HYDERABAD,7 SEP: The Union ministry of health and family welfare plans to launch a revised edition of National Formulary of India (NFI) soon, after a gap of 32 years. NFI is nothing but a database of medicines, their basic composition and the right dosages in which they should be taken. It is essentially meant for members of the medical profession and is an educational tool for medical students, nurses and pharmacists.

"For the first time, we will be launching an online version and even a common man can get to know details of the drugs prescribed by doctors. It will be an information centre for everyone," Dr B Suresh, chairman of the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission ( IPC) told Express.

The last time NFI was revised was more than three decades ago. It was first published in 1960, again in 1966, and followed by a third edition in 1979 which covered 596 drugs. The latest version will include 431 more drugs and vaccines.

Importantly, the revised edition will have detailed information such as the ingredients, manufacturing standards, minimum and maximum dosages, drugtodrug interaction and adverse effects.

It covers 30 general chapters and 15 valueadded appendices including therapeutic drug monitoring, immunization schedule, National Health Programmes, Pharmacovigilance Programme of India besides others. Drugs used during pregnancy period have special focus. "The print version will be circulated to all hospitals, medical institutions, pharmacists across the country. We are also planning a mobile version, which should be ready shortly," Suresh said.

Source ; IBN Live