusion) Epoprostenol The original prostacyclin, given as a continuous infusion through a permanent line for pulmonary arterial hypertension; … ARBs Eprosartan An angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) that relaxes blood vessels to lower high blood pressure.… Antiplatelet drugs Eptifibatide An antiplatelet given by drip in hospital to help prevent clots during heart procedures and acute coronary syndromes.… Anti-CGRP migraine treatments Eptinezumab A drip (infusion) given into a vein every three months to prevent migraine attacks.… Tetracyclines Eravacycline A tetracycline-class antibiotic given by drip in hospital to treat complicated intra-abdominal infections.… FGFR inhibitor (targeted therapy for urothelial cancer) Erdafitinib A targeted tablet used to treat advanced bladder and urinary-tract cancer that has particular FGFR gene changes.… Mucolytics Erdosteine A mucolytic that thins and loosens phlegm in long-term chest conditions such as bronchitis and COPD, making it easier to… Anti-CGRP migraine treatments Erenumab A monthly self-injection that prevents migraine attacks by blocking the CGRP pathway involved in migraine.… Vitamin D Ergocalciferol A form of vitamin D (vitamin D2) used to treat and prevent vitamin D deficiency.… Uterotonic (ergot) Ergometrine An ergot medicine that contracts the womb to help control bleeding after birth.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Eribulin A chemotherapy used for advanced breast cancer and liposarcoma, given as an injection into a vein.… Targeted cancer therapy (EGFR inhibitor) Erlotinib A targeted cancer tablet for EGFR-driven lung and pancreatic cancer, taken on an empty stomach.… Carbapenems Ertapenem A carbapenem antibiotic given by injection to treat serious bacterial infections.… SGLT2 inhibitors Ertugliflozin A once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar by removing glucose in the urine.… Macrolide antibiotics Erythromycin A macrolide antibiotic often used when penicillin cannot be given.… SSRIs Escitalopram A widely used SSRI for depression and anxiety, closely related to citalopram and generally well tolerated.… Nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression Esketamine A nasal-spray medicine for treatment-resistant depression, given under supervision in a clinic with a period of observat… Antiepileptic medicine Eslicarbazepine An antiepileptic medicine taken by mouth to help control focal seizures.… Beta-blockers Esmolol An intravenous beta-blocker that works for only a few minutes, used in hospital to control fast heart rate and blood pre… Proton pump inhibitors Esomeprazole A proton pump inhibitor that strongly reduces stomach acid for reflux and ulcers — closely related to omeprazole, and be… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Estazolam A benzodiazepine sleeping tablet used for the short-term treatment of insomnia.… Menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) Estradiol The main oestrogen in hormone replacement therapy (HRT), used to relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and nig… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Estramustine A chemotherapy medicine used to treat advanced prostate cancer.… Oestrogen (weak), mainly for vaginal use Estriol A weak oestrogen used mainly as a vaginal cream or pessary to ease dryness and discomfort after the menopause.… Oestrogen (HRT hormone) Estrone A naturally occurring oestrogen used as part of hormone replacement therapy to ease menopausal symptoms, prescribed and … Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Eszopiclone A 'Z-drug' sleeping tablet used for short-term help with insomnia.… Haemostatic (reduces heavy bleeding) Etamsylate A medicine used to reduce heavy bleeding, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, by helping small blood vessels work better.… Anti-TNF biologics Etanercept An injectable anti-TNF biologic used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and ankylosing spondylitis.… Calcimimetic (intravenous) Etelcalcetide An injectable calcimimetic given into the dialysis line to lower an overactive parathyroid hormone.… Exon-skipping antisense medicine (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) Eteplirsen A specialist medicine for Duchenne muscular dystrophy in people whose gene change is suited to skipping exon 51.… Loop diuretics Ethacrynic acid A strong 'water tablet' that helps the body lose excess fluid and salt, used when furosemide is not suitable.… Tuberculosis drugs Ethambutol An antibiotic used as part of tuberculosis (TB) treatment, given together with other TB medicines.… Combined hormonal contraception Ethinylestradiol The man-made oestrogen found in the combined pill and other combined hormonal contraceptives.… Anti-tuberculosis medicine (second-line) Ethionamide A second-line anti-TB tablet used, alongside other medicines, to treat drug-resistant tuberculosis.… Anti-epileptic (absence seizures) Ethosuximide An anti-epileptic medicine used as a first-line treatment for absence seizures, mostly in children.… Phenytoin Ethotoin An older anti-seizure medicine, related to phenytoin, that is now seldom used.… NSAIDs Etodolac A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) used to ease the pain and stiffness of arthritis.… General anaesthetic (intravenous) Etomidate An intravenous anaesthetic used to send people to sleep, chosen especially when a stable blood pressure matters.… Progestogen-only contraception Etonogestrel The progestogen hormone in the contraceptive implant, a small rod under the upper arm that prevents pregnancy.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Etoposide A chemotherapy used for several cancers, given into a vein or by mouth, usually as part of a combination.… NSAIDs Etoricoxib A once-daily COX-2 selective NSAID that eases joint pain with less stomach upset than older NSAIDs, but which can raise … S1P-receptor modulator (oral) Etrasimod A once-daily tablet used to treat moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis by calming the immune attack on the b… Antiretrovirals Etravirine An HIV medicine taken with other HIV medicines as part of combination treatment, after food.… Antivenom (snake bite) European viper antivenom An antivenom given in hospital to reverse the effects of a serious bite from the UK adder.… mTOR inhibitors Everolimus An immunosuppressant used to prevent transplant rejection and, separately, to treat some cancers and conditions.… PCSK9 inhibitor Evolocumab A self-injection used to lower harmful LDL cholesterol when statins are not enough or cannot be taken.… Aromatase inhibitors Exemestane An aromatase inhibitor that lowers oestrogen, used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer after the menopause.… GLP-1 receptor agonists Exenatide An injectable GLP-1 medicine for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar and curbs appetite.… Cholesterol absorption inhibitor Ezetimibe A cholesterol-lowering tablet that works in the gut rather than the liver — used alongside a statin for extra LDL loweri…
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Clotting factor replacement (factor IX) Factor IX A clotting factor given by injection into a vein to treat and prevent bleeding in haemophilia B.… Clotting factor (recombinant activated factor VII) Factor VIIa A laboratory-made activated clotting factor given by injection to control bleeding, especially when inhibitors are prese… Clotting factor replacement (factor VIII) Factor VIII A clotting factor given by injection into a vein to treat and prevent bleeding in haemophilia A.… Clotting factor replacement (factor XIII) Factor XIII A clotting factor given by injection into a vein to treat and prevent bleeding in factor XIII deficiency.… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Famciclovir An antiviral medicine for herpes infections such as shingles (herpes zoster) and genital herpes, and sometimes recurrent… H2-receptor antagonists Famotidine An acid-reducing medicine (H2 blocker) for heartburn, reflux and ulcers; gentler than a PPI and available over the count… Potassium-channel blocker (MS walking aid) Fampridine A tablet that can improve walking speed in some people with multiple sclerosis, with a seizure risk and a need to consid… Anti-VEGF eye injections Faricimab A newer dual-action injection into the eye for wet AMD and diabetic eye swelling, allowing longer gaps between treatment… Allopurinol Febuxostat A urate-lowering tablet for gout, used when allopurinol is unsuitable, with caution in heart disease.… JAK inhibitors Fedratinib A targeted capsule used to treat myelofibrosis, helping to shrink an enlarged spleen and ease symptoms.… Antiepileptic medicine (reserved, last-line) Felbamate A reserved, last-line antiepileptic used for severe epilepsy when other treatments have failed.… Calcium-channel blockers Felodipine A once-daily calcium-channel blocker for high blood pressure that relaxes blood vessels — with grapefruit best avoided.… Anti-seizure medicine (rare epilepsies) Fenfluramine An add-on liquid medicine used to reduce seizures in rare, severe childhood epilepsies, given with regular heart-valve c… Fibrates Fenofibrate A fibrate used mainly to lower high triglycerides (a type of blood fat); it can cause muscle aches and needs liver and k… NSAIDs Fenoprofen An anti-inflammatory painkiller used for pain and arthritis.… Opioid analgesics Fentanyl A strong opioid painkiller, often given as a slow-release skin patch for severe ongoing pain; it carries a high risk of … Azole antifungals Fenticonazole An azole antifungal pessary and cream used to treat vaginal thrush by clearing the yeast that causes the symptoms.… Intravenous iron Ferric carboxymaltose An iron treatment given into a vein to treat iron deficiency when iron tablets are unsuitable.… Intravenous iron Ferric derisomaltose An iron given into a vein to treat iron-deficiency anaemia when iron taken by mouth is not suitable or not enough.… Oral iron Ferrous fumarate An oral iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anaemia.… Oral iron Ferrous gluconate An oral iron supplement for iron-deficiency anaemia, sometimes better tolerated than other iron salts.… Oral iron Ferrous sulfate A common oral iron supplement used to treat and prevent iron-deficiency anaemia.… Bladder antimuscarinics Fesoterodine A bladder antimuscarinic taken to calm an overactive bladder and reduce urgency and leaks; it commonly causes a dry mout… Antiprotozoal (sleeping sickness) Fexinidazole A specialist tablet, the first all-by-mouth treatment for African sleeping sickness, taken with food under specialist ca… Antihistamines Fexofenadine A non-drowsy antihistamine used for hay fever and allergic rhinitis, relieving sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.… Clotting factor replacement (fibrinogen) Fibrinogen concentrate A clotting-protein replacement, given by injection, used to stop or prevent bleeding in people who lack fibrinogen.… Narrow-spectrum antibiotic (Clostridioides difficile infection) Fidaxomicin A narrow, targeted oral antibiotic used to treat Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) gut infection.… JAK inhibitor Filgotinib A daily tablet that calms an overactive immune system to treat rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis.… G-CSF (growth factors) Filgrastim A medicine that boosts the body's production of infection-fighting white cells, used after chemotherapy or in neutropeni… 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors Finasteride A tablet that gradually shrinks an enlarged prostate over months; a lower-strength version is also used for male-pattern… MS disease-modifying therapy (S1P modulator) Fingolimod A once-daily capsule for relapsing multiple sclerosis that needs heart-rate monitoring with the first dose and eye and i… Bladder antimuscarinics Flavoxate A bladder antispasmodic used to ease urgency, frequency and bladder discomfort in an overactive bladder.… Antiarrhythmic drugs Flecainide A medicine that restores and maintains a normal heart rhythm in atrial fibrillation and some other arrhythmias — used on… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Floxuridine A chemotherapy delivered by infusion into the liver's artery, used for cancer that has spread to the liver.… Penicillins Flucloxacillin A penicillin antibiotic used mainly for skin and soft-tissue infections, best taken on an empty stomach — not for anyone… Azole antifungals Fluconazole An oral azole antifungal for thrush and other candida (yeast) infections — available over the counter for vaginal thrush… Systemic antifungals Flucytosine A hospital antifungal used together with amphotericin for serious infections such as cryptococcal meningitis.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Fludarabine A chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain blood cancers such as chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and some lymphomas.… Mineralocorticoid (adrenal hormone replacement) Fludrocortisone A steroid that replaces the body’s salt-retaining hormone — used mainly in adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease) and… Benzodiazepine antidote Flumazenil An emergency antidote that reverses the sedation caused by benzodiazepine medicines.… Calcium-channel blocker (migraine / vertigo) Flunarizine A medicine taken regularly to help prevent migraine and for some forms of vertigo.… Nasal corticosteroids Flunisolide A steroid nasal spray used to ease the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, such as a blocked, runny or itchy nose.… Topical corticosteroids Fluocinolone A potent steroid cream or ointment used in short courses to calm inflamed, itchy skin conditions such as eczema.… Topical corticosteroids Fluocinonide A potent steroid cream or ointment used to calm inflamed, itchy skin conditions such as flares of eczema or psoriasis.… Diagnostic eye dye Fluorescein An orange dye used to help examine the surface of the eye and, when injected, to image the blood vessels at the back of … Systemic corticosteroids Fluorometholone A steroid eye drop, used only for short prescribed courses, to reduce inflammation on the surface of the eye.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Fluorouracil A widely used chemotherapy medicine, usually given by infusion under cancer-team care, for many cancers; also a skin cre… SSRIs Fluoxetine A long-acting SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety, and the SSRI most used in younger people under specialist … Antipsychotics Flupentixol An antipsychotic for schizophrenia that can be taken as tablets or given as a long-acting 'depot' injection, with low-do… Antipsychotics Fluphenazine An older antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, often as a long-acting depot injection that lasts for weeks.… Topical corticosteroids Flurandrenolide A steroid cream, ointment and medicated tape used to calm inflamed, itchy skin conditions.… NSAIDs Flurbiprofen An anti-inflammatory painkiller used for pain and inflammation, also available as a sore-throat lozenge and as an eye dr… Anti-androgen Flutamide An anti-androgen tablet that blocks the action of testosterone, used in prostate cancer, with regular liver checks.… Inhaled corticosteroids Fluticasone An inhaled steroid "preventer" that calms airway inflammation in asthma (and some COPD) when used regularly.… Inhaled corticosteroids Fluticasone furoate A once-daily inhaled or nasal steroid used to control asthma or to ease allergic rhinitis and hay fever.… Statins Fluvastatin A statin that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke; usually taken at night.… SSRIs Fluvoxamine An SSRI antidepressant used for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, notable for some strong drug interactions.… Vitamin supplement (folate) Folic acid A B-vitamin used to prevent and treat folate-deficiency anaemia, to protect against neural-tube defects before and in ea… Folic acid Folinic acid A folate form used to 'rescue' normal cells after methotrexate and alongside some chemotherapy.… Antidote (antifreeze / methanol poisoning) Fomepizole A hospital antidote that blocks the harmful breakdown of antifreeze and methanol after poisoning.… Heparins Fondaparinux An injectable blood thinner given under the skin to treat and prevent blood clots.… Long-acting bronchodilators Formoterol A long-acting inhaled bronchodilator that keeps the airways open, used regularly in asthma and COPD — in asthma always a… Antiretrovirals Fosamprenavir A boosted HIV protease inhibitor used as part of combination therapy to control HIV.… Antiemetics Fosaprepitant An injection given with chemotherapy to help prevent sickness, especially the delayed kind.… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Foscarnet A hospital drip used for CMV and resistant herpes infections when other antivirals fail, with careful kidney monitoring.… UTI antibiotics Fosfomycin An antibiotic, usually taken as a single oral sachet, for uncomplicated urinary tract infections.… ACE inhibitors Fosinopril An ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure and support the heart.… Phenytoin Fosphenytoin An injectable medicine used in hospital for prolonged or repeated seizures, which the body turns into phenytoin.… Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) inhibitor Fostamatinib A tablet used to treat long-term immune thrombocytopenia by reducing the immune destruction of platelets.… Anti-CGRP migraine treatments Fremanezumab An under-the-skin injection given monthly or every three months to prevent migraine attacks.… Triptans Frovatriptan A long-acting triptan for migraine attacks; its longer duration makes it useful for migraines that tend to return, inclu… Oestrogen-receptor degrader (breast cancer hormone therapy) Fulvestrant A hormone therapy given by injection to treat breast cancer that is driven by the hormone oestrogen.… Loop diuretics Furosemide A strong "water tablet" (loop diuretic) used to relieve fluid overload in heart failure and kidney disease.… Topical antibiotics Fusidic acid A topical antibiotic used mainly for skin infections and some eye infections.… FGFR inhibitor (targeted therapy for bile-duct cancer) Futibatinib A targeted tablet used to treat bile-duct cancer that has particular FGFR2 gene changes.…
