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Nabilone is a synthetic cannabinoid capsule with effects similar to THC. It is licensed for adults with nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy when conventional anti-sickness treatments have not worked adequately.
Nabumetone is a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nadolol is a long-acting, non-selective beta blocker. It is licensed to manage angina, high blood pressure and fast abnormal heart rhythms, prevent migraine, and control symptoms of thyrotoxicosis.
Nafarelin acetate is a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist nasal spray. It lowers ovarian hormone production and is licensed for endometriosis and specialist-supervised IVF programmes.
Naldemedine tosylate is a peripherally acting opioid-receptor antagonist used to treat constipation caused by opioid pain medicines. In the UK, it is licensed for adults who have previously been treated with a laxative.
Nalmefene hydrochloride dihydrate is an opioid-system modulator used to help some adults with alcohol dependence reduce alcohol consumption. It is for people who remain at high drinking risk, do not have physical withdrawal symptoms and do not need immediate detoxification, alongside continuing psychosocial support.
Naloxegol oxalate is a peripherally acting opioid-receptor antagonist for opioid-induced constipation in adults when laxatives have not worked adequately. It is designed to preserve opioid pain relief in the central nervous system.
Naloxone hydrochloride is an opioid antagonist that rapidly blocks opioid effects. It is usually used in emergencies to restore breathing and consciousness after suspected opioid overdose, or by clinicians to reverse unwanted opioid effects.
This prolonged-release combination contains oxycodone, a strong opioid painkiller, and naloxone, which mainly blocks opioid effects within the bowel. It is licensed for adults with severe pain that can only be adequately managed with opioid analgesics, while helping counter opioid-induced constipation.
Naloxone hydrochloride dihydrate temporarily reverses dangerous opioid effects, particularly slowed or stopped breathing and reduced consciousness. It supports emergency resuscitation but does not replace an ambulance, airway support or continued monitoring.
This prolonged-release combination contains oxycodone, an opioid that relieves severe pain, and naloxone, which mainly acts in the bowel to reduce opioid-related bowel dysfunction. In adults, the selected UK product is licensed for severe pain requiring an opioid and, under specialist supervision, severe idiopathic restless legs syndrome when dopaminergic treatment has failed.
Naltrexone hydrochloride is an opioid-receptor antagonist used alongside psychological and recovery support. The selected UK product is licensed to reduce alcohol craving and help prevent relapse in alcohol dependence; oral naltrexone is also used after opioid detoxification.
These eye drops combine naphazoline, an ocular decongestant, with distilled witch hazel, an astringent. They are licensed for temporary relief of redness caused by minor eye irritation.
Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation. UK licences vary by product and include inflammatory joint disease, gout, period pain and musculoskeletal pain or injury.
Combines an anti-inflammatory painkiller with a triptan for the headache phase of migraine with or without aura in adults when either component alone has been insufficient. It does not prevent migraine.
Naratriptan is a triptan used to treat an acute migraine attack with or without aura. It acts after the headache has begun and is not intended to prevent attacks.
Natalizumab is a monoclonal antibody and disease-modifying treatment for adults with highly active relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. It reduces inflammatory immune-cell movement into the brain and spinal cord but does not cure multiple sclerosis.
Nateglinide is a rapid, short-acting insulin-releasing treatment for type 2 diabetes. In its selected UK product information, it is used with metformin when metformin alone has not controlled blood glucose adequately.
Nebivolol is a selective beta blocker that slows the heart and helps blood vessels relax. The selected product is licensed for essential hypertension and, alongside standard therapy, stable mild or moderate chronic heart failure in people aged 70 years or over.
Nebivolol hydrochloride is a selective beta blocker that slows the heart and also helps blood vessels relax. It is licensed for essential hypertension and, alongside standard therapy, stable mild or moderate chronic heart failure in people aged 70 years or older.
Nefopam hydrochloride is a prescription-only, non-opioid painkiller that acts in the central nervous system. It is used to relieve acute or chronic pain, including pain after surgery or injury, dental or musculoskeletal pain, and cancer pain.
Nelarabine is a cytotoxic purine analogue used against certain cancers of immature T cells. In the UK, it is licensed for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia or T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma that has not responded to, or has returned after, at least two chemotherapy regimens.
Nemolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that blocks interleukin-31 receptor signalling, a pathway involved in itch and skin inflammation. In the UK, it is licensed for eligible people with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis or prurigo nodularis.
Neostigmine methylsulfate is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor that strengthens acetylcholine signalling between nerves and muscles. The selected injection is mainly used for myasthenia gravis and to reverse certain muscle relaxants after surgery.
Neratinib maleate is an oral targeted treatment that blocks HER-family growth signals in cancer cells. In the UK, it is licensed after trastuzumab-based treatment for certain adults with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer.
Netupitant + palonosetron hydrochloride combines two anti-sickness agents that block different vomiting pathways. It is used in adults to prevent both early and delayed nausea and vomiting caused by certain cancer chemotherapy.
Nevirapine is an antiretroviral from the non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor class. It helps control HIV-1 and is used with other active antiretrovirals, not by itself.
Nevirapine anhydrate is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat HIV-1. It is prescribed by an HIV specialist alongside other antiretroviral medicines to suppress the virus and limit resistance.
