Concise answers when you need the essentials, with deeper clinical context and transparent source links when the decision needs more scrutiny.
Search by active ingredient or familiar medicine name.
Desferrioxamine mesilate binds excess iron and aluminium so they can leave the body. It is mainly used for iron overload, acute iron poisoning and selected dialysis-related aluminium overload.
Desflurane is an inhaled general anaesthetic that causes reversible unconsciousness and reduced pain sensation during surgery. In adults it may start or maintain anaesthesia; in children it is licensed only for maintenance.
Desloratadine is a less-sedating antihistamine used to relieve allergic rhinitis and urticaria symptoms, including sneezing, an itchy or runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itching and hives.
Desmopressin acetate is a synthetic form of arginine vasopressin. It reduces urine production and, when injected for selected bleeding disorders, can temporarily increase certain clotting factors.
Desmopressin acetate trihydrate is a synthetic form of arginine vasopressin, which helps the kidneys conserve water. The selected nasal spray is mainly used for vasopressin-sensitive central diabetes insipidus and specialist testing of kidney concentrating ability.
Desogestrel is an oestrogen-free, progestogen-only contraceptive. It prevents pregnancy mainly by suppressing ovulation.
Desogestrel + ethinylestradiol is a combined oral contraceptive containing a progestogen and an oestrogen. It is licensed to prevent pregnancy.
Deucravacitinib is an oral, selective tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2) inhibitor licensed for adults with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy.
Dexamethasone is a long-acting corticosteroid that reduces inflammation and suppresses immune activity. Oral products treat many steroid-responsive disorders and cerebral swelling; eye drops treat selected inflammation at the front of the eye.
This prescription eye treatment combines dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, with the antibiotics neomycin and polymyxin B. It is licensed for steroid-responsive eye conditions requiring preventive antibacterial cover, after viral and fungal disease have been excluded.
These eye drops combine an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid with an aminoglycoside antibiotic. The selected UK product is licensed after cataract surgery to control inflammation and help prevent associated bacterial infection.
This prescription-only preparation combines dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, with the locally acting antibiotics framycetin and gramicidin. It is used for selected inflammatory eye conditions needing antibacterial cover and for inflammation of the outer ear canal.
Dexamethasone sodium phosphate is a corticosteroid converted in the body to dexamethasone. Oral and injectable forms treat serious inflammatory, allergic, immune, neurological and cancer-related conditions; eye drops treat non-infectious eye inflammation.
These prescription eye drops combine dexamethasone, a corticosteroid that reduces inflammation, with levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic. They are licensed for adults after cataract surgery to prevent and treat inflammation and prevent eye infection.
Dexamfetamine sulfate is a centrally acting stimulant. Selected UK products are licensed for ADHD in children and adolescents when methylphenidate has not worked well enough; the selected oral solution is also licensed for narcolepsy in adults.
Dexibuprofen is the active form of ibuprofen and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It relieves pain and inflammation.
This combines dexketoprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), with tramadol, an opioid painkiller. It is licensed for moderate to severe acute pain in adults when both components are considered necessary.
Dexketoprofen trometamol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation by limiting prostaglandin production. The selected UK product is licensed for mild to moderate pain.
Dexmedetomidine hydrochloride is a sedative used by specialist hospital teams. It provides monitored, generally light-to-moderate sedation for adults in intensive care or during certain diagnostic and surgical procedures, while patients may remain rousable.
An oral combination of five water-soluble B-vitamin substances, licensed to prevent or treat vitamin B-complex deficiency rather than as a general tonic.
This nasal spray combines xylometazoline, which reduces swelling inside the nose, with dexpanthenol, which supports the nasal lining. It relieves a blocked nose in adults and young people aged 12 years and over.
Dexrazoxane is a cytotoxic antidote used when anthracycline chemotherapy accidentally leaks into surrounding tissue. The selected UK product is licensed for adults; specialist teams may also use dexrazoxane outside its licence to reduce anthracycline-related heart damage.
Dexrazoxane is a cardioprotective and cytotoxic agent used alongside certain anthracycline cancer treatments. The selected UK product is licensed to reduce cumulative heart damage in selected adults with advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Dextran 70 with hypromellose is an artificial-tear eye-drop combination. It coats and lubricates the eye surface to relieve dryness and irritation caused by inadequate tears or mucus.
Dextromethorphan hydrobromide suppresses the cough reflex in the brain. The selected UK product is licensed for dry, unproductive cough in adults and young people aged 12 years and over.