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Gabapentinoids Gabapentin A medicine for nerve pain and epilepsy that calms over-excitable nerves — effective for many, but a controlled drug with… Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent Gadobutrol A gadolinium-based contrast agent given into a vein to make MRI scans clearer; it is a scanning aid, not a treatment.… MRI contrast agent (diagnostic, not a treatment) Gadolinium contrast An injectable MRI contrast agent given to make scan images clearer; it is not a treatment.… Gadolinium-based MRI contrast agent Gadoterate A gadolinium-based contrast agent given into a vein to make MRI scan images clearer; it is not a treatment.… Anticholinesterase dementia drugs Galantamine A cholinesterase inhibitor used to help with the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's dementia.… Anti-CGRP migraine treatments Galcanezumab A monthly self-injection given under the skin to prevent migraine and cluster headache.… Enzyme replacement therapy (MPS VI / Maroteaux-Lamy) Galsulfase An enzyme replacement given by drip into a vein to treat mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI).… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Ganciclovir A specialist antiviral, given by drip or as an eye gel, for cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in people with weakened immu… Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist Ganirelix An injection used during IVF to prevent the ovaries releasing an egg too early in the treatment cycle.… Targeted cancer therapy (EGFR inhibitor) Gefitinib A targeted cancer tablet for EGFR-mutated lung cancer, started and monitored by oncology teams.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Gemcitabine A chemotherapy infusion, given under specialist care, for several cancers, generally well tolerated relative to some che… Prostaglandin (cervical softening and termination) Gemeprost A prostaglandin pessary used to soften and open the cervix and as part of medical termination of pregnancy, given in hos… Fibrates Gemfibrozil A fibrate medicine used to lower high levels of blood fats, especially triglycerides.… Antibody-drug conjugate (anti-CD33, AML) Gemtuzumab ozogamicin An antibody-chemotherapy treatment used for some types of acute myeloid leukaemia, given into a vein.… Aminoglycosides Gentamicin A powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic, usually given by injection in hospital for serious infections.… Azapirone antidepressant Gepirone A newer antidepressant, related to buspirone, used to treat depression; it is of limited availability.… Progestogen (contraceptive) Gestodene A progestogen hormone used in combined contraceptive pills to help prevent pregnancy.… Targeted cancer medicine (FLT3 inhibitor) Gilteritinib A targeted tablet used to treat acute myeloid leukaemia that carries an FLT3 gene change.… RNA interference (siRNA) therapy Givosiran An under-the-skin injection used to reduce attacks in acute hepatic porphyria, a group of rare inherited conditions.… Hedgehog-pathway inhibitor (AML) Glasdegib A targeted daily tablet used, with low-dose chemotherapy, for some adults with acute myeloid leukaemia.… Immunomodulator for relapsing multiple sclerosis Glatiramer An immune-calming injection used to reduce relapses in relapsing multiple sclerosis.… Hepatitis antivirals Glecaprevir A hepatitis C antiviral combined with pibrentasvir (Maviret) that often cures the infection in an eight-week course.… Sulfonylureas Glibenclamide A long-acting diabetes tablet that lowers blood sugar by prompting the pancreas to make more insulin.… Sulfonylureas Gliclazide A sulfonylurea tablet that lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by prompting the pancreas to release more insulin — eff… Sulfonylureas Glimepiride A once-daily sulfonylurea that lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by prompting the pancreas to release more insulin; … Sulfonylureas Glipizide A sulfonylurea that lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes by prompting the pancreas to release more insulin; its main ri… Bispecific antibody (CD20-CD3, lymphoma) Glofitamab An immune-engaging antibody treatment used for some types of lymphoma, given into a vein.… Rescue enzyme (methotrexate toxicity) Glucarpidase An emergency enzyme given into a vein to rapidly lower dangerously high methotrexate levels when the kidneys cannot clea… Calcium supplements Glucosamine A joint supplement taken for osteoarthritis, though the evidence for it is limited and uncertain.… Laxatives Glycerol suppositories A simple suppository inserted into the back passage to relieve constipation quickly.… Laxatives Glycerol suppository A rectal suppository that relieves constipation by softening the stool and gently stimulating the rectum, working quickl… Nitrates Glyceryl trinitrate A fast-acting nitrate spray or tablet used under the tongue to relieve or prevent a sudden angina (chest pain) attack.… Long-acting bronchodilators Glycopyrronium A once-daily maintenance inhaler that keeps the airways open in COPD.… Anti-TNF biologics Golimumab An injectable anti-TNF biologic used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerativ… Exon-skipping medicine (Duchenne muscular dystrophy) Golodirsen A specialist infusion used in certain types of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where it helps the body make a more useful f… Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) Gonadorelin A copy of the natural releasing hormone, used mainly as a test of how the pituitary gland is working.… GnRH agonists (gonadorelin analogues) Goserelin An injected hormone treatment that lowers sex hormones, used in prostate cancer, breast cancer and conditions such as en… Antiemetics Granisetron A powerful anti-sickness medicine used to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery; the m… Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) Grass pollen extract An allergen treatment that gradually trains the immune system to react less to grass pollen in severe hay fever.… Systemic antifungals Griseofulvin An older oral antifungal taken in long courses for stubborn fungal infections of the skin, hair (scalp) and nails.… Mucolytics Guaifenesin An expectorant found in cough mixtures to help loosen and clear phlegm from a chesty cough, best supported by drinking p… Adrenergic neurone blocker (antihypertensive) Guanethidine An older medicine once used to lower high blood pressure; it is now rarely used.… Alpha-2 agonist (ADHD / blood pressure) Guanfacine A non-stimulant medicine for ADHD, mainly in children and teenagers, that can also lower blood pressure.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Guselkumab An injected biologic that blocks the IL-23 immune signal, used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.…
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Topical corticosteroids Halcinonide A potent steroid cream and ointment used to calm stubborn, inflamed skin conditions.… Topical corticosteroids Halobetasol A very potent steroid cream or ointment used in short courses for severe inflammatory skin conditions.… Antipsychotics Haloperidol A long-established first-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, agitation and other conditions; it can cause m… Medical breathing gas (helium-oxygen mixture) Heliox A mixture of helium and oxygen breathed in to make it easier to move air through narrowed airways.… Heparins Heparin (unfractionated) An injectable anticoagulant ('blood thinner') used in hospital to prevent and treat blood clots.… Immunoglobulin therapy Hepatitis B immunoglobulin Ready-made antibodies given by injection to provide fast, short-lived protection after hepatitis B exposure.… Vaccines Hepatitis B vaccine A vaccine given to protect against hepatitis B; it prevents infection rather than treating it.… Diagnostic agent (blue-light cystoscopy) Hexaminolevulinate A dye put into the bladder that makes cancer tissue glow under blue light during a camera examination.… Oral antiseptic Hexylresorcinol An over-the-counter antiseptic throat lozenge ingredient used to help with the discomfort of a sore throat.… Allergen immunotherapy (desensitisation) House dust mite extract An allergen treatment that gradually trains the immune system to react less to house dust mites.… Vaccines HPV vaccine A vaccine given to protect against HPV-related cancers and genital warts; it prevents rather than treats.… Plasma volume expander (plasma protein) Human albumin A plasma protein solution given into a vein to restore blood volume or correct low albumin in specific situations.… Spreading agent (enzyme adjunct) Hyaluronidase An enzyme used to help other injected fluids or medicines spread and absorb more easily under the skin or into tissues.… Vasodilator antihypertensive Hydralazine A vasodilator that relaxes artery walls, used for high blood pressure and in heart failure.… Thiazide diuretics Hydrochlorothiazide A thiazide "water tablet" used to lower blood pressure, taken in the morning and often combined with other blood-pressur… Opioid analgesics Hydrocodone An opioid painkiller (also used for cough) that is usually combined with paracetamol and is mainly a US medicine.… Topical corticosteroids Hydrocortisone (skin cream) A mild steroid cream used in short bursts to calm the redness and itch of eczema, insect bites and minor skin inflammati… Antiseptic (oxidising agent) Hydrogen peroxide An antiseptic and oxidising solution used to clean minor wounds and as a mouthwash, which foams on contact.… Opioid analgesics Hydromorphone A strong opioid painkiller used for severe pain, including cancer pain, available in standard and slow-release forms.… Skin-lightening (depigmenting) agent Hydroquinone A skin-lightening cream used to fade areas of darkened skin, such as melasma or other patches of extra pigment.… Vitamin B12 Hydroxocobalamin An injectable form of vitamin B12 used to treat pernicious anaemia and vitamin B12 deficiency.… Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) Hydroxychloroquine A well-tolerated long-term treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and lupus — it calms immune activity gently, and needs per… Antihistamines Hydroxyzine A sedating antihistamine used to relieve itching and hives, and for short-term help with anxiety.… Antispasmodics Hyoscine butylbromide An antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscle to ease cramping abdominal pain, including in IBS.… Antimuscarinic (motion sickness) Hyoscine hydrobromide An antimuscarinic medicine used to prevent travel and motion sickness, as tablets or a skin patch.… Antispasmodics Hyoscyamine An antimuscarinic medicine that relaxes the gut to ease cramps and can dry up secretions.… Ocular lubricants Hypromellose A simple artificial tear drop that adds moisture to relieve dry, gritty or tired eyes.…
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Bisphosphonates Ibandronic acid A bisphosphonate that strengthens bone and reduces fracture risk in osteoporosis; the tablet is taken first thing on an … Oral antifungal (triterpenoid) Ibrexafungerp An antifungal tablet taken by mouth to treat vaginal thrush (a yeast infection).… Targeted cancer therapy (BTK inhibitor) Ibrutinib A targeted cancer tablet for some leukaemias and lymphomas, with particular attention to bleeding and heart rhythm.… NSAIDs Ibuprofen A widely used anti-inflammatory painkiller for pain, inflammation and fever — effective, but best taken at the lowest he… Antiarrhythmic (intravenous) Ibutilide A medicine given into a vein in hospital to convert recent-onset atrial fibrillation or flutter back to a normal heart r… Hereditary angioedema treatment (acute) Icatibant A self-injection used to treat an acute attack of hereditary angioedema, a condition causing sudden severe swelling.… Peritoneal dialysis solution (fluid removal) Icodextrin A glucose-polymer solution used in peritoneal dialysis to draw fluid out of the body.… Purified omega-3 (EPA) Icosapent ethyl A purified fish-oil (EPA) capsule used to reduce cardiovascular risk in people with high triglycerides who are already o… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Idarubicin An anthracycline chemotherapy medicine used mainly for leukaemia, with heart muscle damage as its key cumulative risk.… Dabigatran reversal agent Idarucizumab An emergency antidote that quickly reverses the blood-thinning effect of dabigatran.… Targeted cancer medicine (PI3K-delta inhibitor) Idelalisib A targeted tablet used for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and some lymphomas, given with close monitoring for liver, bowe… Enzyme replacement therapy (MPS II / Hunter) Idursulfase A weekly drip that replaces the missing enzyme in MPS II (Hunter syndrome), an inherited lysosomal storage disorder.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Ifosfamide A chemotherapy medicine given by drip in hospital to treat certain cancers.… Antipsychotics Iloperidone A second-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, with the dose built up slowly to avoid dizziness.… Prostacyclin (inhaled) Iloprost An inhaled prostacyclin that widens the lung arteries, given by frequent nebuliser sessions through the day for pulmonar… Targeted cancer therapy (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) Imatinib A targeted cancer tablet for chronic myeloid leukaemia and some other cancers, started and monitored by specialists.… Telomerase inhibitor Imetelstat A specialist medicine used to treat transfusion-dependent anaemia in certain adults with lower-risk myelodysplastic synd… ACE inhibitors Imidapril An ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels to lower high blood pressure.… Enzyme replacement therapy (Gaucher disease) Imiglucerase A regular drip that replaces the missing enzyme in Gaucher disease, an inherited lysosomal storage disorder.… Carbapenems Imipenem A powerful hospital antibiotic, given with cilastatin into a vein, used for serious infections.… Carbapenems Imipenem with relebactam A hospital antibiotic given by drip to treat serious infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria.… Tricyclic antidepressants Imipramine One of the original tricyclic antidepressants, used for depression and also for night-time bed-wetting in children, effe… Topical immune-response modifier Imiquimod A skin cream that prompts the body's own immune system to clear genital warts, sun-damaged skin patches and some superfi… Cholesterol-lowering (small interfering RNA) Inclisiran An injection given by a healthcare professional that lowers LDL cholesterol and, after starter doses, is needed only twi… Long-acting bronchodilators Indacaterol A once-daily long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) inhaler used as regular maintenance treatment for COPD — not a rescue rel… Thiazide diuretics Indapamide A thiazide-like "water tablet" used to lower blood pressure, taken in the morning and usually well tolerated.… Antiretrovirals Indinavir An older HIV protease inhibitor used in combination therapy, well known for causing kidney stones if fluids are not kept… Diagnostic imaging dye Indocyanine green A green dye used as a diagnostic tool in eye imaging, liver tests and surgery, not as a treatment.… NSAIDs Indometacin A powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) used mainly for short, sharp flares such as acute gout.… NSAIDs Indomethacin A strong anti-inflammatory painkiller used for gout, arthritis and other inflammatory pain, and in newborn babies to clo… Alpha-blockers (prostate) Indoramin An alpha-blocker used for the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate and, less often, for high blood pressure.… Anti-TNF biologics Infliximab An anti-TNF biologic, usually given as an infusion, used for inflammatory arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.… Vaccines Influenza vaccine A vaccine given each year to help protect against seasonal flu (influenza).… Topical treatment for actinic keratosis Ingenol mebutate A short-course gel used to treat sun-damaged skin patches (actinic keratosis); its UK and EU availability has been suspe… Antisense oligonucleotide Inotersen An under-the-skin injection used for the nerve disease caused by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.… Antibody-drug conjugate (anti-CD22, ALL) Inotuzumab ozogamicin An antibody-chemotherapy treatment used for some adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, given into a vein.… Insulin Insulin aspart A rapid-acting (mealtime) insulin injected around eating to cover the rise in blood glucose after food.… Insulin Insulin degludec An ultra-long-acting (basal) insulin giving very steady background cover, taken once a day.… Insulin Insulin detemir A long-acting (basal) insulin that gives background insulin cover, often taken once or twice a day.… Insulin Insulin glargine A long-acting (basal) insulin that gives steady background insulin cover, usually injected once a day.… Rapid-acting insulin Insulin glulisine A fast-acting mealtime insulin that lowers the rise in blood sugar after eating, used in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.… Insulin Insulin icodec A long-acting insulin injected once a week to provide steady background blood-sugar control in diabetes.… Insulin Insulin lispro A rapid-acting (mealtime) insulin injected around eating to cover the rise in blood glucose after food.… Interferons Interferon gamma-1b A specialist injection that adjusts the immune system, used in chronic granulomatous disease and severe osteopetrosis.… Diagnostic contrast agent (iodine-based) Iodinated contrast media An iodine-based dye used to make X-ray, CT and angiography scans clearer; it is not a treatment.… Iodine supplement (thyroid) Iodine supplement A supplement that provides iodine, the mineral the thyroid uses to make its hormones, used for deficiency and in some sp… Amoebicide (gut-acting) Iodoquinol An older medicine that clears amoebae living in the gut, usually given as a follow-on after the main infection is treate… Iodine-based X-ray and CT contrast agent Iohexol An iodine-based contrast agent given by injection to make X-ray and CT scan images clearer; it is not a treatment.… Iodine-based X-ray and CT contrast agent Iomeprol An iodine-based contrast agent given by injection to make X-ray and CT scan images clearer; it is not a treatment.… Iodine-based X-ray and CT contrast agent Iopamidol An iodine-based contrast agent given by injection to make X-ray and CT scan images clearer; it is not a treatment.… Older emetic and cough expectorant (largely historical) Ipecacuanha An older plant-derived medicine once used to cause vomiting in poisoning, now no longer recommended for that, and occasi… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-CTLA-4) Ipilimumab A cancer immunotherapy given as a drip that strongly helps the immune system attack cancer, often combined with nivoluma… Short-acting bronchodilators Ipratropium An inhaled bronchodilator that relaxes and opens the airways in COPD and asthma, also used as a nasal spray for a runny … Nasal corticosteroids Ipratropium (nasal spray) A nasal spray for a constantly runny nose (rhinorrhoea), which dries up the watery discharge but does not relieve a bloc… ARBs Irbesartan An angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) for high blood pressure that also helps protect the kidneys in diabetic kidney dis… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Irinotecan A chemotherapy given by drip, mainly for bowel cancer, where managing diarrhoea is key.… Intravenous iron Iron sucrose An iron treatment given by drip or injection into a vein, used when iron tablets are unsuitable or not enough, often in … Systemic antifungals Isavuconazole An azole antifungal for serious invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis, with many drug interactions.… MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Isocarboxazid An older MAOI antidepressant reserved for resistant depression, needing a strict low-tyramine diet.… General anaesthetic (inhaled) Isoflurane An older inhaled anaesthetic used mainly to keep people asleep during surgery; pungent, so not used to send people to sl… Tuberculosis drugs Isoniazid A core antibiotic used as part of tuberculosis (TB) treatment, and to prevent active TB in some people.… Insulin Isophane insulin An intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin used for background cover, with a noticeable peak in its action.… Intravenous beta-agonist (heart-rate support) Isoprenaline A hospital drip used to temporarily speed up a dangerously slow heartbeat, such as in serious heart block, until more pe… Nitrates Isosorbide dinitrate A nitrate used to prevent and relieve angina by widening blood vessels; it must never be combined with erection medicine… Nitrates Isosorbide mononitrate A long-acting nitrate taken regularly to prevent angina (chest pain) rather than to treat a sudden attack.… Laxatives Ispaghula husk A bulk-forming laxative (fibre) that must be taken with plenty of water; never take it just before lying down because of… Calcium-channel blockers Isradipine A calcium-channel blocker that relaxes and widens blood vessels to lower blood pressure.… Prokinetic (gut-motility) medicine for indigestion Itopride A gut-motility medicine used to relieve the symptoms of functional dyspepsia, such as fullness, bloating and early satie… Azole antifungals Itraconazole An oral antifungal for nail, skin and deeper fungal infections; it has many drug interactions and needs care in heart an… Ivabradine Ivabradine A medicine that slows the heart rate without lowering blood pressure — used in some people with heart failure or angina … CFTR modulator (cystic fibrosis) Ivacaftor A CFTR potentiator that helps the faulty CFTR protein work better in people with certain cystic fibrosis gene changes.… Scabies and lice treatments Ivermectin An antiparasitic taken by mouth for scabies, and used as a cream for rosacea.… IDH1 inhibitor (AML and bile-duct cancer) Ivosidenib A targeted daily tablet used for some cancers, including acute myeloid leukaemia and bile-duct cancer, that have an IDH1… Proteasome inhibitor (oral) Ixazomib An oral capsule used to treat multiple myeloma, taken together with lenalidomide and a steroid.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Ixekizumab An injected biologic that blocks the IL-17 immune signal, used for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarth…
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Antidiarrhoeals Kaolin and morphine mixture A traditional liquid medicine for short-term diarrhoea that combines kaolin with morphine, an opioid that slows the gut.… General anaesthetic / analgesic (intravenous) Ketamine An anaesthetic that sends people to sleep for procedures and gives strong pain relief, often used in emergencies, trauma… Azole antifungals Ketoconazole An azole antifungal used in the UK mainly as a cream or shampoo for fungal skin conditions and dandruff.… NSAIDs Ketoprofen An NSAID used to relieve pain and inflammation, available as capsules and as a gel, and known for making the skin more s… NSAID (short-term pain) Ketorolac A strong anti-inflammatory painkiller used for short-term moderate to severe pain, often after surgery, in short courses… Antihistamines Ketotifen An antihistamine with mast-cell-stabilising action, available as tablets for allergy and as eye drops for allergic conju…
