Identify and review the continued need for drugs
The table below brings together some common areas where prescribers may be able to take action. This list is not exhaustive and does not replace individual clinical judgement. For more detail see Detail by therapeutic area based on amalgamated medication assessment tool.
Please note that the table below may need to be scrolled horizontally or vertically in order to view all information, depending on your device.
| Check for expired indication | Check for valid indication | Benefit versus risk |
|
PPI /H2 blocker Laxatives Antispasmodics Oral steroid Antihistamine Benzodiazepines/z-drugs SSRIs and other antidepressants Metoclopramide Antibacterials (oral/topical) Antifungals (oral/topical) Sodium/potassium supplements Iron supplements Vitamin supplements Calcium/Vitamin D Oral nutrition supplements NSAIDs Drops, ointments, sprays etc |
Anticoagulant Anticoagulant + antiplatelet Aspirin Diuretics Digoxin Peripheral vasodilators Quinine Antiarrhythmics SABA alone Theophylline Montelukast Antipsychotics Tricyclic antidepressants Opioids Levodopa Bisphosphonates Alpha-blockers Finasteride Antimuscarinics (urological) Chemotherapy/systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) Muscle relaxants Medicines of low/limited clinical value |
PPI Antianginals BP control Statins Steroids Dementia drugs Opioids >60mg oral morphine equivalence dose (MED) HbA1c control Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) DMARDs Antibiotic prophylaxis |
Polypharmacy guidance: Appropriate prescribing making medicines safe, effective and sustainable 2026-2029