EMDEX (Essential Medicines Index) is the most commonly used reference source of drug and therapeutic information by healthcare professionals in Nigeria.[1][2] It was first published in 1991 as Nigeria's Essential Drugs (NED) Guide.
EMDEX drug information contents, arrangements, and therapeutic recommendations are supported by several references and clinical guidelines notably WHO Model Formulary, WHO ATC (Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical) Classification System, Nigeria's Essential Medicines List, and Standard Treatment Guidelines, etc. The information is regularly reviewed and updated by a select team of healthcare practitioners and academics.
The central objective of EMDEX has been to promote the rational use of medicines through the provision of independent drug information, and the use of clinical guidelines and essential medicines list.[3] It is the largest and most up-to-date source of information on drug products approved for use in Nigeria by NAFDAC (National Agency for Food & Drug Administration & Control).
The use of EMDEX as a reference drug manual is endorsed by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria, the Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria, and major health institutions. It is used both within and outside Nigeria by physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and auxiliary health workers at all levels of healthcare delivery. These healthcare providers rely on EMDEX for accuracy and completeness of drug information namely indications, contra-indications, precautions or warnings, adverse effects, dosages, and drug use in special populations like children, elderly, pregnancy & lactation.[4][5]
EMDEX publications are also in the syllabus of various colleges & schools of medicine, pharmacy & nursing.[6][7][8]

EMDEX as Nigeria's National Drug Formulary

A national formulary is essentially a listing of available and affordable medicines that are relevant to the treatment of diseases in a particular country. It is usually a source of unbiased drug information and helps promote the rational use of safe, effective and good-quality medicines.[9]

EMDEX Publications

EMDEX vol. 1 (Drug Information for Healthcare Professionals) is published annually.
Other EMDEX print publications include:

  • EMDEX vol. 2 (Nurses' Reference)
  • EMDEX Paediatric Drug Guide
  • Mini EMDEX (Clinician's Pocket Reference)
  • EMDEX RapidRx – Quarterly Evidence-Based Medication Therapy Management Newsletter
  • EMDEX API offers a comprehensive database of NAFDAC-approved drug products in Nigeria.

References

  1. ↑ Udezi, W.A.; Oparah, A.C.; Enyi, K.U. (July 2007). "An Investigation of Drug Information Needs of Nigerian Pharmacists". Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science. 41 (4): 471–479. doi:10.1177/009286150704100405. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  2. ↑ Onigbinde, Ayodele Teslim; Olaogun, Matthew O.B.; Iroghue, Kennedy (June 2012). "An evaluation of the knowledge level of Nigerian physiotherapists on topical pharmacotherapy". Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal. 30 (1): 36–42. doi:10.1016/j.hkpj.2011.11.003.
  3. ↑ "WHO Policy Perspectives on Medicines - Promoting rational use of medicines: core components" (PDF). apps.who.int. World Health Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 June 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
  4. ↑ Yusuff, Kazeem B.; Wassi Sanni, Abd' (1 January 2011). "Itinerant vending of medicines inside buses in Nigeria: vendingstrategies, dominant themes and medicine-related informationprovided". Pharmacy Practice. 9 (3): 128–135. ISSN 1885-642X. PMC 3870171. PMID 24367466.
  5. ↑ Oshikoya, Kazeem Adeola; Chukwura, Henry; Njokanma, Olisamedua Fidelis; Senbanjo, Idowu Odunayo; Ojo, Iyabo (2011). "Incidence and cost estimate of treating pediatric adverse drug reactions in Lagos, Nigeria". Sao Paulo Medical Journal. 129 (3): 153–164. doi:10.1590/S1516-31802011000300006. ISSN 1516-3180.
  6. ↑ "Bowen University Library New Arrivals". Bowen University Iwo Nigeria. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  7. ↑ "COURSE TITLE: Essential Drug Supply Systems" (PDF). National Open University of Nigeria School of Health Sciences. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  8. ↑ "Emdex nurses' reference, 2008/2009 edition: the complete drug formulary for Nigeria's health professionals". Browsing Babcock University Library. Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). Lindoz Products Limited. 1 January 2009. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  9. ↑ "How to Develop a National Formulary Based on the WHO Model Formulary - A Practical Guide". apps.who.int. World Health Organization. Retrieved 16 January 2016.
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