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Beta-blockers Labetalol A beta-blocker that lowers blood pressure and is one of the preferred options in pregnancy; it should not be stopped sud… Calcium-channel blockers Lacidipine A long-acting calcium-channel blocker that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure; ankle swelling and flushing ar… Levetiracetam Lacosamide An anti-epileptic medicine used to help control focal (partial) seizures, on its own or with other treatments.… Laxatives Lactulose An osmotic laxative that softens stools by drawing water into the bowel; it takes a day or two to work and is also used … Antiretrovirals Lamivudine A well-established antiretroviral used in combination treatment for HIV and also for chronic hepatitis B.… Antiepileptic drugs Lamotrigine A well-tolerated epilepsy medicine, also used to stabilise mood in bipolar disorder — introduced slowly because of the r… Hereditary angioedema prevention Lanadelumab A regular under-the-skin injection used to prevent attacks of hereditary angioedema.… Beta-blockers Landiolol A very short-acting beta-blocker drip used in hospital to quickly slow a fast heart rhythm, with an effect that wears of… Octreotide Lanreotide A long-acting injection for acromegaly and certain neuroendocrine tumours, usually given about once a month.… Proton pump inhibitors Lansoprazole A proton pump inhibitor much like omeprazole, with a melt-in-mouth form useful for swallowing difficulty.… Phosphate binders Lanthanum carbonate A non-calcium phosphate binder taken with meals to lower high phosphate levels in people with kidney disease.… Enzyme replacement therapy (MPS I / Hurler) Laronidase A regular drip that replaces the missing enzyme in MPS I (Hurler, Hurler-Scheie and Scheie), an inherited lysosomal stor… Targeted cancer medicine (NTRK inhibitor) Larotrectinib A targeted tablet used for cancers carrying an NTRK gene fusion, regardless of where the cancer started, and generally w… Ditan (acute migraine) Lasmiditan An oral tablet taken during a migraine attack that works on serotonin without narrowing blood vessels.… Glaucoma eye drops Latanoprost A first-line once-daily eye drop for glaucoma that lowers the pressure inside the eye; it can permanently darken the iri… Glaucoma eye drops Latanoprostene bunod A once-daily eye drop that lowers raised pressure inside the eye to protect against glaucoma damage.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Lebrikizumab An under-the-skin injection used to treat moderate to severe eczema by blocking a key immune signal that drives the infl… Hepatitis antivirals Ledipasvir A hepatitis C antiviral combined with sofosbuvir (Harvoni) to cure the infection in a short course.… Pleuromutilin antibiotic Lefamulin An antibiotic used to treat community-acquired pneumonia (a lung infection), given by drip or as a tablet.… Methotrexate Leflunomide A disease-modifying medicine for inflammatory arthritis that is harmful in pregnancy and needs blood-pressure and liver … Antiretrovirals Lenacapavir A long-acting HIV medicine, mostly given by injection, used for difficult-to-treat HIV and for HIV prevention.… Immunomodulatory medicine (blood cancers) Lenalidomide An immune-modulating medicine used to treat myeloma and some other blood cancers, used under specialist care with strict… G-CSF (growth factors) Lenograstim An injection that prompts the bone marrow to make more infection-fighting white blood cells.… Targeted cancer medicine (multikinase inhibitor) Lenvatinib A targeted tablet used for several cancers, given with close monitoring of blood pressure and watching for bleeding and … Calcium-channel blockers Lercanidipine A once-daily calcium-channel blocker that lowers blood pressure by relaxing and widening the arteries.… Antiviral (cytomegalovirus prevention) Letermovir An antiviral used to prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection after a stem-cell transplant.… Aromatase inhibitors Letrozole An aromatase inhibitor that lowers oestrogen, used for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer after the menopause.… GnRH agonists (gonadorelin analogues) Leuprorelin An injected hormone treatment that lowers sex hormones, used in prostate cancer, breast cancer and conditions such as en… Anthelmintic and immune-modifier Levamisole An anti-worm medicine that is also used by specialists to reduce the need for steroids in some childhood kidney disease.… Antiepileptic drugs Levetiracetam A widely used, easy-to-start epilepsy medicine with few drug interactions — effective across many seizure types, though … Glaucoma eye drops Levobunolol A beta-blocker eye drop that lowers pressure inside the eye in glaucoma, used once or twice daily.… Local anaesthetics Levobupivacaine A long-acting local anaesthetic for epidurals, spinals and nerve blocks, developed to be gentler on the heart than bupiv… Antihistamines Levocetirizine A once-daily, less-sedating antihistamine for hay fever and hives; non-drowsy for most people, though it can still cause… Levodopa Levodopa The most effective medicine for the movement symptoms of Parkinson’s disease — it replaces the brain’s missing dopamine,… Fluoroquinolones Levofloxacin A fluoroquinolone antibiotic reserved for certain serious infections because of important safety warnings.… Topical cooling agent (counter-irritant) Levomenthol (menthol) An over-the-counter cooling agent applied to the skin to relieve itching and minor aches, or inhaled to ease a stuffy no… Antipsychotics Levomepromazine A sedating antipsychotic used in psychosis but, in UK practice, most often in palliative care for nausea, agitation and … SNRIs Levomilnacipran An SNRI antidepressant used to treat depression; it is largely a US product and not widely used in the UK.… Progestogen-only contraception Levonorgestrel A progestogen hormone used in the progestogen-only pill, in the hormonal coil (IUS), and as a 'morning-after' emergency … Opioid analgesics Levorphanol A strong, long-acting opioid painkiller used for severe pain, and a controlled drug.… Intravenous calcium-sensitiser inotrope Levosimendan A hospital drip used in acute, severe worsening of heart failure to help the heart pump more strongly.… Antiemetics Levosulpiride A dopamine-blocking medicine used as an anti-sickness treatment and to ease the symptoms of indigestion.… Thyroid hormone replacement Levothyroxine The standard treatment for an underactive thyroid — a daily tablet that simply replaces the thyroid hormone your body is… Local anaesthetics Lidocaine A common, fast-acting local anaesthetic used to numb the body for dental work, minor surgery and skin procedures, and so… Dry eye disease eye drops Lifitegrast Eye drops used to treat the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.… Guanylate-cyclase-C agonist for IBS with constipation Linaclotide A medicine used for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, helping the bowels move and easing tummy pain and bloati… DPP-4 inhibitors Linagliptin A once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetes that gently lowers blood sugar with a low risk of hypos and little effect on wei… Lincosamide antibiotic (older) Lincomycin An older lincosamide antibiotic, related to clindamycin, used much less often now because of the risk of serious bowel i… Macrolide antibiotics Linezolid An antibiotic used for certain serious bacterial infections, including some resistant ones, usually under specialist gui… BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody Linvoseltamab A hospital-given antibody that brings immune cells together with myeloma cells to help destroy them.… Levothyroxine Liothyronine A fast-acting thyroid hormone (T3) used in specific underactive-thyroid situations rather than as routine treatment.… Intravenous fat (parenteral nutrition); local-anaesthetic toxicity antidote Lipid emulsion The fat part of feeding given into a vein, providing energy and essential fats, and also used as an emergency antidote f… GLP-1 receptor agonists Liraglutide A once-daily injection that lowers blood sugar and reduces appetite, used for type 2 diabetes and, separately, for weigh… ADHD stimulant medicines Lisdexamfetamine A long-acting stimulant prodrug of dexamfetamine for ADHD, giving a smoother, longer effect.… ACE inhibitors Lisinopril A common once-daily ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure and heart failure, and to protect the kidneys.… Lithium Lithium carbonate A mood stabiliser used to treat and prevent the mood swings of bipolar disorder, needing regular blood tests because of … GLP-1 receptor agonist Lixisenatide An injectable medicine that helps lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, working with the body's own blood-sugar controls… Mast-cell-stabiliser eye drops Lodoxamide Mast-cell-stabiliser eye drops used regularly to prevent and ease allergic eye symptoms.… Tricyclic antidepressants Lofepramine A tricyclic antidepressant for depression that tends to be better tolerated and safer in overdose than older tricyclics.… Opioid-withdrawal medicine Lofexidine A non-opioid medicine that eases the physical symptoms of opioid withdrawal during detox.… Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) inhibitor Lomitapide A specialist cholesterol-lowering medicine used for a rare inherited condition with very high cholesterol.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Lomustine An oral chemotherapy capsule used for some brain tumours and Hodgkin lymphoma, taken as a single dose every several week… Growth hormone Lonapegsomatropin A long-acting growth hormone given as a weekly injection to treat growth hormone deficiency in children.… Antibody-drug conjugate (anti-CD19, lymphoma) Loncastuximab tesirine An antibody-chemotherapy treatment used for some types of lymphoma, given into a vein.… Antidiarrhoeals Loperamide An over-the-counter medicine that slows the gut to control short-term diarrhoea — safe used as directed, but not for dia… Antiretrovirals Lopinavir An HIV protease inhibitor, always combined with ritonavir (as Kaletra), used as part of combination treatment for HIV.… Cephalosporins Loracarbef An oral antibiotic, similar to cephalosporins, used for bacterial infections.… Antihistamines Loratadine A non-drowsy, once-daily antihistamine for hay fever and itchy rashes, available over the counter.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Lorazepam A benzodiazepine used for short-term relief of severe anxiety and a number of other situations, valued for its relativel… ALK tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Lorlatinib A targeted treatment for advanced lung cancer with an ALK gene change, taken as a daily tablet.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Lormetazepam A benzodiazepine sleeping tablet for the short-term treatment of insomnia.… ARBs Losartan An angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) for high blood pressure and heart failure, often used when an ACE inhibitor causes… Systemic corticosteroids Loteprednol A steroid eye drop used to calm inflammation of the eye, such as after eye surgery or in certain eye conditions.… Statins Lovastatin A statin used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.… Antipsychotics Loxapine An antipsychotic medicine; its inhaled form is used in hospital settings to calm sudden agitation in psychosis or bipola… Chloride-channel activator for constipation and IBS-C Lubiprostone A medicine for chronic constipation and IBS with constipation that draws fluid into the bowel to soften stools.… Topical antifungals Luliconazole An antifungal cream applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.… CFTR modulator (cystic fibrosis) Lumacaftor A CFTR corrector combined with ivacaftor for people with two copies of the F508del cystic fibrosis gene change.… RNA interference (siRNA) therapy Lumasiran An under-the-skin injection used to treat primary hyperoxaluria type 1 by reducing how much oxalate the liver makes.… Antipsychotics Lumateperone A newer once-daily antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and for bipolar depression.… Antipsychotics Lurasidone A second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, often chosen for its relatively favourable effect on weight an… Erythroid maturation agent (anaemia) Luspatercept An injection used to help anaemia in certain blood conditions and reduce the need for blood transfusions.… Thrombopoietin-receptor agonist (pre-procedure) Lusutrombopag A tablet used for a short course to raise platelets before a planned procedure in people with chronic liver disease.… Radiopharmaceutical (targeted radionuclide therapy) Lutetium (177Lu) oxodotreotide A targeted radioactive medicine given by drip to treat certain neuroendocrine tumours.… Tetracyclines Lymecycline A tetracycline antibiotic taken by mouth, used mainly for moderate acne.…
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Endothelin receptor antagonist Macitentan A once-daily oral medicine that widens the lung arteries for pulmonary arterial hypertension, with anaemia and fluid ret… Laxatives Macrogol An osmotic laxative that draws water into the bowel to soften stool and relieve constipation.… Laxatives Magnesium citrate An osmotic laxative used for constipation and to clear the bowel before procedures, working by drawing water into the gu… Laxatives Magnesium hydroxide A gentle osmotic laxative that also works as an antacid, best known as milk of magnesia.… Magnesium supplements Magnesium sulfate A magnesium salt used at home as Epsom salts and in hospital as an injection for serious conditions.… Scabies and lice treatments Malathion A lotion used to treat head lice, and as an alternative treatment for scabies.… Osmotic diuretic Mannitol A specialist medicine given by drip to pull excess fluid out of tissues, used to reduce raised pressure in the brain or … Inhaled osmotic (cystic fibrosis) Mannitol (inhaled) An inhaled dry powder that draws water into the airways to help loosen and clear sticky mucus in cystic fibrosis.… Tricyclic antidepressants Maprotiline An older, sedating antidepressant used for depression, related to the tricyclics.… IBAT inhibitor (cholestatic itch) Maralixibat A medicine taken by mouth to relieve severe itching caused by certain cholestatic liver conditions.… Antiretrovirals Maraviroc An HIV medicine that blocks the virus from entering cells, used in combination treatment after a special test.… Anti-HER2 antibody (breast cancer) Margetuximab A HER2-targeting antibody treatment used, with chemotherapy, for some HER2-positive breast cancers, given into a vein.… Antiviral (cytomegalovirus, post-transplant) Maribavir An oral antiviral used to treat cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in people who have had a transplant, when other CMV medi… Anthelmintics Mebendazole A worm treatment used mainly for threadworm, and for some other intestinal worm infections.… Antispasmodics Mebeverine An antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscle to relieve the cramping pain and spasm of irritable bowel syndrome.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Mechlorethamine A nitrogen-mustard chemotherapy used as a skin gel for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and, in some regimens, given into a vei… NSAIDs Meclofenamate An anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) used for pain and inflammation, known particularly for causing diarrhoea.… Antihistamines Meclozine A sedating antihistamine used to prevent and ease nausea, vomiting and travel sickness.… Mucolytics Mecysteine An oral mucolytic that loosens and thins sticky phlegm so it is easier to cough up.… Medical gas (oxygen) Medical oxygen Oxygen gas given as a treatment to correct or prevent low blood-oxygen levels, aimed at a target oxygen level rather tha… Progestogen-only contraception Medroxyprogesterone A progestogen hormone available as tablets and as the long-acting 'Depo' contraceptive injection given every few months.… NSAIDs Mefenamic acid An anti-inflammatory painkiller widely used for period pain and heavy periods; it is taken with food, can upset the stom… Antimalarials Mefloquine A once-weekly antimalarial tablet for preventing malaria, with important mental and mood side effects.… Progestogen (appetite stimulant; hormone-sensitive cancer) Megestrol A progestogen medicine used to stimulate appetite and weight gain in cancer- or AIDS-related wasting, and in some hormon… Arsenical antiprotozoal (sleeping sickness) Melarsoprol An arsenic-based medicine used in hospital for the late brain stage of African sleeping sickness.… Melatonin Melatonin A version of the body’s natural sleep hormone — used mainly for short-term insomnia in older adults, for sleep problems … NSAIDs Meloxicam A once-daily NSAID that eases joint pain, swelling and stiffness in arthritis, with the usual NSAID risks to the stomach… NMDA receptor antagonist (dementia) Memantine A dementia medicine used in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease — it does not cure or stop the illness, but can help … Vaccines Meningococcal vaccine A vaccine that helps protect against meningococcal disease, a serious infection that can cause meningitis and septicaemi… Topical soothing / counter-irritant Menthol A cooling cream that relieves itch (pruritus), commonly used as menthol in aqueous cream.… Antiprotozoal / antimalarial (also lupus, giardia) Mepacrine An older medicine used for giardia, some types of skin lupus, and occasionally malaria.… Phenytoin Mephenytoin An old hydantoin anti-epileptic medicine, now obsolete because it caused serious blood and skin problems.… Local anaesthetics Mepivacaine A local anaesthetic used mainly in dentistry and for regional nerve blocks, given by trained professionals to numb a par… Interleukin-targeting biologics Mepolizumab An add-on injection for severe eosinophilic asthma that reduces flare-ups by targeting a specific part of the immune sys… Carbamate anti-anxiety sedative (obsolete) Meprobamate An old anti-anxiety sedative, now obsolete because of dependence, dangerous withdrawal and overdose risks.… Opioid analgesic Meptazinol An opioid painkiller used for moderate to severe pain, including after surgery and during labour.… Antihistamines Mepyramine An antihistamine used mainly as a cream to ease the itch and irritation of insect bites and stings.… Azathioprine Mercaptopurine A thiopurine used to treat some leukaemias and inflammatory bowel disease, with regular blood-count monitoring.… Carbapenems Meropenem A carbapenem antibiotic given by injection in hospital to treat serious bacterial infections.… Carbapenems Meropenem with vaborbactam A hospital antibiotic given into a vein, combining a carbapenem with a protective partner medicine to treat serious resi… Aminosalicylates Mesalazine An anti-inflammatory medicine that acts directly on the bowel lining to treat and prevent flares of ulcerative colitis.… Uroprotective agent (chemotherapy bladder protection) Mesna A protective medicine given alongside the chemotherapy drugs cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide to guard the bladder from d… Succinimide anti-epileptic (absence seizures) Mesuximide An older anti-epileptic from the succinimide family, used for absence seizures and now rarely needed.… Vasopressor (raises blood pressure) Metaraminol A hospital injection used to raise blood pressure that has dropped too low, often during anaesthesia.… Skeletal muscle relaxants Metaxalone A muscle relaxant used for the short-term relief of muscle spasm, alongside rest and physiotherapy.… Biguanides Metformin The usual first-choice tablet for type 2 diabetes — it lowers blood sugar without causing weight gain and, taken alone, … Tetracyclines Methacycline An older tetracycline antibiotic used by mouth for bacterial infections.… Opioid substitution therapy Methadone A long-acting opioid taken daily by mouth to treat opioid dependence, and sometimes used for severe pain.… Acetazolamide Methazolamide A carbonic-anhydrase-inhibitor tablet used to lower the pressure inside the eye in glaucoma.… Antihistamines Methdilazine An older sedating antihistamine used to ease itching and allergy symptoms.… Urinary antiseptic (UTI prevention) Methenamine A urinary antiseptic used to help prevent recurrent urinary tract infections by releasing formaldehyde in acidic urine.… Antithyroid medicine Methimazole (thiamazole) An antithyroid medicine that reduces the production of thyroid hormone to control an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism… Skeletal muscle relaxants Methocarbamol A muscle relaxant used for short-term relief of painful muscle spasm, usually alongside rest and other measures.… Short-acting barbiturate general anaesthetic Methohexital A fast-acting barbiturate given by injection to start (induce) general anaesthesia, often used during electroconvulsive … Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) Methotrexate A cornerstone treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and severe psoriasis that calms an overactive immune system — taken onc… Psoralen (used with UVA light, PUVA) Methoxsalen A psoralen taken or applied before controlled UVA light treatment (PUVA) for skin conditions such as psoriasis and vitil… Antispasmodics Methscopolamine An antimuscarinic medicine used to ease gut spasm and as an add-on in peptic ulcer treatment.… Topical rubefacient (counter-irritant) Methyl salicylate (oil of wintergreen) An over-the-counter warming rub applied to the skin to relieve minor muscle and joint aches.… Laxatives Methylcellulose A bulk-forming laxative that adds bulk to the stool to ease constipation, taken with plenty of fluid.… Centrally-acting antihypertensive Methyldopa A centrally-acting blood pressure medicine, particularly favoured in pregnancy.… Ergot medicine to contract the womb (after childbirth) Methylergometrine An ergot medicine given after a baby is born to help the womb contract and control heavy bleeding.… Peripherally-acting opioid blocker (for opioid constipation) Methylnaltrexone An opioid blocker that relieves opioid-induced constipation without reversing the pain relief.… ADHD stimulant medicines Methylphenidate A stimulant medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults.… Systemic corticosteroids Methylprednisolone A steroid medicine used to reduce inflammation and calm the immune system, given as tablets, injections or joint injecti… Testosterone replacement Methyltestosterone An older oral androgen used for testosterone replacement and some conditions, now largely replaced by other testosterone… Antidote and surgical dye (methaemoglobinaemia) Methylthioninium chloride An antidote, also called methylene blue, used to treat methaemoglobinaemia and as a dye in some surgery.