Medicines are a big part of our daily lives. From a simple headache to serious illnesses, we use different types of drugs to feel better. From pain meds to antibiotics we have it all. But with so many medicines available in the market, it’s hard to keep track of them all. That’s where a Drug Index becomes helpful. A Drug Index is a list that offers complete details about various drugs. It helps doctors, pharmacists & even common man like us understand more about the medicines they use. In this piece, we will talk about what a Drug Index is, its history, the latest changes made to it, and why it is needful.
What is a Drug Index?
A Drug Index is a book, database, or website that gives detailed information about different medicines. It includes:
- The name of the drug in both brand & generic form.
- What the drug for in treatment.
- The times you have to take it or how much to take
- Possible side effects like nausea or allergy.
- Precautions, composition and warnings.
- How the drug mixes with other medicines.
Think of it like a dictionary or encyclopedia, but for medicines. It helps healthcare workers know which drug to prescribe and helps patients understand the medicines they are taking. In many countries, government departments also release drug indexes that are updated regularly.
A Short Past of Drug Indexes – The Idea Behind it
The idea of keeping records of medicines is not new. In ancient times, people wrote down lists of herbs, components & medicines on scrolls and in books. But the modern Drug Index, as we know it today, started becoming popular in the 20th century. Its kind of old age method but in new-age technology. With more new drugs being made by pharmaceutical companies, doctors and pharmacists needed a better way to keep track of them.
In India, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) plays a key or major role in creating & then maintaining the Drug Index. They also make sure that important medicines are available at fair prices. This is good for poor people too. The NPPA prepares a list such as the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM), which includes drugs that are necessary for the health of the general public. This is kind of a thesis and record for future generations.
Why is the Drug Index Important?
The Drug Index is important for many reasons. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons:
1. Helps Doctors and Pharmacists
Doctors use the Drug Index to know the right dose, possible side effects & also the correct usage of a drug. This is very important to treat a patient rightfully. Pharmacists also use it to give the correct medicine & guide patients in taking dosage.
2. Informs Patients
Patients can read about the medicine they are using. By this they know the components of the drugs. This helps them avoid allergic reactions or harmful drug combinations.
3. Controls Prices
Governments use the Drug Index to make sure drug prices are not too high. Sometimes poor people are not able to afford the medicines just because they are too pricey. This helps keep essential medicines affordable for everyone.
4. Updates with New Drugs
As new drugs are made, they are added to the Drug Index. This way, the healthcare system stays updated. This helps in knowing what drug is currently in use and is effective and what is banned.
Recent Changes in the Drug Index
The Drug Index keeps changing as new drugs are developed, prices change, some go out of use & sometimes new rules are made. In recent years, many changes have been made, especially in India.
1. Price Revisions
In December 2024, the NPPA allowed an increase or hike in the prices of 11 important drugs. These included medicines used for asthma, glaucoma & some for tuberculosis. The reason was the rising cost of making these medicines. If prices are not adjusted few times, companies may stop making those drugs, which can cause shortages. This is also not good for patients.
In April 2024, the NPPA also approved a small price hike of 0.0055% for 923 drugs listed under the NLEM. This change may seem tiny, but it helps manufacturers or drug making companies continue producing medicines without causing too much burden on the public. In bulk its a huge margin for them.
2. Addition of New Drugs
The NPPA has also been adding new formulations or component structure to the Drug Index. In January 2024, retail prices were fixed for 19 new drug combinations, including painkillers & medicines for sore throat & fever. Later, in December 2024, prices were also fixed for 65 more drug formulations. This step was taken to make sure that people of all age and income had access to affordable medicines for different health problems.
Drug Index and Illegal Drugs
Along with legal medicines, people should also be aware of harmful drugs that are often misused. Websites like www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.gov help people, especially parents & teenagers to learn about the dangers of illegal drugs & prescription drug abuse.
This is important because many young people today misuse prescription medicines without understanding the risks. A good Drug Index should also talk about drugs that can be dangerous when used wrongly. This helps in spreading awareness, information and preventing drug abuse.
Types of Drugs Under Drug Index
1. Amphetamines: The street name of this drug is Crank or Bennies. This drug is prescribed to treat Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is used as a source to suppress appetites and to stay awake. Given in the form of Adderall, Dexedrine & Desoxyn.
2. Benzodiazepines: These are depressants used to produce sedation & hypnosis. They also relieve anxiety & muscle spasms & also reduce seizures. Its street name is Benzos or Downers.
3. Dextromethorphan (DXM): It is used as cough suppressor in many medicines. Function as cough syrups, tablets, powder or capsules. Popular brands using this are Robitussin, Coricidin HBP. Few of its street names are CCC, Dex, DXM etc.
4. Fentanyl: It is and FDA approved opioid used as analgesic (pain reliever) and anesthetic. 100 times and 50 times more potent then morphine and heroin. Its street name is Apache, China Girl, Great Bear etc.
5. LSD: It is a strong hallucinogen which is sold on streets. It is odorless & colorless. Its street names are Acid, Dots, Mellow Yellow etc.
How Can You Use a Drug Index?
Using a Drug Index is not difficult. If you are a patient, you can use it to:
1. Learn the correct name, formulation & purpose of the medicine
2. Understand how to take it properly
3. Know about any side effects or warnings
4. Check if it can be taken with other medicines
Doctors, nurses & pharmacists already use drug indexes every day, but even common people can access online indexes & websites to stay informed. In India, NPPA’s official website is a good place to see the latest drug price lists and updates. There are also mobile apps and printed books that provide this information in simple formats.
Drug Index Final Thoughts
The Drug Index is a very useful tool that helps make medicine use safer & more effective. It contains everything you need to know about a drug. It has everything from what it does to how much it should cost. As new drugs are discovered, developed & new health problems arise, the Drug Index continues to grow & change. Governments, doctors & also patients all depend on it. Whether you are a doctor, a pharmacist, or just someone taking a medicine, knowing how to use the Drug Index can help you make smarter & safer health choices.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. StreetDrugs.org does not promote or encourage the use of any illegal substances.
Meredith is a seasoned health and policy writer with a background in public health and journalism. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) and has over 8 years of experience covering substance use, legislation, and social impact. Her work is driven by a passion for informed reporting and public awareness. Meredith contributes regularly to StreetDrugs.org, focusing on drug trends, global news, and Finance.