Formulary Chapter 2: Cardiovascular system - Full Chapter
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02.06.02 |
Calcium-channel blockers |
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Diltiazem
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Formulary
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- Diltiazem MR Capsules
- Diltiazem MR Tablets
Please ensure the brand is specified on the prescription. When prescribing long acting diltiazem for a new patient, please use either Diltiazem LA 180mg, 240mg or 300mg. This allows the pharmacy to dispense the brand of diltiazem, which is cost-effective across primary and secondary care. Patients who are admitted who are already taking LA diltiazem should be maintained on their current brand unless the dose is changed for other reasons.
Please note: Diliazem XL should only be prescribed once daily.
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Nimodipine (IV infusion)

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Non Formulary
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Prevention and treatment of ischaemic neurological defects following aneurismal subarachnoid haemorrhage. Non-formulary at ANHSFT due to the risk of serious side effects when given via IV adminstration. Nimodipine tablets are available for the same indication for administration by mouth, or via enteral feeding tubes (unlicensed use). |
Key |
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Cytotoxic Drug
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Controlled Drug
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High Cost Medicine
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Cancer Drugs Fund
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NHS England |
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Homecare |
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CCG |
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Traffic Light Status Information
Status |
Description |

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Green - Drugs suitable for generalised use in accordance with position summary.
Inform primary care of need to prescribe using a TTO chart if in patient or Treatment Advice Note (TAN) if Outpatient.
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Amber - these drugs require specialist initiation or recommendation |

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Amber Share Care - Drugs suitable for generalist use, in accordance with position summary, normally following specialist initiation and stabilisation. Ongoing division of responsibility for drug and disease monitoring between specialist and GP by a Shared Care Guideline (SCG). If no SCG in place status reverts to red. |

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Red - Drugs for specialist use only, in accordance with position summary. GP’s should not be asked to prescribe these products. |

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Red ULM - Unlicensed medicines for specialist use only, in accordance with position summary. GP’s should not be asked to prescribe these products. |

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Grey drugs - No formal commissioning position. Check appropriate CCG /NHSE commissioning list or contact CCG/NHSE Medicines Management team for advice. Fill in individual funding request for appropriate CCG/NHSE. This will need to be signed by the Chief Pharmacist and a copy of the relevant DTC submission attached. |

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Black - Drugs not routinely commissioned so should not usually be prescribed |
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