… Ergot-derived migraine and cluster-headache preventer Methysergide An older ergot medicine used short-term, under specialist care, to prevent severe migraine and cluster headache.… Tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor (phaeochromocytoma) Metirosine A specialist medicine that lowers the body's production of adrenaline-like chemicals in people with a phaeochromocytoma.… Antiemetics Metoclopramide A short-term anti-sickness medicine that also speeds stomach emptying; used only briefly because of a risk of movement s… Thiazide diuretics Metolazone A potent thiazide-like water tablet used, often with a loop diuretic, to clear stubborn fluid.… Antiemetics Metopimazine A dopamine-blocking anti-sickness medicine used to prevent and ease nausea and vomiting.… Beta-blockers Metoprolol A beta-blocker used for high blood pressure, heart failure and irregular heart rhythms; never stopped abruptly.… Leptin replacement therapy Metreleptin A daily under-the-skin injection that replaces the hormone leptin in people with lipodystrophy.… Antibiotic / antiprotozoal (nitroimidazole) Metronidazole An antibiotic used for infections caused by anaerobic bacteria and certain parasites — including dental infections, some… Cortisol synthesis inhibitor (Cushing's syndrome) Metyrapone A specialist medicine used to lower high cortisol in Cushing's syndrome by blocking the final step of cortisol productio… Oral antiarrhythmic (also used for myotonia) Mexiletine An oral medicine used to steady abnormal heart rhythms and to ease the muscle stiffness of myotonia.… Extended-spectrum (anti-pseudomonal) penicillin antibiotic Mezlocillin An older broad-acting penicillin antibiotic, given by injection in hospital, now largely replaced by newer medicines.… Systemic antifungals Micafungin A hospital antifungal drip (echinocandin) used for serious invasive candida infections.… Topical antifungals Miconazole An antifungal applied to the skin, used in the mouth as a gel, or used vaginally to treat thrush and fungal skin infecti… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Midazolam A short-acting benzodiazepine used for sedation during procedures, to stop prolonged seizures, and in palliative care.… Vasopressor (for low blood pressure) Midodrine A medicine that raises blood pressure in people with severe orthostatic (standing) hypotension.… Multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Midostaurin A targeted treatment taken as capsules for FLT3-positive acute myeloid leukaemia and certain mast cell disorders.… Antiprogestogen Mifepristone A medicine that blocks progesterone, used under medical supervision in the management of miscarriage and in ending a pre… Chaperone therapy (Fabry disease, oral) Migalastat An oral chaperone medicine for Fabry disease in people with a suitable (amenable) gene change.… Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (type 2 diabetes) Miglitol A type 2 diabetes medicine that slows carbohydrate digestion, taken with the first bite of each meal.… Substrate-reduction therapy (Gaucher / Niemann-Pick C) Miglustat An oral capsule that reduces production of the stored substance, used in mild-to-moderate Gaucher disease when enzyme th… SNRIs Milnacipran An SNRI used mainly to ease the pain of fibromyalgia, and as an antidepressant in some countries.… Inotrope (phosphodiesterase inhibitor) Milrinone A hospital drip used to help the heart pump more strongly in severe heart failure.… Antileishmanial (oral) Miltefosine An oral medicine used to treat leishmaniasis, a parasitic infection, taken under specialist care.… Tetracyclines Minocycline A tetracycline antibiotic taken by mouth for moderate acne, working on both the bacteria and the inflammation behind spo… Vasodilator (also hair-loss treatment) Minoxidil A strong vasodilator for resistant high blood pressure; the same drug applied to the scalp treats hair loss.… Bladder antimuscarinics Mirabegron A bladder medicine that relaxes the bladder muscle to reduce urgency and frequent urination.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Mirikizumab A specialist antibody medicine used to treat inflammatory bowel disease such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.… Antidepressant (mirtazapine, a NaSSA) Mirtazapine An antidepressant that also aids sleep and appetite — often chosen when poor sleep, anxiety or weight loss are prominent… Antibody-drug conjugate (folate-receptor-alpha) Mirvetuximab soravtansine A targeted antibody-drug conjugate used to treat some types of ovarian cancer, given as a drip into a vein.… Prostaglandin (ulcer protection / obstetric) Misoprostol A prostaglandin medicine used to protect the stomach from anti-inflammatory ulcers and, separately, in obstetric and gyn… Pyruvate-kinase activator (haemolytic anaemia) Mitapivat A specialist medicine for pyruvate-kinase-deficiency haemolytic anaemia, an inherited cause of red-cell breakdown.… Alkylating chemotherapy agent (historical) Mitobronitol An old chemotherapy medicine, now obsolete, once used to control chronic myeloid leukaemia.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Mitomycin A chemotherapy medicine used for some cancers, as a bladder wash for bladder cancer, and in some eye surgery.… Adrenal cytotoxic agent (adrenocortical carcinoma) Mitotane A specialist medicine used to treat cancer of the adrenal gland, which also suppresses the gland's normal hormone produc… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Mitoxantrone A chemotherapy medicine used for some leukaemias and prostate cancer, and occasionally for aggressive multiple sclerosis… Neuromuscular blocker (non-depolarising) Mivacurium A short-acting muscle relaxant given by an anaesthetist, useful for shorter procedures.… Antihistamines Mizolastine A once-daily, low-drowsiness antihistamine for hay fever and itchy rashes.… Vaccines MMR vaccine A single combined vaccine that protects against three infections: measles, mumps and rubella (German measles).… EGFR exon 20 tyrosine kinase inhibitor Mobocertinib A targeted tablet used to treat a specific type of lung cancer driven by a particular EGFR gene change.… MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Moclobemide A newer, reversible MAOI with far less dietary risk than older MAOIs, used for depression and social anxiety.… Wakefulness-promoting agent Modafinil A wakefulness-promoting medicine used to reduce excessive daytime sleepiness, chiefly in narcolepsy.… ACE inhibitors Moexipril An ACE inhibitor used to lower high blood pressure, known for a dry cough and the need to avoid pregnancy.… Antipsychotics Molindone An older first-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, mainly available in the United States.… Antiviral (COVID-19, oral) Molnupiravir An oral COVID-19 capsule for early treatment in higher-risk people, taken as a short course.… JAK inhibitors Momelotinib A daily tablet used to treat myelofibrosis, especially helpful in people who also have anaemia.… Nasal corticosteroids Mometasone A steroid nasal spray that controls hay fever and other nasal allergy symptoms when used regularly.… Nasal corticosteroids Mometasone (nasal spray) A steroid nasal spray for hay fever, persistent allergic rhinitis and nasal polyps that works best with regular use and … Leukotriene receptor antagonists Montelukast A once-daily tablet that helps control asthma and hay fever by blocking inflammatory chemicals — useful as an add-on, bu… Opioid analgesics Morphine A strong opioid for severe pain, available as fast-acting and slow-release forms — a controlled drug with real risks of … CD20-CD3 bispecific antibody Mosunetuzumab A bispecific antibody used to treat some lymphomas by bringing immune cells together with cancer cells.… Fluoroquinolones Moxifloxacin A broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone antibiotic kept in reserve for certain serious infections; it carries important safety … Clonidine Moxonidine A centrally acting tablet that lowers blood pressure by calming nerve signals from the brain, usually used as an add-on … Topical antibiotics Mupirocin A topical antibiotic used for skin infections such as impetigo, and in the nose to clear MRSA.…
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Antiemetics Nabilone A man-made cannabis-related medicine for chemotherapy sickness when standard anti-sickness drugs have not worked.… Cannabis-extract treatment (multiple sclerosis spasticity) Nabiximols A cannabis-extract mouth spray used to ease muscle stiffness and spasms in multiple sclerosis.… NSAIDs Nabumetone An NSAID used mainly for the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, taken once a day.… Beta-blockers Nadolol A non-selective beta-blocker used for high blood pressure, angina and the prevention of migraine.… Penicillins Nafcillin An injected penicillin antibiotic used mainly to treat infections caused by staph bacteria.… Peripheral vasodilator Naftidrofuryl A generally well-tolerated medicine for leg pain on walking caused by poor circulation in the legs.… Topical antifungals Naftifine An antifungal cream or gel put on the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.… Opioid analgesics Nalbuphine An opioid painkiller, given by injection, used to relieve moderate to severe pain.… Laxatives Naldemedine A once-daily tablet that treats constipation caused by opioid painkillers without reducing their pain relief.… Alcohol-dependence drugs Nalmefene An opioid-blocking medicine taken on at-risk days to reduce craving and heavy drinking.… Laxatives Naloxegol A once-daily tablet for opioid-induced constipation that blocks opioids in the gut without reducing pain relief.… Alcohol-dependence drugs Naltrexone A medicine that blocks the effects of opioids, used to help prevent relapse in opioid and alcohol dependence.… Topical decongestant (sympathomimetic) Naphazoline An over-the-counter decongestant in eye and nasal drops that briefly relieves redness and congestion by narrowing small … Antimalarials Naphthoquine An antimalarial medicine used in combination with another drug as a short course to treat malaria.… NSAIDs Naproxen A common anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) for musculoskeletal pain, gout attacks and some migraines, taken with food… Triptans Naratriptan A slower-acting but longer-lasting triptan taken at the start of a migraine, often chosen for attacks that tend to retur… MS monoclonal antibody Natalizumab A strong MS treatment given by drip or injection that reduces relapses, with a serious brain-infection (PML) risk linked… Meglitinides (prandial glucose regulators) Nateglinide A short-acting tablet that controls blood sugar after meals in type 2 diabetes, taken before eating.… Beta-blockers Nebivolol A heart-selective beta-blocker with some blood-vessel-relaxing action, used for high blood pressure and heart failure — … Mast-cell stabilisers Nedocromil Mast-cell-stabiliser eye drops used to relieve and prevent allergic conjunctivitis, the itchy, watery eyes of allergy.… RNA-interference (siRNA) therapy Nedosiran An RNA-interference injection used to reduce oxalate levels in primary hyperoxaluria type 1 and help protect the kidneys… Antidepressant (largely withdrawn) Nefazodone An older antidepressant, now rarely used, because of a risk of rare but serious liver problems.… Non-opioid painkiller Nefopam A non-opioid, non-NSAID painkiller used for moderate pain when other painkillers are unsuitable.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Nelarabine A chemotherapy used for certain T-cell leukaemias and lymphomas, given by drip into a vein.… Antiretrovirals Nelfinavir An older HIV protease inhibitor used in combination therapy, best known for causing diarrhoea and for many drug interact… Interleukin-targeting biologics Nemolizumab A specialist antibody injection used to relieve severe itch in atopic eczema and prurigo nodularis.… Aminoglycosides Neomycin An aminoglycoside antibiotic used mostly on the skin, ear or eye, or by mouth to act inside the bowel.… Pyridostigmine Neostigmine A medicine that boosts acetylcholine, used to reverse muscle relaxants after surgery and to treat myasthenia gravis and … Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drop Nepafenac An anti-inflammatory (NSAID) eye drop used around cataract surgery to reduce inflammation and pain.… Antiemetics Netupitant An anti-sickness medicine that helps prevent chemotherapy nausea and vomiting, usually combined with palonosetron.… Antiretrovirals Nevirapine An HIV medicine used as part of combination treatment to keep the virus under control.… MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Nialamide An old MAOI antidepressant, now withdrawn, known for dangerous food and medicine interactions.… Calcium-channel blockers Nicardipine A calcium-channel blocker that relaxes and widens blood vessels to lower blood pressure.… Anthelmintic (tapeworm treatment) Niclosamide A medicine that treats tapeworm infections by acting on the worm within the gut, generally well tolerated.… Nitrates Nicorandil A blood-vessel-widening medicine used to prevent angina chest pain, carrying an important risk of serious ulcers.… Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) Nicotinamide A form of vitamin B3 used to treat deficiency (pellagra) and some skin conditions; unlike nicotinic acid, it does not ca… Smoking-cessation aids Nicotine Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges and sprays) that eases cravings and withdrawal to help people stop … Lipid-lowering medicine / vitamin Nicotinic acid (niacin, vitamin B3) A B-vitamin that, at higher medicinal strength, has been used to improve cholesterol and blood fats, though statins are … Calcium-channel blockers Nifedipine A calcium-channel blocker for high blood pressure; the modified-release form is important, and it also has uses in pregn… Antiprotozoal (Chagas disease, African sleeping sickness) Nifurtimox A specialist medicine used to treat Chagas disease and African sleeping sickness, taken under close supervision.… Targeted cancer therapy (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) Nilotinib A targeted cancer tablet for chronic myeloid leukaemia, taken on an empty stomach and monitored with heart tracing.… Calcium-channel blockers Nimodipine A calcium-channel blocker used to prevent spasm of brain arteries after a bleed around the brain.… Antifibrotic medicines Nintedanib A specialist antifibrotic that slows lung scarring in IPF and some other progressive lung fibrosis.… PARP inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Niraparib A targeted cancer tablet used as maintenance treatment to keep ovarian cancer under control after chemotherapy.… Antiviral (COVID-19 protease inhibitor) Nirmatrelvir An antiviral for early COVID-19 in higher-risk people, always taken with ritonavir as Paxlovid.… Long-acting monoclonal antibody (RSV prevention) Nirsevimab A long-acting antibody given to infants to help prevent serious lung infection (bronchiolitis) caused by respiratory syn… Calcium-channel blockers Nisoldipine A calcium-channel blocker used to lower high blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels.… Antiparasitic / antiprotozoal medicine Nitazoxanide An antiparasitic medicine used to treat diarrhoea caused by the parasites cryptosporidium and giardia.… Metabolic blocker (hereditary tyrosinaemia) Nitisinone A specialist medicine for hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 (and alkaptonuria), used with a strict low-protein diet.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Nitrazepam A long-acting benzodiazepine sleeping tablet for short-term, severe insomnia; it can cause next-day drowsiness and depen… Inhaled medical gas (pulmonary vasodilator) Nitric oxide (inhaled) An inhaled gas used in intensive care to relax the blood vessels in the lungs when their pressure is too high, especiall… UTI antibiotics Nitrofurantoin A first-line antibiotic for lower urinary tract infections that works in the bladder and urine — not for kidney infectio… Anaesthetic gas / analgesic Nitrous oxide An anaesthetic and pain-relief gas, combined with oxygen for labour, ambulances and dental and minor procedures.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1) Nivolumab A cancer immunotherapy given as a drip that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.… H2-receptor antagonists Nizatidine An H2 blocker that reduces stomach acid to ease heartburn, reflux and indigestion.… Vasopressor (raises blood pressure) Noradrenaline An intensive-care drip used to raise dangerously low blood pressure, for example in septic shock.… Combined hormonal contraception Norelgestromin The progestogen hormone in the combined contraceptive patch, worn on the skin to prevent pregnancy.… Progestogen-only contraception Norethisterone A progestogen hormone used in the progestogen-only pill, to delay or settle heavy periods, and as part of some hormone r… Immunoglobulin therapy Normal immunoglobulin Pooled human antibodies used to replace antibodies in immune deficiency and to treat some immune, inflammatory and infec… Tricyclic antidepressants Nortriptyline A tricyclic antidepressant used for depression and, at lower intensity, for nerve pain and migraine prevention.… Non-opioid cough suppressant Noscapine A non-opioid cough suppressant used to ease a dry, tickly cough.… Antisense oligonucleotide Nusinersen A treatment for spinal muscular atrophy, given into the fluid around the spinal cord by lumbar puncture.… Nystatin (oral thrush) Nystatin An antifungal oral liquid used to treat oral thrush, held in the mouth and then swallowed so it acts where the infection…
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Cholinesterase reactivator (organophosphate poisoning antidote) Obidoxime An antidote for organophosphate (nerve agent or pesticide) poisoning that helps restore a key enzyme, used in hospital a… Anti-CD20 antibody Obinutuzumab A targeted antibody for certain leukaemia and lymphoma, given by drip by oncology teams.… MS monoclonal antibody (anti-CD20) Ocrelizumab An infusion treatment for relapsing and primary-progressive MS that targets B cells, with infusion reactions, infection … Octreotide Octreotide A man-made form of the hormone somatostatin, used to control acromegaly and the symptoms of certain hormone-secreting tu… IBAT inhibitor (cholestatic itch) Odevixibat A medicine taken by mouth to relieve severe itching in certain inherited cholestatic liver conditions.… Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody Ofatumumab A self-injected antibody used to reduce relapses in relapsing multiple sclerosis by targeting certain immune cells.… Fluoroquinolones Ofloxacin A fluoroquinolone antibiotic now reserved for specific infections because of important safety warnings.… Antipsychotics Olanzapine An effective atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, well known for causing weight gain and metab… PARP inhibitor (targeted cancer treatment) Olaparib A targeted cancer tablet, often used in cancers linked to BRCA gene changes, taken to keep the cancer under control.… Enzyme replacement therapy (acid sphingomyelinase deficiency) Olipudase alfa An enzyme-replacement drip used to treat acid sphingomyelinase deficiency (ASMD), a rare inherited condition that affect… ARBs Olmesartan An ARB that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure; often used when an ACE inhibitor causes a cough.… Long-acting bronchodilators Olodaterol A once-daily long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) inhaler used as maintenance treatment to keep the airways open in COPD.… Antihistamines Olopatadine An antihistamine eye drop that calms itchy, red, watery eyes caused by allergy.… Aminosalicylates Olsalazine An aminosalicylate (5-ASA) taken by mouth to keep ulcerative colitis in remission.… Tetracyclines Omadacycline A tetracycline-class antibiotic used to treat certain types of pneumonia and skin infections, including some caused by r… Anti-IgE biologic Omalizumab An injected biologic that targets the allergy antibody IgE, used for severe allergic asthma and chronic urticaria (hives… Omega-3 fatty acid (lipid-regulating) Omega-3-acid ethyl esters A purified fish-oil medicine used to lower high triglycerides, a type of blood fat.… Proton pump inhibitors Omeprazole A widely used proton pump inhibitor that strongly reduces stomach acid, for reflux, ulcers and stomach protection.… Antiemetics Ondansetron A powerful anti-sickness medicine for nausea from chemotherapy, surgery or severe pregnancy sickness — not intended for … COMT inhibitors Opicapone A once-daily add-on to levodopa that reduces 'wearing-off' in Parkinson's disease.… GLP-1 receptor agonists Orforglipron A newer once-daily tablet from the GLP-1 group, used for type 2 diabetes and weight management.… Glycopeptide antibiotics Oritavancin A long-acting antibiotic given as a single drip to treat skin infections, including some caused by resistant bacteria.… Skeletal muscle relaxants Orphenadrine A muscle relaxant used for painful muscle spasm, with antimuscarinic (drying) effects.… Influenza antivirals Oseltamivir An antiviral medicine that treats and helps prevent flu by stopping the flu virus spreading in the body.… Cortisol synthesis inhibitor (Cushing's disease) Osilodrostat A specialist tablet used to lower high cortisol in Cushing's disease by blocking a key step in cortisol production.… Targeted cancer therapy (EGFR inhibitor) Osimertinib A newer targeted cancer tablet for EGFR-mutated lung cancer, generally well tolerated but monitored for heart and lung e… Raloxifene Ospemifene A daily tablet for painful vaginal dryness after the menopause when vaginal oestrogen cannot be used.… Penicillins Oxacillin A penicillin antibiotic, given by injection, used to treat infections caused by staph bacteria.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Oxaliplatin A platinum chemotherapy given by drip, mainly for bowel cancer, usually with fluorouracil.… NSAIDs Oxaprozin A long-acting anti-inflammatory painkiller used mainly for arthritis, taken once a day.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Oxazepam A short-acting benzodiazepine used only for the short-term relief of severe anxiety, effective but carrying a real risk … Carbamazepine Oxcarbazepine An anti-epileptic medicine used to help control focal (partial) seizures, on its own or with other treatments.… Topical antifungals Oxiconazole An antifungal cream put on the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot, ringworm and fungal rashes.… Beta-blockers Oxprenolol An older beta-blocker used for high blood pressure, angina and palpitations linked to anxiety.… Bladder antimuscarinics Oxybutynin An older antimuscarinic for an overactive bladder; effective but more prone to dry mouth and confusion, so it is used ca… Opioid analgesics Oxycodone A strong opioid painkiller for severe pain, available in fast-acting and slow-release forms — effective but carrying rea… Decongestants Oxymetazoline A fast, longer-lasting nasal decongestant spray for a blocked nose, which — like other decongestant sprays — must not be… Opioid analgesics Oxymorphone A strong opioid painkiller used for severe pain, with a high risk of dependence and breathing problems.… Tetracyclines Oxytetracycline An older tetracycline antibiotic, used in the UK mainly for acne and some other infections.… Uterine-contraction hormone (labour and after birth) Oxytocin A hormone given by injection to start or strengthen labour and to control bleeding after birth.… S1P receptor modulator (oral) Ozanimod An oral medicine used in relapsing multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis that calms the immune system.…
