The use of essential drugs : fourth report of the WHO Expert Committee, meeting held in Geneva from 27 to 30 November 1989

1. Introduction -- 2. Guidelines for establishing a national programme for essential drugs -- 3. Criteria for the selection of essential drugs -- 4. Guidelines for the selection of pharmaceutical dosage forms -- 5. reserve antimicrobials and monitoring resistance -- 6. Applications of the essential-drugs concepts -- 7. Essential drugs and primary health care -- 8. Quality assurance -- 9. Drug surveys -- 10. Research and development -- 11. Drug information and education -- 12. Updating of lists of essential drugs -- 13. Model list of essential drugs -- 14. Considerations and changes made in revising the model list -- 15. glossary of terms used in the report -- 16. alphabetical list of essential drugs -- Acknowledgements

Presents and explains the sixth model list of essential drugs issued by WHO as part of its efforts to extend the benefits of modern drugs to the worlds population. Intended to guide the selection of drugs in countries where the need is great and the resources are small, the list identifies a core group of prophylactic and therapeutic substances judged capable of meeting the vast majority of health needs and thus deserving priority in purchasing decisions and procurement schemes. The first half of the report provides updated information on several components of national drug policy necessary to assure that essential drugs, corresponding to essential health needs, are available at all times in adequate amounts and in the proper dosage. The sixth WHO model list of essential drugs is then presented, together with an explanation of changes made when revising the list. Organized according to therapeutic group, the list includes information on route of administration, dosage forms, and strengths for each of 275 drugs. To qualify for inclusion in the list, a drug must be supported by sound and adequate data demonstrating safety, efficacy, and consistent performance in a variety of medical settings. Factors of cost, stability, quality control, and international availability were also considered. Revisions in the list, which were agreed upon by an international group of experts, reflect changes in disease patterns, advances in drug development, and experiences in the use of specific preparations. Revisions also alert readers to cases where advances in pharmacology have made certain drugs obsolete. In total, six substances have been withdrawn from the list