Which substance is typically found in a formulary?

A formulary is a comprehensive list of medications that are deemed safe, effective, and economical for use within a particular healthcare system or pharmacy. It serves as a reference guide for healthcare providers, detailing which medications are approved for use and often providing additional information regarding their therapeutic classes.

The presence of an approved medication list in a formulary is crucial because it helps ensure consistency in prescribing practices, optimizes therapeutic outcomes, and controls costs. This list typically includes essential information about each medication, including formulary status, recommended dosages, and indications for use, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed prescribing decisions.

While patient information, drug pricing, and medication interactions are all important aspects of pharmaceutical care and medication management, they do not constitute the primary focus of a formulary. Patient information pertains to individual health data, drug pricing may be considered in discussions about cost-effectiveness but is not the core of a formulary, and medication interactions, while critical for safe prescribing, are specific to each patient and are better suited to clinical decision-support tools rather than a formulary.