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Enzyme replacement therapy (MPS II / Hunter syndrome) Pabinafusp alfa An enzyme-replacement drip used to treat MPS II (Hunter syndrome), a rare inherited condition, and designed to reach the… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Paclitaxel A taxane chemotherapy given by drip for breast, ovarian and lung cancers, among others.… JAK inhibitors Pacritinib A daily medicine used to treat myelofibrosis, especially in people who have low platelets.… CDK4/6 inhibitor (breast cancer) Palbociclib A targeted cancer medicine taken with hormone therapy to slow the growth of certain advanced breast cancers.… Keratinocyte growth factor (supportive care in cancer) Palifermin A growth factor given to reduce severe mouth ulcers (oral mucositis) caused by intensive cancer treatment before a stem-… Antipsychotics Paliperidone A second-generation antipsychotic for schizophrenia, available as daily tablets or as a long-acting depot injection give… Monoclonal antibody (RSV prevention) Palivizumab A monoclonal antibody given as a monthly injection during the RSV season to help protect high-risk babies from severe RS… Antiemetics Palonosetron A long-acting anti-sickness medicine that helps prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy.… Retinoid (for fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva) Palovarotene A specialist retinoid used in the rare condition FOP to reduce new abnormal bone forming in soft tissues.… Bisphosphonates Pamidronate A bisphosphonate given as a slow drip by a healthcare team for high calcium, Paget's disease of bone and bone problems i… Anti-EGFR antibody Panitumumab A targeted antibody for RAS wild-type bowel cancer, given by drip by oncology teams.… Proton pump inhibitors Pantoprazole A proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid, often preferred with clopidogrel because it has fewer drug interactio… Opioid analgesics Papaveretum A strong opioid painkiller, mainly morphine, used for moderate to severe pain, often around the time of surgery.… Smooth-muscle relaxant / vasodilator Papaverine A muscle-relaxing medicine used mainly as an injection into the penis to produce an erection in erectile dysfunction.… Tuberculosis drugs Para-aminosalicylic acid An older antibiotic used as part of combination treatment for drug-resistant tuberculosis.… Non-opioid analgesic Paracetamol The everyday first-choice painkiller for mild-to-moderate pain and fever — effective, well tolerated, and safe at the co… Oxazolidinedione antiepileptic (obsolete) Paramethadione An old antiepileptic once used for absence seizures, now obsolete because of serious side effects.… Parathyroid hormone replacement Parathyroid hormone A hormone replacement used to help control calcium levels in people with hypoparathyroidism.… Vitamin D Paricalcitol A man-made, active form of vitamin D used to control an overactive parathyroid gland in people with chronic kidney disea… Aminoglycosides Paromomycin An aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat gut amoebae and, as an injection, leishmaniasis.… SSRIs Paroxetine An SSRI for depression and anxiety, effective but known for more troublesome discontinuation symptoms, so it is reduced … Octreotide Pasireotide A somatostatin analogue for Cushing's disease and acromegaly that notably raises blood sugar.… Potassium binders Patiromer An oral medicine used to lower high potassium levels in the blood by binding potassium in the gut.… RNA interference (siRNA) therapy Patisiran A drip (infusion) treatment used for the nerve disease caused by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.… Multikinase inhibitor (TKI) Pazopanib A targeted cancer tablet used for advanced kidney cancer and some soft tissue sarcomas.… Oral immunotherapy (peanut allergy) Peanut allergen extract An oral immunotherapy that gradually exposes the body to peanut protein to reduce the severity of reactions in peanut al… Enzyme replacement therapy (ADA-SCID) Pegademase An enzyme-replacement injection used to treat ADA-SCID, a rare inherited condition in which the immune system does not d… Anti-VEGF eye injections Pegaptanib An older injection into the eye for wet AMD, now little used as newer anti-VEGF treatments are generally preferred.… Asparaginase (enzyme) chemotherapy Pegaspargase An enzyme-based chemotherapy used as part of treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.… G-CSF (growth factors) Pegfilgrastim A long-acting injection that boosts white blood cells after chemotherapy to lower the risk of infection.… Interferons Peginterferon beta-1a A long-acting interferon injection used to treat relapsing multiple sclerosis.… Recombinant uricase (refractory gout) Pegloticase A specialist drip used to lower uric acid in severe chronic gout that other treatments have not been able to control.… Enzyme substitution therapy (phenylketonuria) Pegvaliase An enzyme-substitute injection used to lower blood phenylalanine levels in adults with phenylketonuria (PKU).… Growth hormone receptor antagonist (acromegaly) Pegvisomant A daily self-injection used to treat acromegaly by blocking the effects of growth hormone in the body.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1) Pembrolizumab A cancer immunotherapy given as a drip that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Pemetrexed A chemotherapy medicine used for some lung cancers and mesothelioma, given by injection.… FGFR inhibitor Pemigatinib A targeted tablet used to treat bile-duct cancer driven by a specific FGFR gene change.… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Penciclovir An antiviral cream used to treat cold sores on the lips and around the mouth.… Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) Penicillamine An older DMARD used for rheumatoid arthritis and to remove excess copper in Wilson's disease, with close blood and urine… Antiprotozoal / anti-infective Pentamidine A specialist medicine used to treat PCP pneumonia (especially when co-trimoxazole is unsuitable) and some parasitic infe… Opioid analgesics Pentazocine An older opioid painkiller used for moderate to severe pain, of a type that acts in a mixed way on opioid receptors.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Pentostatin A chemotherapy used to treat hairy cell leukaemia, given by injection into a vein.… Peripheral vasodilator Pentoxifylline A medicine that aims to improve blood flow in peripheral arterial disease, taken with food and used cautiously where the… Antispasmodics Peppermint oil A naturally derived antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscle to ease the cramping, bloating and discomfort of irritable bow… Influenza antivirals Peramivir An antiviral for influenza given as a single infusion into a vein when an oral medicine cannot be used.… Levetiracetam Perampanel An anti-epileptic medicine used, usually with other treatments, to help control focal and some generalised seizures.… Dopamine agonists Pergolide An older ergot dopamine agonist for Parkinson's, now rarely used because of heart-valve problems.… Antipsychotics Periciazine An older phenothiazine antipsychotic, also used for severe anxiety or agitation, that is markedly sedating.… Antipsychotics Pericyazine A first-generation (older) antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and severe agitation.… ACE inhibitors Perindopril A once-daily ACE inhibitor for high blood pressure and heart failure, and to protect the heart and blood vessels.… Scabies and lice treatments Permethrin A cream used as the main treatment for scabies, and in some lice products.… Antipsychotics Perphenazine A first-generation antipsychotic used for conditions such as schizophrenia, and also to treat severe nausea and vomiting… HER2-targeted antibody Pertuzumab A targeted antibody for HER2-positive breast cancer, given with trastuzumab and chemotherapy by oncology teams.… Opioid analgesics Pethidine An opioid painkiller used for moderate to severe pain and sometimes in labour.… Analgesic / antipyretic (withdrawn) Phenacetin An old painkiller and fever medicine, withdrawn worldwide because of kidney damage and cancer risk.… Urinary analgesic (bladder-soothing dye) Phenazopyridine A urinary-soothing dye that eases the burning, stinging and urgency of a urinary infection, but does not treat the infec… Stimulant appetite suppressant (weight loss) Phendimetrazine A stimulant medicine used for a short time to reduce appetite as part of a weight-loss plan.… MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Phenelzine An older, effective antidepressant that needs a special low-tyramine diet to avoid dangerous blood-pressure surges.… Antihistamines Pheniramine An older, drowsy-type antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as itching, sneezing and a runny nose.… Barbiturate antiepileptic (controlled drug) Phenobarbital An older barbiturate medicine used to control some types of seizure, including in babies, with strong sedative effects.… Alpha-blocker (phaeochromocytoma) Phenoxybenzamine A long-acting alpha-blocker used mainly to control blood pressure before surgery for a phaeochromocytoma.… Penicillins Phenoxymethylpenicillin An oral penicillin used for streptococcal throat infections and to prevent certain infections.… Succinimide antiepileptic (historical) Phensuximide An older succinimide medicine once used to control absence (petit mal) seizures, now largely obsolete.… Appetite-suppressant stimulant (short-term) Phentermine An appetite-suppressant stimulant used for short-term weight loss alongside diet and lifestyle changes.… Short-acting alpha-blocker (specialist) Phentolamine A short-acting alpha-blocker used to control high blood pressure in phaeochromocytoma surgery, reverse dental numbness a… NSAIDs Phenylbutazone An older anti-inflammatory painkiller now restricted in the UK to ankylosing spondylitis under specialist supervision be… Decongestants Phenylephrine A decongestant in cold remedies and nasal sprays, also given by injection to raise blood pressure during anaesthesia.… Phenytoin Phenytoin A long-established seizure medicine with a narrow safe range — small changes in the amount can make a big difference to … Laxatives Phosphate enema A phosphate rectal enema used for rapid relief of constipation and to clear the bowel before procedures.… Vitamin K Phytomenadione A form of vitamin K needed for normal blood clotting, given to newborns to prevent bleeding and used to reverse over-thi… Glaucoma eye drops Pilocarpine An eye drop used to lower pressure in the eye in glaucoma, with tablets also used to treat a dry mouth.… Antipsychotics Pimavanserin A medicine used to treat the hallucinations and delusions (psychosis) that can occur in Parkinson's disease.… Calcineurin inhibitors Pimecrolimus A non-steroid cream for eczema, used especially on the face and skin folds when steroids are unsuitable.… Antipsychotics Pimozide An antipsychotic tablet used for schizophrenia and a specific delusional condition, which needs heart-rhythm monitoring.… Beta-blockers Pindolol A beta-blocker that steadies the heart and lowers blood pressure.… Thiazolidinedione (glitazone) Pioglitazone A type 2 diabetes tablet that improves the body’s response to its own insulin — effective and without causing hypoglycae… Penicillins Piperacillin A broad-spectrum penicillin antibiotic, combined with tazobactam and given by drip in hospital for serious infections.… Anthelmintic (worm treatment) Piperazine An older medicine used to treat threadworm and roundworm infections.… Alkylating-type chemotherapy agent (historical) Pipobroman An old chemotherapy medicine, now obsolete, once used to control polycythaemia vera and chronic myeloid leukaemia.… Antipsychotics Pipotiazine A long-acting antipsychotic given by injection to maintain treatment for schizophrenia.… Nootropic (cortical myoclonus add-on) Piracetam A 'nootropic' medicine used as an add-on treatment for cortical myoclonus, generally well tolerated.… Antifibrotic medicines Pirfenidone A specialist antifibrotic that slows lung scarring in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.… NSAIDs Piroxicam A long-acting NSAID for pain and inflammation that, because of higher risks, is now only started by a specialist for a l… Non-covalent BTK inhibitor (targeted cancer medicine) Pirtobrutinib A targeted cancer medicine taken by mouth for certain types of lymphoma, blocking a signal that cancer cells need to gro… Statins Pitavastatin A statin taken once a day to lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol and cut the risk of heart attack and stroke, with muscle aches … Wakefulness (histamine H3 antagonist) Pitolisant A wakefulness-promoting medicine for narcolepsy, with or without cataplexy, that works through histamine.… Penicillins Pivampicillin An older penicillin antibiotic, taken by mouth, that turns into ampicillin in the body to treat infections.… Penicillins Pivmecillinam A penicillin antibiotic used in the UK mainly to treat lower urinary tract infections such as cystitis.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Pixantrone A chemotherapy given into a vein for certain lymphomas, designed to be gentler on the heart than older similar drugs.… Anti-CGRP migraine treatments Pizotifen A migraine-prevention medicine taken regularly to reduce how often migraine attacks happen, rather than to treat an atta… Aminoglycosides Plazomicin An aminoglycoside antibiotic given by drip for serious urinary infections caused by resistant Gram-negative bacteria.… Laxatives Plecanatide A daily tablet used for chronic constipation and constipation-type IBS in adults.… Stem-cell mobiliser (transplant) Plerixafor A specialist injection that helps move stem cells from the bone marrow into the blood for collection before a transplant… Cytotoxic chemotherapy / antitumour antibiotic (historical) Plicamycin An old chemotherapy medicine, now obsolete, once used for cancer and for very high calcium levels.… Vaccines Pneumococcal vaccine A vaccine that helps protect against pneumococcal infections such as some types of pneumonia, meningitis and blood poiso… Topical genital wart treatment Podophyllotoxin A liquid or cream applied to external genital warts to break them down over repeated courses.… Antibody-drug conjugate (targeted cancer medicine) Polatuzumab vedotin A targeted cancer medicine given into a vein for certain lymphomas, delivering chemotherapy directly to cancer cells.… Polymyxin antibiotic (mainly topical) Polymyxin B An antibiotic used mainly in ear and eye drops and topical combinations, and rarely by injection for resistant infection… Potassium binders Polystyrene sulfonate A potassium-binding resin taken to lower high levels of potassium in the blood.… Immunomodulator (myeloma) Pomalidomide A specialist immune-modifying medicine used to treat myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow.… BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer medicine) Ponatinib A targeted cancer medicine taken by mouth for certain leukaemias, blocking an abnormal signal that drives the cancer.… S1P receptor modulator (oral) Ponesimod A daily capsule used in relapsing multiple sclerosis that holds back immune cells to reduce relapses.… Lung surfactant (for newborn babies) Poractant alfa A lung surfactant given into the lungs of premature babies to treat respiratory distress syndrome.… Photosensitiser (photodynamic therapy) Porfimer sodium A light-activated medicine used in photodynamic therapy for certain cancers, which makes the skin and eyes very sensitiv… Azole antifungals Posaconazole A triazole antifungal used to prevent and treat serious fungal infections, mainly in people with weakened immune systems… Potassium supplements Potassium chloride A medicine used to replace potassium when blood levels are too low, taken by mouth or given as a carefully diluted drip … Urinary alkaliniser Potassium citrate A urinary alkaliniser that eases the stinging of mild cystitis and can help prevent some kidney stones.… Antiseptic and astringent skin soak Potassium permanganate A purple antiseptic and drying (astringent) solution used, well diluted, as a soak for weeping or infected skin.… Phosphate (and potassium) replacement (electrolyte) Potassium phosphate A medicine used in hospital to replace phosphate and potassium when blood phosphate is too low, given as a slow drip wit… Iodine antiseptic Povidone-iodine An over-the-counter iodine-based antiseptic used to clean skin and minor wounds and, in some forms, as a gargle for sore… Beta-blockers Practolol An older beta-blocker, now of historical interest only, withdrawn after causing a serious syndrome affecting the eyes, s… Antifolate chemotherapy (antimetabolite) Pralatrexate An antifolate chemotherapy used to treat peripheral T-cell lymphoma, a cancer of certain white blood cells.… Cholinesterase reactivator (antidote) Pralidoxime An emergency antidote used with atropine to treat organophosphate (pesticide or nerve agent) poisoning, working best whe… RET inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Pralsetinib A targeted cancer tablet for certain lung and thyroid cancers driven by a change in the RET gene.… Dopamine agonists Pramipexole A dopamine agonist used to ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.… Topical local anaesthetic Pramocaine An over-the-counter local anaesthetic applied to the skin to numb itching and soreness, found in haemorrhoid and bite pr… Vaginal hormone-precursor (menopause) Prasterone A vaginal pessary used to treat painful sex caused by thinning of the vaginal tissues after the menopause.… Antiplatelet drugs Prasugrel A potent antiplatelet taken with aspirin to prevent clots after a heart attack or coronary stent.… Statins Pravastatin A statin that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol and is notable for having fewer drug interactions than some other statins.… Anthelmintics (anti-worm medicines) Praziquantel An anti-worm medicine used especially for schistosomiasis and tapeworm infections.… Alpha-blockers (prostate) Prazosin An alpha-blocker used for high blood pressure and for an enlarged prostate.… Systemic corticosteroids Prednisolone The usual oral steroid in the UK, used to reduce inflammation in many conditions — from asthma flares to inflammatory ar… Systemic corticosteroids Prednisolone (eye drops) A steroid eye drop, used only on prescription for short courses, to treat inflammation in and on the eye.… Systemic corticosteroids Prednisone An oral steroid that damps down inflammation and the immune system — used mainly in the US, where the UK almost always u… Gabapentinoids Pregabalin A gabapentinoid for nerve pain, epilepsy and generalised anxiety that settles over-active nerve signalling — effective, … Tuberculosis drugs Pretomanid An antibiotic used only as part of a short combination regimen, with bedaquiline and linezolid, for highly drug-resistan… Local anaesthetics Prilocaine A local anaesthetic used for dental work, minor procedures and short spinals, and as part of EMLA numbing cream with lid… Antimalarials Primaquine An antimalarial used to clear the liver stage of certain malaria and prevent relapses.