The use of essential drugs : model list of essential drugs (seventh list, fifth report of the WHO Expert Committee [meeting held in Geneva from 18 to 22 November 1991] ; L' utilisation des médicaments essentiels : liste modèle des médicaments essentiels (septième liste) : cinquième rapport du Comité OMS d' experts [réuni à Genève du 18 au 22 novembre 1991] ; Uso de medicamentos esenciales : lista modelo de medicamentos esenciales (séptima lista) : quinto informe del comité de expertos de la OMS [se reunió en Ginebra del 18 al 22 de noviembre de 1991] ; Model list of essential drugs. 7th list

75 p. ; Presents and explains the seventh 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 part 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 seventh 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 286 essential drugs. To qualify for inclusions 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 the availability of new drugs, new information on established drugs, and practical experiences in their use. For the first time, the list includes a selection of essential drugs needed for the palliative care of cancer patients. A final section presents guiding principles intended to help small national drug regulatory authorities develop a system of legislative and administrative procedures that can assure quality, efficacy and safety, even when resources are limited. The report concludes with a model application form for use when requesting that a drug be included in the list