Chapters
| Status | Drug name | NICE TAs | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Acetazolamide | Intercranial hypertension (unlicensed indication) | |
 | Amiloride solution | Caution with ACE inhibitors. A weak diuretic. | |
| Amiloride tablets | Caution with ACE inhibitors. A weak diuretic. | |
| Bendroflumethiazide tablets | 2.5mg dose (higher doses not indicated in hypertension). Most patients do not develop hypokalaemia. Suggest check potassium level one month after initiation and annually thereafter (MeReC 10/94) | |
| Bumetanide tablets | Monitor potassium level. Indicated in pulmonary oedema. Need large doses in renal failure | |
| Chlortalidone tablets | ||
| Co-amilofruse tablets | Combination products should be avoided, unless compliance is an issue | |
| Eplerenone tablets | ||
| Finerenone (Kerendia®) | Prescribing to be in line with the prescribing support document | |
| Furosemide injection | Monitor potassium level. Indicated in pulmonary oedema. Need large doses in renal failure | |
| Furosemide oral solution | Monitor potassium level. Indicated in pulmonary oedema. Need large doses in renal failure | |
| Furosemide tablets | Monitor potassium level. Indicated in pulmonary oedema. Need large doses in renal failure | |
| Indapamide tablets | 2.5mg tablets only | |
 | Mannitol infusion | Hospital only | |
| Metolazone | Specialist recommendation (unlicensed). There is now a UK licensed metolazone 5mg tablet available (Xaqua®). There are significant differences in bioavailability between Xaqua® and alternative unlicensed imported metolazone preparations. Xaqua® tablets have up to approximately twice the bioavailability of other metolazone preparations. If switching from another metolazone product to Xaqua® tablets or vice versa, a dose adjustment may be necessary, and individualised titration based on patient's response and tolerability is advised. More information available from Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS). We are awaiting guidance on switching to the licensed product – in the mean time please ensure that the patients are not inadvertently switched between products. | |
| Spironolactone tablets | Retains potassium. Useful in liver cirrhosis and congestive heart failure with loop diuretic. Monitor potassium levels carefully. |
Drug status key
Formulary drugs are allocated a traffic light status. This provides guidance on where clinical and prescribing responsibilities lie in regard to the initiation and maintenance of prescribing.
Grey
Positive NICE TA and/or awaiting local clarification on place in therapy. Please contact your medicines optimisation team for more information.
Red
Initiation and maintenance of prescribing by specialists only.
Amber
Initiation and maintenance of prescribing by specialists and transfer to primary care prescribing when appropriate, or in primary care following a specialists recommendation. Prior to initiation some medicines may require committee agreement or a framework to support safe transfer and maintenance.
Green
Initiation and maintenance of prescribing by specialists, GPs and other qualified clinicians.
Blue
Under review at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.