… Older antiepileptic (converted to phenobarbital) Primidone An older medicine used for some seizures and for essential tremor, which the body turns into phenobarbital.… Uricosuric (gout prevention) Probenecid A medicine that lowers uric acid by helping the body pass more of it out in the urine, used to prevent gout.… Antiarrhythmic (abnormal heart rhythms) Procainamide An older medicine used to control serious abnormal heart rhythms, given with close heart monitoring.… Local anaesthetics Procaine An older ester local anaesthetic, also known as Novocain, used by injection to numb an area, now largely superseded.… Antiemetics Prochlorperazine An antisickness and anti-vertigo medicine used short term for nausea, vomiting and dizziness; it can cause drowsiness an… Levodopa Procyclidine An antimuscarinic medicine used mainly to ease tremor in Parkinson's and movement problems caused by some other medicine… Progestogen hormone (natural, micronised) Progesterone A natural progestogen hormone used in HRT to protect the womb lining alongside oestrogen, and in fertility and early-pre… Antimalarials Proguanil An older antimalarial medicine, usually combined with another drug, to help prevent malaria.… Antipsychotics Promazine An older antipsychotic used mainly for short-term agitation and restlessness, especially in older people.… Antihistamines Promethazine A sedating older antihistamine used for allergies, short-term sleep problems, and nausea or travel sickness.… Antihistamines Promethazine teoclate A sedating antihistamine used for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.… Antiarrhythmic (rhythm-control medicine) Propafenone A rhythm-control medicine used to treat certain abnormal or fast heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.… Local anaesthetics Proparacaine A numbing eye drop used to numb the surface of the eye for examinations and minor procedures.… Bladder antimuscarinics Propiverine A bladder antimuscarinic that calms an overactive bladder to reduce urgency and frequency.… General anaesthetic (intravenous) Propofol The common milky-white injection anaesthetists use to send people to sleep for surgery and for sedation in intensive car… Beta-blockers Propranolol A non-selective beta-blocker with broad uses — blood pressure, migraine prevention and the physical symptoms of anxiety.… Antithyroid drugs Propylthiouracil An antithyroid medicine that lowers the production of thyroid hormones in an overactive thyroid.… Heparin antidote Protamine An injectable antidote that reverses the blood-thinning effect of heparin, used by professionals.… Protein C concentrate (clotting regulator replacement) Protein C A blood-derived medicine used to replace protein C in severe inherited protein C deficiency, helping prevent dangerous b… Anticoagulant reversal agents Prothrombin complex concentrate A concentrate of several clotting factors used to quickly reverse warfarin and treat serious bleeding, given with vitami… Hormone for diagnostic testing (TRH) Protirelin A hormone (TRH) used in specialised diagnostic tests of thyroid and pituitary function, not as a treatment.… Tricyclic antidepressants Protriptyline An older tricyclic antidepressant, more activating than most, used to treat depression.… Laxatives Prucalopride A daily tablet used for chronic constipation when ordinary laxatives have not worked well enough.… Binding antidote (radioactive caesium and thallium) Prussian blue An oral antidote that binds radioactive caesium or thallium in the gut so the body can remove them more quickly.… Decongestants Pseudoephedrine An oral decongestant that unblocks a stuffy nose; raises blood pressure and heart rate, so it is used with caution and i… Anthelmintic (anti-worm medicine) Pyrantel An anti-worm medicine used to treat threadworm, roundworm and some other gut worms, generally well tolerated.… Tuberculosis drugs Pyrazinamide A core first-line anti-tuberculosis medicine used in combination, typically during the first two months of treatment.… Vitamin B12 Pyridoxine A form of vitamin B6 used to treat deficiency and in certain specific conditions.… Antiprotozoal / antimalarial Pyrimethamine A medicine used to treat and prevent toxoplasmosis and some malaria, usually combined with sulfadiazine and folinic acid…
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Antipsychotics Quetiapine An atypical antipsychotic used in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder; can cause sedation, weight gain and metabolic effe… Dopamine agonists Quinagolide A dopamine agonist used to lower a raised prolactin hormone, for example from a prolactinoma.… ACE inhibitors Quinapril An ACE inhibitor that relaxes blood vessels to lower blood pressure; a dry cough is the most common nuisance side effect… Older antiarrhythmic (class Ia) Quinidine An older medicine for abnormal heart rhythms, now used only rarely and under specialist supervision.… Antimalarial / muscle-cramp medicine Quinine A long-established medicine used to treat malaria and, in small doses, severe night-time leg cramps.…
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Proton pump inhibitors Rabeprazole A proton pump inhibitor that lowers stomach acid to ease reflux and heal ulcers; it works best taken before food.… Immunoglobulin therapy Rabies immunoglobulin Ready-made antibodies given as soon as possible after a high-risk rabies exposure to give immediate protection while the… Vaccines Rabies vaccine A vaccine that helps protect against rabies, given either before exposure to those at risk or after a possible exposure … Antidiarrhoeals Racecadotril A medicine for acute diarrhoea that reduces fluid loss into the gut, used together with rehydration rather than instead … Radiopharmaceutical (bone-targeted) Radium-223 A radioactive medicine given by injection to treat prostate cancer that has spread to the bones.… Antiretrovirals Raltegravir An HIV antiretroviral that stops the virus inserting itself into human cells, used as part of a combination.… Antifolate chemotherapy (thymidylate synthase inhibitor) Raltitrexed An antifolate chemotherapy used to treat advanced bowel cancer, given under cancer-team supervision.… Melatonin Ramelteon A non-controlled sleep medicine that works on the body's melatonin system to help with trouble falling asleep.… ACE inhibitors Ramipril A common ACE inhibitor used for high blood pressure and heart failure, and to protect the heart and kidneys.… Anti-VEGF eye injections Ranibizumab An injection given into the eye by a specialist to treat wet AMD and diabetic and retinal-vein eye disease.… H2-receptor antagonists Ranitidine An acid-reducing medicine for reflux and ulcers that has largely been withdrawn in the UK over a contaminant concern.… Nitrates Ranolazine An add-on angina medicine that eases chest pain without mainly lowering heart rate or blood pressure.… MAO-B inhibitors Rasagiline A once-daily MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson's disease, alone in early disease or added to levodopa to reduce 'wearing… Uric-acid-lowering enzyme (tumour lysis syndrome) Rasburicase A hospital injection used to rapidly lower very high uric acid and prevent or treat tumour lysis syndrome.… Complement (C5) inhibitor Ravulizumab A long-acting infusion that blocks part of the immune system (complement) to treat certain rare blood and kidney conditi… Older chemotherapy / radiosensitiser Razoxane An older, largely obsolete chemotherapy medicine, related to dexrazoxane, once used to treat some cancers.… Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (NRI) antidepressant Reboxetine An antidepressant that works on noradrenaline, used to treat depression.… Adenosine-receptor agonist (cardiac stress agent) Regadenoson A quick injection that briefly stresses the heart so blood flow can be assessed during a cardiac imaging (perfusion) sca… Multikinase inhibitor (TKI) Regorafenib A targeted cancer tablet used for some advanced bowel, liver and stomach (GIST) cancers.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-LAG-3 immunotherapy) Relatlimab An immunotherapy given into a vein for advanced melanoma, used with nivolumab to help the immune system attack cancer.… Antiviral (COVID-19, intravenous) Remdesivir A drip used in hospital, and for some at-risk outpatients, to treat COVID-19, working best when started early.… Opioid analgesics Remifentanil An ultra-short-acting opioid given as a drip during anaesthesia to control pain and blunt the body's response to surgery… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Remimazolam A short-acting benzodiazepine given into a vein to provide sedation during procedures, under close monitoring.… Meglitinides (prandial glucose regulators) Repaglinide A short-acting tablet that lowers blood sugar after meals in type 2 diabetes, taken before eating.… Rauwolfia alkaloid antihypertensive (historical) Reserpine An old, now largely obsolete medicine once used to lower high blood pressure.… Anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody (severe asthma) Reslizumab A specialist add-on biologic for severe asthma driven by a type of white cell called eosinophils, given by a drip into a… Topical antibiotics Retapamulin A topical antibiotic ointment for impetigo and small infected areas of skin.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1 immunotherapy) Retifanlimab An immunotherapy given into a vein for certain cancers, helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.… Menin inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Revumenib A specialist targeted medicine used to treat certain acute leukaemias with particular genetic changes.… Systemic antifungals Rezafungin An antifungal drip from the echinocandin group, given once a week to treat serious invasive candida infections.… Hepatitis antivirals Ribavirin An older broad antiviral used as an add-on for hepatitis C and for some severe viral infections, with important safety c… CDK4/6 inhibitor (breast cancer) Ribociclib A targeted cancer tablet taken with hormone therapy to slow the growth of certain advanced breast cancers.… Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) Riboflavin A B vitamin used to treat deficiency and sometimes to help prevent migraine; it harmlessly turns urine bright yellow.… Tuberculosis drugs Rifabutin A specialist antibiotic used for mycobacterial infections such as MAC and tuberculosis, often alongside HIV medicines.… Tuberculosis drugs Rifampicin A core antibiotic used as part of tuberculosis (TB) treatment, and sometimes for other serious bacterial infections.… Gut-acting antibiotic Rifaximin An antibiotic that stays mostly in the gut, used to prevent recurrence of hepatic encephalopathy and for some other bowe… Antiretrovirals Rilpivirine An HIV NNRTI used, as part of combination therapy, taken with a meal and away from acid-reducing medicines.… Motor neurone disease treatment Riluzole A medicine used in motor neurone disease (ALS) that can modestly extend survival but does not cure the condition.… Gepant (CGRP blocker) Rimegepant An oral melt tablet that both treats an acute migraine and, taken every other day, helps prevent attacks.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Risankizumab An injected biologic that blocks the IL-23 immune signal, used for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and Crohn's disease.… SMN2 splicing modifier (spinal muscular atrophy) Risdiplam An oral liquid medicine used to treat spinal muscular atrophy, an inherited muscle-weakening condition.… Bisphosphonates Risedronate A weekly or monthly bisphosphonate tablet for osteoporosis, taken with a strict swallowing routine to protect the gullet… Antipsychotics Risperidone A widely used atypical antipsychotic for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, available as tablets and a long-acting inje… Antiretrovirals Ritonavir An antiretroviral used mainly as a 'booster' to make other medicines work better, with a very large number of drug inter… DOACs Rivaroxaban A direct oral anticoagulant ("blood thinner") used to prevent and treat clots, including stroke prevention in atrial fib… Anticholinesterase dementia drugs Rivastigmine A cholinesterase inhibitor used for the symptoms of Alzheimer's dementia and dementia in Parkinson's disease.… Triptans Rizatriptan A fast-acting triptan taken at the start of a migraine attack, including as a melt-in-the-mouth wafer for when you feel … Neuromuscular blocker (non-depolarising) Rocuronium A fast-onset muscle relaxant given by an anaesthetist that can be rapidly reversed with sugammadex.… PDE4 inhibitor (COPD) Roflumilast A daily tablet used to reduce flare-ups in severe COPD with chronic bronchitis, taken alongside inhaled treatments.… Antiemetics Rolapitant A long-acting tablet taken with chemotherapy to help prevent delayed nausea and vomiting.… Tetracyclines Rolitetracycline An older injectable tetracycline antibiotic, now largely obsolete, once used to treat bacterial infections.… Thrombopoietin receptor agonist (injection) Romiplostim A weekly injection that helps the body make more platelets in chronic immune thrombocytopenia.… Sclerostin inhibitor (bone-building osteoporosis treatment) Romosozumab A monthly injection used for a fixed year to build bone and reduce fractures in women with severe osteoporosis.… Dopamine agonists Ropinirole A dopamine agonist used to ease the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.… Local anaesthetics Ropivacaine A long-acting local anaesthetic for epidurals and nerve blocks, developed to be gentler on the heart than bupivacaine.… Statins Rosuvastatin A potent statin that strongly lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, taken once a… Vaccines Rotavirus vaccine A live vaccine given to babies by mouth to protect them against rotavirus, a common cause of severe diarrhoea and vomiti… Dopamine agonists Rotigotine A dopamine-agonist skin patch that releases medicine steadily for Parkinson's disease.… HIF prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (anaemia of CKD) Roxadustat An oral tablet used to treat anaemia caused by chronic kidney disease.… Anti-FcRn monoclonal antibody (myasthenia gravis) Rozanolixizumab A specialist antibody medicine used to treat generalised myasthenia gravis by lowering the harmful antibodies that cause… Vaccines RSV vaccine A vaccine that protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), offered to older adults and during pregnancy to prote… PARP inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Rucaparib A targeted cancer tablet used for certain ovarian cancers, often to help keep them under control after chemotherapy.… Antiepileptic (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) Rufinamide An add-on epilepsy medicine used to help control seizures in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.… Antihistamines Rupatadine A once-daily, mostly non-drowsy antihistamine for hay fever and chronic hives.… JAK inhibitors Ruxolitinib A targeted medicine that calms overactive blood-cell signalling, taken by mouth for certain blood disorders and used as …
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Cytotoxic chemotherapy Sacituzumab govitecan A targeted cancer treatment used for some advanced breast cancers, which delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells.… Enzyme replacement (sucrase-isomaltase deficiency) Sacrosidase An enzyme taken with food to help people who cannot break down ordinary sugar (sucrose) digest it properly.… Sacubitril/valsartan Sacubitril A neprilysin inhibitor used only in a fixed combination with valsartan to treat heart failure.… ARNI (angiotensin receptor–neprilysin inhibitor) Sacubitril/valsartan A two-in-one heart-failure medicine that improves symptoms and survival — used in place of an ACE inhibitor or ARB, and … MAO-B inhibitors Safinamide A once-daily MAO-B inhibitor added to levodopa to reduce 'off' time in people with Parkinson's disease who have motor fl… Short-acting bronchodilators Salbutamol A fast-acting "reliever" inhaler that opens the airways within minutes to ease wheeze and breathlessness in asthma and C… Topical retinoids Salicylic acid (skin treatment) A keratolytic skin treatment that softens and removes thickened, scaly or hardened skin, and is widely used to treat war… Long-acting bronchodilators Salmeterol A long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) for asthma and COPD; in asthma it must always be combined with an inhaled steroid an… NSAIDs Salsalate A salicylate anti-inflammatory painkiller used to ease pain and inflammation in conditions such as arthritis.… Cofactor therapy (PKU) Sapropterin A man-made BH4 cofactor that helps some people with PKU tolerate more dietary phenylalanine.… Antiretrovirals Saquinavir An older HIV protease inhibitor, always given boosted, now rarely used partly because it can affect the heart's electric… IL-6 inhibitor biologic Sarilumab A biologic injection that blocks interleukin-6 to control rheumatoid arthritis.… DPP-4 inhibitors Saxagliptin A once-daily DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin) that gently lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes with a low risk of hypoglycaemi… Enzyme replacement therapy (lysosomal acid lipase deficiency) Sebelipase alfa An enzyme-replacement drip used to treat lysosomal acid lipase deficiency, a rare inherited condition that affects how t… Metronidazole Secnidazole A single-course nitroimidazole antibiotic used for bacterial vaginosis and some parasitic infections, with a clear warni… Diagnostic hormone (pancreas function and imaging) Secretin A hormone given by injection in specialised tests of pancreas function and certain imaging scans.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Secukinumab An injected biologic that blocks the IL-17 immune signal, used for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondyl… MAO-B inhibitors Selegiline An oral MAO-B inhibitor used in Parkinson's disease, on its own in early disease or alongside levodopa to smooth out sym… Trace element replacement (selenium) Selenium injection A way of giving selenium, a trace element the body needs in small amounts, when someone is deficient or being fed entire… Topical antifungals Selenium sulfide A medicated shampoo for dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis and the fungal skin condition pityriasis versicolor.… Prostacyclin (IP) receptor agonist (oral) Selexipag An oral medicine that acts on the prostacyclin pathway to widen the lung arteries for pulmonary arterial hypertension, w… XPO1 inhibitor (selective inhibitor of nuclear export) Selinexor An oral targeted chemotherapy used to treat multiple myeloma, a cancer of cells in the bone marrow.… RET-targeted cancer medicine (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) Selpercatinib A targeted oral cancer medicine for tumours, mainly some lung and thyroid cancers, that are driven by a RET gene change.… MEK inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Selumetinib A specialist targeted medicine used in children with neurofibromatosis type 1 for inoperable plexiform neurofibromas.… GLP-1 receptor agonists Semaglutide A GLP-1 medicine for type 2 diabetes and, separately, for weight management — usually a weekly injection, with an oral f… Laxatives Senna A stimulant laxative that encourages the bowel to move, used for short-term relief of constipation.… ADHD stimulant medicines Serdexmethylphenidate A stimulant medicine used to treat ADHD, given as a prodrug combined with dexmethylphenidate.… Diagnostic agent (growth-hormone secretion test) Sermorelin An injection used to test how well the body releases growth hormone.… Topical antifungals Sertaconazole An antifungal cream applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as athlete's foot and ringworm.… SSRIs Sertraline A commonly first-chosen SSRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety, taken once a day.… Melanocortin-4 receptor agonist (rare genetic obesity) Setmelanotide A daily under-the-skin injection used for severe obesity caused by certain rare genetic faults in the appetite-control p… Phosphate binders Sevelamer A phosphate binder taken with food to lower high phosphate levels in people with chronic kidney disease.… General anaesthetic (inhaled) Sevoflurane The most common inhaled anaesthetic, breathed in to send people to sleep and keep them asleep during surgery.… Vaccines Shingles vaccine A vaccine that protects against shingles, a painful rash caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.… PDE5 inhibitors Sildenafil A short-acting PDE5 inhibitor that helps achieve an erection when a man is sexually aroused — taken before sex, and neve… Alpha-blockers (prostate) Silodosin An alpha-blocker that relaxes the prostate and bladder neck to ease the urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate.… Caustic antiseptic (chemical cautery) Silver nitrate A caustic antiseptic, usually a stick or solution, used to remove warts, overgrown granulation tissue and to stop minor … Topical antibiotics Silver sulfadiazine An antibacterial cream applied to burns and certain wounds to help prevent and treat infection.… Hepatitis antivirals Simeprevir An older hepatitis C medicine used in combination, now largely replaced by newer, better-tolerated treatments.… Anti-foaming agent (trapped wind/colic) Simeticone A gentle anti-foaming remedy that relieves trapped wind, bloating and infant colic.… Statins Simvastatin A long-established statin that lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, usually tak… Diagnostic agent (gallbladder imaging) Sincalide An injection used to make the gallbladder contract during imaging tests.