Nevirapine hemihydrate is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor used with other antiretrovirals to control HIV-1. It does not cure HIV and should not be used alone because resistance can develop quickly.
Nicardipine hydrochloride is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that relaxes arteries and lowers blood pressure. The selected intravenous product is used in hospital for acute life-threatening hypertension and high blood pressure after an operation.
Nicorandil widens arteries and veins and is used for symptom control in adults with stable angina when first-line treatments are unsuitable or do not control symptoms adequately.
Nicotinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with anti-inflammatory activity. As a topical gel, it is licensed to treat mild to moderate inflammatory acne.
Nicotine replacement therapy supplies nicotine without tobacco smoke to reduce cravings and withdrawal while stopping or reducing smoking or vaping.
Nicotine bitartrate dihydrate is used in lozenges to deliver nicotine through the mouth lining. It is nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) that can reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while stopping smoking.
A nicotine replacement chewing gum used to relieve nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing smoking.
Nicotine resinate is used in oral nicotine replacement products such as medicated gum and lozenges. It supplies nicotine without tobacco smoke to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while stopping or reducing tobacco or electronic-cigarette use.
Nifedipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker that relaxes arteries. Selected modified-release products are licensed for high blood pressure and prevention of chronic stable angina.
Nilotinib is a targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It blocks the abnormal BCR-ABL protein that drives the growth of leukaemia cells.
Nilotinib is a targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor for Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It is prescribed and monitored by a specialist cancer team.
Nimodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocker with particular effects on blood vessels in the brain. It is used after aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage to prevent or treat ischaemic neurological problems.
Nintedanib is a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that slows processes involved in lung scarring. It is mainly used for progressive fibrosing lung diseases and, separately, with docetaxel for certain previously treated lung cancers.
Niraparib tosylate monohydrate is a targeted anticancer treatment called a PARP inhibitor. It is used as maintenance treatment for certain ovarian, fallopian tube or primary peritoneal cancers that have responded to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Nirmatrelvir + ritonavir is an oral antiviral combination used to treat COVID-19. It is licensed for adults who do not need supplemental oxygen and are at increased risk of developing severe illness.
Nirogacestat dihydrobromide is an oral gamma-secretase inhibitor licensed in the UK as monotherapy for adults with progressing desmoid tumours who require systemic treatment.
Nirsevimab is a monoclonal antibody that provides passive protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is licensed to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants and vulnerable young children, while NHS use is targeted to selected higher-risk groups.
Nitisinone is an oral treatment that blocks part of the pathway used to break down tyrosine. Selected products are licensed for hereditary tyrosinaemia type 1 alongside dietary restriction, and for alkaptonuria in adults.
Nitrofurantoin is a nitrofuran antibiotic used mainly to treat or prevent uncomplicated urinary tract infections. It concentrates in urine, so it is not suitable for most infections elsewhere in the body.
Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody that helps immune T cells recognise and attack cancer cells. It is used alone or with other anticancer treatments for several solid tumours and classical Hodgkin lymphoma, including treatment around surgery and for advanced disease.
Nivolumab + relatlimab is a fixed combination of two monoclonal-antibody immunotherapies. It is used as first-line treatment for advanced melanoma that cannot be removed surgically or has spread, in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
Nizatidine is an H2-receptor antagonist that reduces stomach-acid production. It is used for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and several types of stomach or duodenal ulcer.
This category includes unrelated products without a conventional active ingredient: a skin emollient, an eye lubricant and a preserved injection diluent. They are not interchangeable.
Nonacog alfa is a recombinant form of clotting factor IX. It replaces the factor IX lacking in haemophilia B to help prevent or control bleeding and may be used in all age groups.
Nonacog beta pegol is a recombinant clotting factor IX replacement modified with polyethylene glycol so that it remains in the circulation longer. It is used to prevent and treat bleeding in people of any age with haemophilia B.
Nonacog gamma is a recombinant form of human clotting factor IX. It replaces deficient factor IX in people with haemophilia B, helping to treat bleeding and prevent future bleeds.
Nonoxinol-9 is a non-hormonal spermicide used with a diaphragm or cervical cap, not alone. The selected UK product, Gygel Contraceptive Jelly, is discontinued.
Noradrenaline, also called norepinephrine, is a vasopressor that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. It is given in hospital as an emergency treatment for adults with acute hypotension.
Noradrenaline tartrate is a vasopressor that narrows blood vessels and raises blood pressure. It is given intravenously by trained healthcare professionals for severe low blood pressure or peri-operative hypotension.
Norethisterone is a synthetic progestogen related to progesterone. It is used for menstrual bleeding disorders, endometriosis, premenstrual symptoms and postponing menstruation; Utovlan also has a specialist breast-cancer indication.
Norethisterone enantate is a long-acting progestogen contraceptive given by injection. In the UK, the selected product is licensed for short-term contraception, particularly while a partner’s vasectomy becomes effective or after rubella immunisation while pregnancy should be avoided.
Nortriptyline hydrochloride is a tricyclic antidepressant. Selected UK products are licensed for major depressive episodes; it is also commonly prescribed outside its licence for nerve pain.