When not to prescribe by generic name

Generic prescribing is universally regarded as good practice; however, a small selection of drugs should not be prescribed generically to avoid confusion.

Reasons and Examples

• Drugs of critical bioavailability

  • Carbamazepine

  • Ciclosporin

  • Epilim

  • Insulins

  • Lithium

  • Mesalazine preparations

  • Phenytoin - prescribe generically: but tablets and casuples not interchageable

  • Theophylline

• Complex formulations

  • HRT

  • Oral contraceptives

  • NRT

  • Topical Combination preparations

  • Depot Injections

  • Dressings and Appliances

• Modified release preparations

  • Aminophylline

  • Diltiazem SR, XL preparations

  • Modified release morphine and opioid patches

  • Modified release nifedipine

• Rare instances when intolerance to excipients occurs

  • Flavouring, dyes, preservatives