… Green-tea extract ointment (genital warts) Sinecatechins An ointment made from green-tea extract, used on the skin to treat external genital and anal warts.… S1P-receptor modulator (multiple sclerosis) Siponimod An oral medicine used to treat active secondary-progressive multiple sclerosis, taken under specialist care.… mTOR inhibitors Sirolimus An immunosuppressant used to prevent transplant rejection and in some rare conditions, monitored by blood tests.… DPP-4 inhibitors Sitagliptin A once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetes that gently lowers blood sugar with little risk of hypos and a neutral effect on… Urinary alkaliniser Sodium citrate An over-the-counter urinary alkaliniser used to ease the stinging of mild cystitis.… Laxatives Sodium citrate enema A small osmotic enema inserted into the back passage to relieve occasional constipation, working quickly for short-term … Mast-cell stabilisers Sodium cromoglicate A preventer eye drop for allergy that works best used regularly to stop itchy, watery eyes.… Oral iron Sodium feredetate A liquid iron supplement for iron-deficiency anaemia, often used for children or those who cannot swallow tablets.… Fluoride (dental decay prevention) Sodium fluoride A source of fluoride used to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay, available as tablets, drops, high-flu… Ocular lubricants Sodium hyaluronate A moisturising eye drop that draws and holds water on the eye to relieve dry, sore eyes.… Antidote (cyanide poisoning) Sodium nitrite An emergency hospital antidote, often used with sodium thiosulfate, to treat life-threatening cyanide poisoning.… Vasodilator (hypertensive emergency) Sodium nitroprusside A powerful intravenous vasodilator used in intensive care to bring dangerously high blood pressure down quickly.… Narcolepsy/cataplexy medicine (controlled) Sodium oxybate A strong, controlled night-time medicine for narcolepsy with cataplexy, taken in two doses overnight.… Urea-cycle medicine (ammonia removal) Sodium phenylbutyrate A specialist medicine that gives the body another route to clear nitrogen and ammonia in urea-cycle disorders.… Phosphate replacement / osmotic bowel preparation Sodium phosphate A source of phosphate used to correct low phosphate levels, and an ingredient in some bowel-preparation products, with c… Laxatives Sodium picosulfate A stimulant laxative, usually taken at night, for short-term constipation or to clear the bowel before procedures.… Antimony antileishmanial Sodium stibogluconate A specialist injection used to treat leishmaniasis, an infection spread by sandfly bites.… Antidote / calcium-deposit treatment Sodium thiosulfate A specialist infused medicine used in cyanide-poisoning treatment, for calciphylaxis in kidney failure, and to protect h… Antiepileptic drugs Sodium valproate A broad-spectrum epilepsy medicine, also used in bipolar disorder — highly effective, but it must not be used in pregnan… Potassium binders Sodium zirconium cyclosilicate An oral medicine used to lower high potassium levels in the blood by trapping potassium in the gut.… Hepatitis antivirals Sofosbuvir A cornerstone hepatitis C antiviral that, as part of a combination tablet, cures most people in a short course.… Bladder antimuscarinics Solifenacin A once-daily antimuscarinic for an overactive bladder, calming the urge to pass urine; dry mouth and constipation are co… Wakefulness-promoting agent Solriamfetol A wakefulness-promoting medicine for excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy or obstructive sleep apnoea.… Growth hormone Somatropin An injected, man-made growth hormone used for growth hormone deficiency and some specific conditions.… Multikinase inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Sorafenib A targeted cancer tablet used for some liver, kidney and thyroid cancers, which slows cancer growth and blood-vessel for… SGLT2 inhibitors Sotagliflozin A medicine that blocks two sugar-handling transporters, used in heart failure and in diabetes with kidney disease.… Beta-blockers Sotalol A beta-blocker with extra rhythm-controlling action used to treat and prevent certain abnormal heart rhythms, including … KRAS G12C-targeted cancer medicine Sotorasib A targeted oral cancer medicine for advanced lung cancer that has a specific KRAS G12C gene change.… Monoclonal antibody (COVID-19) Sotrovimab A monoclonal antibody given by infusion to treat COVID-19 in people at high risk of becoming seriously unwell.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Spesolimab An antibody medicine used to treat flares of generalised pustular psoriasis, a rare and serious skin condition.… Topical head-lice treatment Spinosad A medicine applied to the scalp and hair to treat head lice and their eggs.… Macrolide antibiotics Spiramycin A macrolide antibiotic used especially in pregnancy to help stop toxoplasmosis being passed to the baby.… Spironolactone Spironolactone A water tablet that removes excess fluid while holding on to potassium — used in heart failure, hard-to-control blood pr… Antiretrovirals Stavudine An older HIV medicine (a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor) once used in combination therapy but now rarely cho… Laxatives Sterculia A bulk-forming laxative made from plant fibre that treats constipation and helps regulate stool consistency, taken with … Antiseizure medicine (Dravet syndrome add-on) Stiripentol An add-on antiseizure medicine used, alongside other treatments, for a severe childhood epilepsy called Dravet syndrome.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Streptozocin A chemotherapy used to treat pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, given under specialist cancer care.… Bone-strengthening agent Strontium ranelate A bone-strengthening medicine used for severe osteoporosis when other treatments are not suitable.… Chelating agent (lead and heavy-metal poisoning) Succimer An oral chelating medicine, also called DMSA, used to treat lead and some heavy-metal poisoning by binding the metal so … Skeletal muscle relaxants Succinylcholine A fast, short-acting muscle relaxant used during anaesthesia to paralyse muscles for placing a breathing tube.… Antacids and alginates Sucralfate A mucosal protectant that forms a protective coating over ulcers and damaged areas, shielding them from acid so they can… Phosphate binders Sucroferric oxyhydroxide An iron-based phosphate binder, chewed with meals, to lower high phosphate levels in chronic kidney disease.… Neuromuscular block reversal agent Sugammadex A reversal medicine given by an anaesthetist that rapidly ends the effect of rocuronium or vecuronium.… Penicillins Sulbactam A protective partner medicine given with a penicillin antibiotic to help it work against resistant bacteria.… Topical antifungals Sulconazole An antifungal cream applied to the skin to treat fungal infections such as ringworm and athlete's foot.… Sulfonamide antibiotic (eye and skin) Sulfacetamide A sulfonamide antibiotic used in eye drops and ointment for eye infections, and in some skin preparations.… Sulfonamide antibiotic Sulfadiazine A sulfonamide antibiotic used mainly with pyrimethamine to treat toxoplasmosis.… Sulfonamide antibiotic Sulfadimethoxine An older, long-acting sulfonamide antibiotic that is now rarely used in people in the UK.… Sulfonamide antibiotic Sulfadimidine An older sulfonamide antibiotic, also called sulfamethazine, that is now rarely used in people in the UK.… Sulfonamide antimalarial Sulfadoxine A long-acting sulfonamide used together with pyrimethamine, mainly against malaria.… Sulfonamide antibiotic Sulfafurazole An older sulfonamide antibiotic, also called sulfisoxazole, that is now rarely used in people in the UK.… Sulfonamide antibiotic Sulfametopyrazine An older, long-acting sulfonamide antibiotic that is now rarely used in people in the UK.… Aminosalicylates Sulfasalazine A disease-modifying medicine that calms inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, needing blo… NSAIDs Sulindac An anti-inflammatory painkiller (NSAID) used to relieve pain and inflammation, including in arthritis and gout.… Antipsychotics Sulpiride An antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia; it can raise prolactin and cause movement effects, and should not be stopp… Antiepileptic medicine (carbonic-anhydrase related) Sultiame An antiepileptic medicine used mainly for certain childhood focal epilepsies, such as benign rolandic epilepsy.… Triptans Sumatriptan A triptan taken to stop a migraine attack once it has started — fast and effective for many, but for treating attacks ra… Multikinase inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Sunitinib A targeted cancer tablet used for some kidney cancers, GIST and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours.… Antiparasitic (trypanosomiasis, onchocerciasis) Suramin An old injectable medicine used for the early (blood) stage of African sleeping sickness and, in some places, for river … Orexin-receptor antagonist (sleep medicine) Suvorexant A sleep medicine for insomnia that works by blocking orexin, a chemical that keeps the brain awake.… Neuromuscular blocker (depolarising) Suxamethonium A fast, short-acting muscle relaxant given by an anaesthetist to relax the muscles quickly so a breathing tube can be pl…
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Vitamin D analogue (topical, psoriasis) Tacalcitol A vitamin D-like cream or ointment applied once a day for plaque psoriasis.… Calcineurin inhibitors Tacrolimus A strong immunosuppressant used to prevent transplant rejection, taken by mouth and prescribed by brand.… Calcineurin inhibitors Tacrolimus (skin ointment) A non-steroid ointment for moderate to severe eczema, used when steroids are unsuitable, including on the face.… PDE5 inhibitors Tadalafil A long-acting PDE5 inhibitor for erectile dysfunction — often called the "weekend pill" — that also eases prostate-relat… Transthyretin stabiliser (ATTR amyloidosis) Tafamidis An oral capsule used to treat transthyretin amyloidosis, a condition where a protein builds up in the heart or nerves.… Anti-CD19 monoclonal antibody (lymphoma) Tafasitamab A targeted antibody treatment used with lenalidomide for a type of large B-cell lymphoma.… Antimalarial (relapse prevention and prophylaxis) Tafenoquine A single-dose antimalarial used to prevent relapse of Plasmodium vivax malaria, and also used to prevent malaria.… Glaucoma eye drops Tafluprost A once-daily eye drop that lowers pressure inside the eye in glaucoma, available preservative-free.… PARP inhibitor (targeted cancer medicine) Talazoparib A targeted oral cancer medicine, a PARP inhibitor, used for certain cancers often linked to inherited gene changes such … Alpha-blockers (prostate) Tamsulosin An alpha-blocker that relaxes the muscle around the prostate and bladder neck to ease urine flow in men with an enlarged… Opioid analgesics Tapentadol A strong opioid painkiller with a dual action, used for moderate to severe pain when weaker painkillers are not enough.… Topical aryl-hydrocarbon-receptor agonist (skin) Tapinarof A steroid-free cream applied to the skin to treat plaque psoriasis and eczema.… Melatonin-receptor agonist (sleep medicine) Tasimelteon A specialist sleep medicine used for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder, mainly in people who are totally blind.… Topical antifungals Tavaborole An antifungal solution applied to the nail to treat fungal nail infection.… Topical retinoids Tazarotene A retinoid gel applied to the skin for plaque psoriasis, and sometimes acne.… Beta-lactamase inhibitor (given with an antibiotic) Tazobactam A beta-lactamase inhibitor given together with an antibiotic such as piperacillin to overcome resistance in serious infe… Radiopharmaceutical (diagnostic tracer) Technetium-99m A radioactive tracer used for diagnostic scans, helping doctors see how organs such as the bones, heart or kidneys are w… BCMA-CD3 bispecific antibody (myeloma) Teclistamab A targeted immune treatment for advanced myeloma that brings the body's T cells to attack cancer cells.… Antiviral (orthopoxvirus) Tecovirimat An antiviral medicine used to treat serious infections caused by pox viruses, such as smallpox and mpox (monkeypox).… Oxazolidinone antibiotic Tedizolid An oxazolidinone antibiotic used to treat serious skin and soft-tissue infections, including some caused by resistant ba… GLP-2 analogue (short bowel syndrome) Teduglutide A daily injection used to help the gut absorb more in short bowel syndrome and reduce reliance on intravenous feeding.… Glycopeptide antibiotics Teicoplanin A glycopeptide antibiotic given by injection to treat serious infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria, including MRS… Hepatitis antivirals Telaprevir An early hepatitis C medicine, used with peginterferon and ribavirin, now obsolete and replaced by modern treatments.… Glycopeptide antibiotics Telavancin A specialist hospital antibiotic given into a vein for some serious skin infections and types of pneumonia.… Hepatitis antivirals Telbivudine An older antiviral medicine for long-term hepatitis B, now seldom used because newer medicines work better.… ARBs Telmisartan A long-acting once-daily ARB for high blood pressure; it does not cause the ACE-inhibitor cough but must be avoided in p… Tryptophan-hydroxylase inhibitor (carcinoid syndrome) Telotristat ethyl A specialist medicine used to control the diarrhoea of carcinoid syndrome by reducing serotonin production.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Temazepam A benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, helping people who are having serious trouble sleeping.… Penicillins Temocillin A penicillin antibiotic given into a vein for certain resistant Gram-negative infections.… Photosensitiser (photodynamic therapy) Temoporfin A light-activated medicine used in photodynamic therapy to treat certain head-and-neck cancers.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Temozolomide An oral chemotherapy used to treat certain brain tumours, such as glioma, often given with radiotherapy.… mTOR inhibitor (targeted cancer medicine) Temsirolimus A targeted cancer medicine given by drip, an mTOR inhibitor, used mainly for advanced kidney cancer.… Sodium/hydrogen exchanger inhibitor (gut-acting) Tenapanor A gut-acting medicine for irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, also used to lower phosphate in kidney disease, ta… Antiretrovirals Tenofovir An antiretroviral that helps control HIV and hepatitis B, and is a core part of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).… MET inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Tepotinib A targeted cancer tablet for a type of lung cancer driven by a change in the MET gene.… Anti-IGF-1-receptor antibody (thyroid eye disease) Teprotumumab An antibody medicine given by drip to treat thyroid eye disease, which causes bulging and inflamed eyes.… Alpha-blockers (prostate) Terazosin An alpha-blocker used for an enlarged prostate and for high blood pressure.… Systemic antifungals Terbinafine The usual treatment for stubborn fungal nail and skin infections — taken as a tablet for weeks to months, or applied as … Short-acting bronchodilators Terbutaline A short-acting reliever that opens the airways quickly in asthma and some other lung conditions.… Azole antifungals Terconazole An antifungal pessary or cream used inside the vagina to treat thrush, a common yeast infection.… Multiple sclerosis disease-modifying therapy Teriflunomide A once-daily tablet for relapsing multiple sclerosis that needs liver monitoring and strict pregnancy precautions becaus… Teriparatide Teriparatide A daily self-injection that builds new bone to treat severe osteoporosis and reduce the risk of fractures.… Vasopressin analogue (variceal bleeding) Terlipressin A hospital-only injection used mainly to control bleeding from swollen veins in the gullet caused by liver disease.… Testosterone replacement Testosterone Replacement of the male sex hormone testosterone for men with proven low levels (hypogonadism).… Immunoglobulin therapy Tetanus immunoglobulin Ready-made antibodies given by injection to provide immediate protection against tetanus after a tetanus-prone wound.… Vaccines Tetanus vaccine A vaccine that protects against tetanus, usually given combined with diphtheria and polio protection.… VMAT inhibitors (movement-disorder medicines) Tetrabenazine A medicine that reduces involuntary movements in Huntington's chorea and certain other movement disorders.… Local anaesthetics Tetracaine A strong topical local anaesthetic used to numb the skin before needles and the surface of the eye for some procedures.… Synthetic ACTH (adrenal function testing) Tetracosactide A synthetic form of the hormone ACTH used mainly to test whether the adrenal glands make enough cortisol.… Tetracyclines Tetracycline The original tetracycline antibiotic, taken by mouth on an empty stomach for acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation.… Topical decongestant (sympathomimetic) Tetrahydrozoline (tetryzoline) An over-the-counter decongestant in eye and nasal drops that briefly relieves redness and congestion by narrowing small … CFTR modulator (cystic fibrosis) Tezacaftor A CFTR corrector used with ivacaftor, often better tolerated than lumacaftor, for suitable cystic fibrosis gene changes.… Biologic antibody for severe asthma (anti-TSLP) Tezepelumab A regular injection used as an add-on treatment to help control severe asthma in people whose symptoms are not controlle… Xanthine bronchodilators Theophylline A tablet that helps open the airways in asthma and COPD — effective but with a narrow safe range, so blood levels are mo… General anaesthetic (intravenous barbiturate) Thiopental A fast-acting intravenous anaesthetic used for rapid induction and to control seizures or raised brain pressure in emerg… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Thiotepa A chemotherapy used in high-dose conditioning before stem-cell transplant and for some cancers, given under specialist c… Antipsychotics Thiothixene A first-generation antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, more commonly seen as a United States product.… Antiepileptic (add-on for focal seizures) Tiagabine An antiepileptic medicine used alongside others to help control focal (partial) seizures.… NSAID (anti-inflammatory painkiller) Tiaprofenic acid An anti-inflammatory painkiller used for pain and swelling in joint conditions, with a known risk of bladder irritation.… Menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) Tibolone A single-tablet form of HRT that eases menopausal symptoms in women who are past the menopause.… Antiplatelet drugs Ticagrelor An antiplatelet medicine used after a heart attack or stent to help stop dangerous blood clots forming in the arteries.… Penicillins Ticarcillin An injectable penicillin antibiotic, often combined with clavulanate, used in hospital for serious infections.… Tetracyclines Tigecycline An injectable, tetracycline-derived antibiotic used in hospital for resistant infections when other options are unsuitab… Interleukin-targeting biologics Tildrakizumab A regular injection used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis by calming part of the immune system that drives t… Glaucoma eye drops Timolol A beta-blocker eye drop that lowers the pressure inside the eye in glaucoma; even as a drop it can cause beta-blocker ef… Metronidazole Tinidazole A medicine used for certain bacterial and protozoal infections, including some gut and genital infections.… Heparins Tinzaparin A low-molecular-weight heparin injected under the skin to prevent and treat blood clots.… Topical antifungals Tioconazole An antifungal solution brushed onto the nails to treat fungal nail infections.… Azathioprine Tioguanine A thiopurine used mainly for some leukaemias, needing regular blood-count and liver monitoring.… Cystine-lowering agent (cystine stone prevention) Tiopronin A specialist medicine that lowers cystine in the urine to help prevent cystine kidney stones.… Long-acting bronchodilators Tiotropium A once-daily long-acting inhaler that keeps the airways open in COPD, and is used as an add-on in some asthma.… Antiretrovirals Tipranavir A boosted HIV protease inhibitor used, as part of combination therapy, for HIV that is resistant to other medicines.… Antiplatelet drugs Tirofiban An intravenous antiplatelet medicine used in hospital during heart attacks and procedures to keep blood from clotting on… GLP-1 receptor agonists Tirzepatide A once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar and helps with weight.… CD19 CAR-T cell therapy Tisagenlecleucel A one-off cell therapy that re-engineers a person's own immune cells to attack leukaemia or lymphoma.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1) Tislelizumab An immunotherapy given by drip that helps the immune system attack certain cancers, such as some oesophageal and lung ca… VEGFR-targeted cancer medicine (tyrosine kinase inhibitor) Tivozanib A targeted oral cancer medicine for advanced kidney cancer that blocks the tumour's blood-vessel growth signals.… Skeletal muscle relaxants Tizanidine A muscle relaxant that eases muscle stiffness and spasm (spasticity), often used in multiple sclerosis.… Aminoglycosides Tobramycin A powerful aminoglycoside antibiotic given into a vein, inhaled or as eye drops for specific infections.… Antiarrhythmic medicine (lidocaine analogue) Tocainide An older oral heart-rhythm medicine, related to lidocaine, now largely withdrawn because of serious side effects.… IL-6 inhibitor biologic Tocilizumab A biologic that blocks interleukin-6 to control rheumatoid arthritis and some other inflammatory conditions.… JAK inhibitors Tofacitinib An oral JAK inhibitor that calms an overactive immune system in rheumatoid arthritis and some other inflammatory conditi… Antisense oligonucleotide (SOD1 motor neurone disease) Tofersen A specialist injection used to treat a rare inherited form of motor neurone disease caused by SOD1 gene changes.… Sulfonylureas Tolazamide An older first-generation sulfonylurea once used for type 2 diabetes, now largely obsolete.… Sulfonylureas Tolbutamide An older, short-acting sulfonylurea taken with meals to lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes, carrying a risk of hypogly… COMT inhibitors Tolcapone A COMT inhibitor that extends the effect of levodopa in Parkinson's, used with liver monitoring because of a risk of liv… NSAIDs Tolmetin An anti-inflammatory painkiller used to ease the pain, swelling and stiffness of arthritis.… Topical antifungal Tolnaftate An over-the-counter antifungal applied to the skin to treat athlete's foot and ringworm.… Bladder antimuscarinics Tolterodine An antimuscarinic ('anticholinergic') medicine that calms an overactive bladder to reduce urgency and frequency; it can … Diagnostic staining dye Toluidine blue A blue dye used to highlight suspicious tissue, for example in the mouth, as an aid during examinations.… Vasopressin (ADH) receptor antagonist Tolvaptan A tablet used to slow kidney growth in polycystic kidney disease and to treat low sodium, needing liver monitoring.… Antiepileptic (also migraine prevention) Topiramate A medicine used to help control epilepsy and to prevent migraine attacks.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Topotecan A chemotherapy medicine used to treat ovarian cancer, small-cell lung cancer and cervical cancer.… Loop diuretics Torasemide A loop diuretic ('water tablet') taken in the morning to remove excess fluid in heart failure, easing breathlessness and… Selective oestrogen-receptor modulator (SERM) Toremifene A hormone tablet used to treat breast cancer that is fuelled by oestrogen, by blocking oestrogen's effect on cancer cell… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-PD-1) Toripalimab An immunotherapy given by drip that helps the immune system attack nasopharyngeal cancer, a cancer at the top of the thr… Biologic antibody for eczema (anti-IL-13) Tralokinumab A regular injection used to treat moderate to severe eczema by blocking an immune signal that drives the skin inflammati… Opioid analgesics Tramadol An opioid painkiller for moderate-to-severe pain that also acts on brain chemicals — a controlled drug with risks of sei… MEK inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Trametinib A targeted cancer tablet, usually given with dabrafenib, for melanoma and some other cancers with a BRAF gene change.… ACE inhibitors Trandolapril A once-daily ACE inhibitor that lowers blood pressure and protects the heart, with a dry cough, dizziness on the first d… MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) Tranylcypromine An older MAOI antidepressant, somewhat stimulating, that needs a strict low-tyramine diet for safety.… HER2-targeted antibody (breast/stomach cancer) Trastuzumab A targeted antibody for HER2-positive breast and stomach cancers, given by drip or injection by oncology teams.… HER2-targeted antibody-drug conjugate Trastuzumab emtansine A targeted breast cancer treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to HER2-positive cancer cells, given by drip.… Glaucoma eye drops Travoprost A once-daily prostaglandin eye drop used in the evening to lower eye pressure in glaucoma; it can darken the iris and le… Antidepressants Trazodone A sedating antidepressant often chosen when low mood comes with poor sleep or anxiety.… Immune checkpoint inhibitor (anti-CTLA-4) Tremelimumab An immunotherapy given by drip, usually combined with durvalumab, that helps the immune system attack certain cancers.… Prostacyclin analogue Treprostinil A longer-acting prostacyclin given by continuous infusion under the skin or into a vein for pulmonary arterial hypertens… Topical retinoids Tretinoin A topical retinoid (a form of vitamin A) applied to the skin to treat acne.… Corticosteroid Triamcinolone A steroid medicine that reduces inflammation, often given as an injection into a joint or muscle for arthritis or stubbo… Potassium-sparing diuretic (water tablet) Triamterene A potassium-sparing diuretic, often combined with a thiazide, that removes excess fluid while helping to keep potassium … Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Triazolam A short-acting benzodiazepine used for the short-term treatment of severe insomnia.… Antiparasitic (fluke infections) Triclabendazole A medicine used as the treatment for liver fluke (fascioliasis), and also for paragonimiasis.… Copper-chelating agent (Wilson's disease) Trientine A copper-removing medicine used to treat Wilson's disease, an inherited condition where copper builds up in the body.… Topical retinoids Trifarotene A vitamin-A-related cream applied to the skin to treat acne on the face and the body.… Antipsychotics Trifluoperazine A first-generation antipsychotic used in schizophrenia and other psychosis, and at lower amounts for severe anxiety.… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Trifluridine An antiviral eye drop used to treat herpes-simplex infection of the eye (keratitis) affecting the clear front surface.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Trifluridine with tipiracil An oral chemotherapy tablet used for advanced bowel and stomach cancer, usually after other treatments have been tried.… Levodopa Trihexyphenidyl An antimuscarinic medicine used mainly to ease tremor in Parkinson's and movement problems caused by some other medicine… Oxazolidinedione antiepileptic (historical) Trimethadione An obsolete older anti-seizure medicine once used for absence seizures, largely abandoned because of serious safety prob… Antiemetics Trimethobenzamide An anti-sickness medicine used to relieve nausea and vomiting, used mainly outside the UK.… UTI antibiotics Trimethoprim A common antibiotic for urinary tract infections — avoided in early pregnancy, with several important interactions and e… Tricyclic antidepressants Trimipramine A sedating tricyclic antidepressant used for depression, particularly where sleep is disturbed, but dangerous in overdos… Antihistamines Tripelennamine An older sedating antihistamine used to ease allergy symptoms and itching, which commonly causes drowsiness.… Bismuth chelate (ulcer-protecting) Tripotassium dicitratobismuthate A bismuth chelate that coats and protects stomach ulcers and is used in some Helicobacter pylori treatment regimens, tak… Antihistamines Triprolidine A sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergy symptoms, often found in cough and cold combinations, that commonly cau… GnRH analogue Triptorelin A hormone injection that lowers the body's sex hormones, used in prostate cancer, endometriosis and early puberty.… Treatment for Rett syndrome Trofinetide A specialist oral liquid medicine used to treat Rett syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting development.… Alkalinising buffer (intravenous) Tromethamine A hospital intravenous medicine used to correct severe acidity in the blood (metabolic acidosis).… Pupil-dilating eye drops (examination) Tropicamide Eye drops that widen the pupil so an eye specialist can examine the back of the eye.… Antiemetics Tropisetron A 5HT3-blocking antiemetic used to prevent nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy, with constipation and headache being c… Bladder antimuscarinics Trospium A bladder-relaxing antimuscarinic that eases the urgency, frequency and leaks of an overactive bladder; it is taken on a… Neuromuscular blocking agent (historical) Tubocurarine An old curare-derived medicine used during surgery to relax and paralyse muscles, now largely replaced.… HER2 tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Tucatinib A targeted cancer tablet for HER2-positive breast cancer, used together with other cancer medicines.… Vaccines Typhoid vaccine A travel vaccine that protects against typhoid fever, available as an injection or as oral live capsules.…
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Gepant (CGRP blocker, acute) Ubrogepant An oral tablet taken during a migraine attack to relieve it, as an alternative to triptans.… Emergency contraception Ulipristal An emergency 'morning after' pill that can be used later after unprotected sex than the older levonorgestrel one.… Long-acting bronchodilators Umeclidinium A once-daily maintenance inhaler that keeps the airways open in COPD.… Topical antifungal Undecylenic acid An over-the-counter topical antifungal applied to the skin to treat athlete's foot and ringworm.… Heavy-metal chelating agent Unithiol A specialist chelating medicine used to treat heavy-metal poisoning by binding the metal so the body can remove it.… JAK inhibitors Upadacitinib An oral JAK inhibitor that calms an overactive immune system in rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.… Alpha-blocker for hypertensive emergencies (intravenous) Urapidil A medicine given into a vein in hospital to bring down dangerously high blood pressure under close monitoring.… Interleukin-targeting biologics Ustekinumab An injected biologic that blocks the IL-12 and IL-23 immune signals, used for psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and some bo…
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HIF prolyl-hydroxylase inhibitor (anaemia of CKD) Vadadustat An oral tablet used to treat anaemia (low blood count) in people with long-term kidney disease.… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Valaciclovir An antiviral for herpes infections, including cold sores, genital herpes and shingles.… VMAT2 inhibitor (movement disorders) Valbenazine A once-daily capsule used to reduce the involuntary movements of tardive dyskinesia.… Antiviral drugs (herpes) Valganciclovir An oral antiviral tablet or liquid that turns into ganciclovir in the body, used to treat and prevent CMV infection.… Sodium valproate Valproic acid A valproate medicine used to treat epilepsy and to stabilise mood in bipolar disorder, with strict pregnancy precautions… ARBs Valsartan An angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB) for high blood pressure and heart failure, often used when an ACE inhibitor causes… Glycopeptide antibiotics Vancomycin A glycopeptide antibiotic given into a vein for serious infections, or by mouth for C. difficile.… RET and VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Vandetanib A targeted cancer tablet for medullary thyroid cancer, with important heart-rhythm risks needing close monitoring.… PDE5 inhibitors Vardenafil A PDE5 inhibitor taken before sex to help achieve an erection; it must never be combined with nitrates or GTN.… Smoking-cessation aids Varenicline A prescription tablet that helps people stop smoking by reducing cravings and the satisfaction from smoking.… Vaccines Varicella vaccine A live vaccine that protects against chickenpox (varicella).… Immunoglobulin therapy Varicella-zoster immunoglobulin Antibodies given promptly to high-risk people after exposure to chickenpox or shingles to reduce how severe the infectio… Antidiuretic / vasopressor hormone Vasopressin A hospital hormone medicine, given into a vein, used mainly to help support dangerously low blood pressure in critically… Neuromuscular blocker (non-depolarising) Vecuronium An intermediate-acting muscle relaxant given by an anaesthetist to relax the muscles during surgery.… Gut-selective biologic (anti-integrin) Vedolizumab A gut-selective biologic used for inflammatory bowel disease, with action focused mainly on the gut.… Enzyme replacement therapy (Gaucher disease) Velaglucerase A regular drip that replaces the missing enzyme in Gaucher disease, an alternative enzyme replacement to imiglucerase.… Enzyme replacement therapy (alpha-mannosidosis) Velmanase alfa An enzyme replacement given by drip into a vein to treat the rare inherited disorder alpha-mannosidosis.… Hepatitis antivirals Velpatasvir A hepatitis C antiviral combined with sofosbuvir (Epclusa) that cures all the main types of the infection.… BRAF inhibitor (targeted cancer therapy) Vemurafenib A targeted cancer tablet for melanoma that carries a specific BRAF V600 gene change.… BCL-2 inhibitor (targeted blood cancer therapy) Venetoclax A targeted cancer tablet used for some blood cancers, started gradually to lower the risk of tumour lysis syndrome.… SNRIs Venlafaxine An SNRI antidepressant for depression and anxiety that lifts mood by boosting two brain chemicals — effective, but one t… Oestrogen receptor degrader (PROTAC) Vepdegestrant A newer specialist hormone therapy used in some forms of hormone-receptor-positive advanced breast cancer.… Calcium-channel blockers Verapamil A "rate-limiting" calcium-channel blocker used to lower blood pressure and to slow and steady the heart rate in abnormal… Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator (heart failure) Vericiguat An oral tablet used to treat chronic heart failure, added to other heart-failure medicines.… Antiarrhythmic for recent-onset atrial fibrillation (intravenous) Vernakalant A medicine given into a vein in hospital to help return a recently started irregular heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) … Photodynamic therapy agent (eye) Verteporfin A light-activated medicine given by drip then triggered by a special eye laser to treat certain retinal conditions.… Enzyme replacement therapy (MPS VII / Sly syndrome) Vestronidase alfa An enzyme replacement given by drip into a vein to treat mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS VII).… Anti-epileptic Vigabatrin An anti-epileptic used for infantile spasms and resistant focal epilepsy, with a serious risk of permanent vision loss.… Long-acting bronchodilators Vilanterol A once-daily long-acting bronchodilator, always part of a combination inhaler, used in asthma and COPD.… SSRIs Vilazodone An antidepressant used to treat depression, working on the brain chemical serotonin in two ways.… DPP-4 inhibitors Vildagliptin A DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin) that gently lowers blood sugar in type 2 diabetes with a low risk of hypoglycaemia on its ow… Antisense oligonucleotide (exon-53-skipping, Duchenne muscular dystrophy) Viltolarsen A specialist injection used for a particular form of Duchenne muscular dystrophy suitable for exon-53 skipping.… CSF1R inhibitor (tenosynovial giant cell tumour) Vimseltinib A targeted oral medicine used to treat tenosynovial giant cell tumour, a growth in or around a joint.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Vindesine A chemotherapy medicine from the vinca-alkaloid group, given into a vein to treat certain cancers.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Vinflunine A chemotherapy medicine from the vinca-alkaloid group, given into a vein to treat advanced bladder cancer.… Cytotoxic chemotherapy Vinorelbine A chemotherapy medicine from the vinca-alkaloid group, used to treat lung and breast cancer.… Fat-soluble vitamin (retinol) Vitamin A A fat-soluble vitamin (retinol) used to treat deficiency, which is a cause of night blindness, and in some specialist si… Vitamin E Vitamin E A fat-soluble antioxidant vitamin used to prevent and treat vitamin E deficiency, which is uncommon as most people get e… Clotting factor replacement (von Willebrand factor) Von Willebrand factor A clotting protein, often given with factor VIII, used by injection to treat or prevent bleeding in von Willebrand disea… Azole antifungals Voriconazole A triazole antifungal for serious fungal infections; it has many drug interactions and can cause temporary visual distur… Antidepressants Vortioxetine An antidepressant used for major depression, sometimes chosen when other antidepressants have not suited.… Haemoglobin oxygen-affinity modulator (sickle cell disease) Voxelotor A medicine used in sickle cell disease that aims to stop red blood cells sickling by changing how haemoglobin holds oxyg… RNA interference (siRNA) therapy Vutrisiran An under-the-skin injection used for the nerve disease caused by hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis.…
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Vitamin K antagonist (anticoagulant) Warfarin A long-established anticoagulant ("blood thinner") that reduces the blood's tendency to clot, taken long-term with regul… Allergen immunotherapy (venom desensitisation) Wasp venom extract An allergen extract used over years to desensitise people with severe wasp-sting allergy and reduce future reactions.… Astringent skin soother Witch hazel A gentle plant-based astringent used to soothe minor skin irritation, bruises, bites and piles.…
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Inhaled general anaesthetic gas Xenon A rare gas with anaesthetic properties used as an inhaled general anaesthetic in some settings, and as an imaging or res… Thiazide diuretics Xipamide A thiazide-like water tablet that helps the body lose salt and water to lower blood pressure.… Decongestants Xylometazoline A fast nasal decongestant spray that quickly unblocks a stuffy nose, but must not be used for more than about a week to …
Y
Z
Leukotriene receptor antagonists Zafirlukast A tablet used regularly to help prevent asthma symptoms, not to treat a sudden attack.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Zaleplon A very short-acting Z-drug sleeping tablet for short-term insomnia.… Influenza antivirals Zanamivir An inhaled antiviral that can shorten flu and help protect people at higher risk, if started early.… BTK inhibitor (targeted blood cancer therapy) Zanubrutinib A targeted cancer tablet for some lymphomas, with bleeding, heart-rhythm changes and infection as key risks.… Antiretrovirals Zidovudine An HIV medicine used as part of combination treatment, and to help prevent mother-to-baby transmission.… Leukotriene receptor antagonists Zileuton A tablet used to help prevent asthma symptoms, used mainly outside the UK.… Magnesium supplements Zinc An essential mineral supplement used for zinc deficiency and sometimes to support wound healing.… Copper-absorption blocker (Wilson's disease) Zinc acetate A medicine used as maintenance treatment in Wilson's disease, which stops the gut absorbing copper from food.… Trace element replacement (parenteral zinc) Zinc injection A trace-element preparation given by injection to replace zinc in deficiency, mainly as part of long-term intravenous fe… Barrier and skin-protectant cream Zinc oxide A soothing barrier cream ingredient that protects skin and is widely used for nappy rash and minor irritation.… Antipsychotics Ziprasidone A second-generation antipsychotic used for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, taken with food and with attention to hea… Bisphosphonates Zoledronic acid A strong bisphosphonate usually given as a once-yearly drip to strengthen bone in osteoporosis; flu-like symptoms can fo… Triptans Zolmitriptan A triptan taken at the start of a migraine attack to ease the headache and the sickness, light and sound sensitivity tha… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Zolpidem A 'Z-drug' used for the short-term treatment of insomnia, helping people fall asleep when poor sleep is causing real pro… Sodium valproate Zonisamide An antiepileptic taken to help control seizures in epilepsy, often added to another medicine.… Benzodiazepines and Z-drugs Zopiclone A Z-drug sleeping tablet used for short-term treatment of insomnia; it can cause next-day drowsiness, a metallic taste a… Antipsychotics Zuclopenthixol An older antipsychotic for schizophrenia, available as tablets and as a long-acting depot injection.… Oral medicine for postnatal (postpartum) depression Zuranolone A medicine taken by mouth as a short course to treat postnatal (postpartum) depression.…
Answers
Frequently asked questions
What is a "formula" here?
A formula is the active ingredient — the generic medicine — such as atorvastatin or ramipril. One active ingredient can be sold under several brand names, so we cover the ingredient once (with its brands listed) rather than creating separate pages for each brand.
What is the difference between a formula and a brand?
The formula (e.g. atorvastatin) is the active ingredient; the brand (e.g. Lipitor) is a manufacturer's trade name for it. Generic and branded versions contain the same active ingredient.
Do these pages give doses?
No. Like the rest of the site, formula pages are dose-free — they explain what a medicine is, how it works, what it treats and what to watch for. Doses depend on the individual and belong with your prescriber, the BNF and the product labelling.
Where are the clinical formulas and scores?
Clinical formulas — calculators and risk scores such as eGFR or CHA₂DS₂-VASc — live in our Clinical Calculators section. This page covers drug (active-ingredient) formulas.
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We build evidence-led, dose-free medicine and formulary references on permitted data.