This combination suppresses the cough reflex and contains a sedating antihistamine. The selected product is licensed for night-time relief of dry cough and congestive cold symptoms.
A sedating oral cough preparation for night-time relief of persistent, dry, irritating cough and to aid restful sleep in adults and young people aged 12 years and over.
This combination contains a centrally acting cough suppressant and menthol to soothe upper-airway irritation. The selected syrup relieves dry, non-productive coughs associated with colds and bronchitis.
This combination contains a cough suppressant, pain and fever reliever, and sedating antihistamine. It relieves night-time cold and flu symptoms including a dry tickly cough, runny nose and aches.
This oral liquid combines a cough suppressant, nasal decongestant and sedating antihistamine. It is licensed when dry cough, nasal congestion and histamine-related symptoms occur together.
Dextrose monohydrate is a hydrated form of glucose, the body’s main energy-supplying carbohydrate. The selected product is an intravenous glucose solution licensed to provide energy or carry compatible medicines.
Diamorphine hydrochloride is a strong opioid rapidly converted to active opioid metabolites, including morphine. The selected injection is licensed for severe pain associated with surgery, myocardial infarction or terminal illness, and breathlessness caused by acute pulmonary oedema.
Diazepam is a prescription benzodiazepine that reduces excessive activity in the brain and nervous system. It is used for severe anxiety, seizures, muscle spasm, alcohol withdrawal and sedation around procedures. Continued use requires review because it can cause sedation, dependence and withdrawal.
Diazoxide raises blood glucose by reducing insulin release from the pancreas. The selected UK oral product is licensed for severe, persistent hypoglycaemia that cannot be managed by surgery or another specific treatment.
Dibrompropamidine isetionate is a topical antiseptic with activity against certain bacteria and fungi. The selected UK cream is licensed for nappy rash, minor skin injuries, susceptible surface infections, some superficial fungal infections and otitis externa.
Diclofenac diethylamine is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) applied to the skin to reduce local pain and inflammation after sprains, strains and bruises.
Diclofenac diethylammonium is a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) applied to the skin to reduce local pain and inflammation affecting joints, muscles and nearby soft tissues.
Diclofenac potassium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation. This immediate-release tablet is licensed for short-term treatment of acute painful or inflammatory conditions.
Diclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces pain and inflammation. Systemic forms treat inflammatory joint disorders and painful musculoskeletal, traumatic and postoperative conditions; gel targets local muscle and injury pain.
This prescription-only combination contains diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory painkiller, and misoprostol, which helps protect the stomach and duodenum. It is used for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis when an adult needs diclofenac and particular protection against NSAID-related ulcers.
Dicycloverine hydrochloride is an antispasmodic that relaxes smooth muscle in the stomach and intestines. It relieves cramps, pain and discomfort caused by functional gastrointestinal spasm, including irritable bowel symptoms.
Dienogest is a progestogen that reduces hormonal stimulation of endometriosis tissue. The selected UK product is licensed to treat endometriosis and can help reduce symptoms such as pelvic pain.
A combined hormonal contraceptive containing a progestogen and an oestrogen. It is licensed to prevent pregnancy and treat heavy menstrual bleeding without an underlying womb disorder when oral contraception is also wanted.
Diethylamine salicylate is a topical salicylate pain reliever supplied as a cream. It relieves rheumatic and minor musculoskeletal pain, including strains, bruises, backache and exercise-related stiffness.
Diethylstilbestrol is a synthetic non-steroidal oestrogen used for castration-resistant prostate cancer when alternatives are unsuitable. Serious risks, particularly blood clots, require specialist supervision.
Difelikefalin acetate is a selective kappa-opioid receptor agonist that acts mainly outside the brain. It reduces moderate-to-severe itching associated with chronic kidney disease in adults receiving haemodialysis.
Digoxin slows electrical conduction through the heart and increases the strength of contraction. It is used for certain supraventricular arrhythmias and selected people with systolic heart failure.
Dihydrocodeine tartrate is an opioid analgesic that changes how the brain perceives pain. The selected prolonged-release product is licensed for severe pain associated with cancer and other chronic conditions.
This combines paracetamol with the opioid dihydrocodeine. The selected Paramol product is licensed for acute moderate pain not relieved by paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin alone.
Diltiazem hydrochloride is a rate-limiting calcium-channel blocker used mainly for high blood pressure and angina. It relaxes blood vessels, reduces cardiac workload and can slow heart rate and conduction.
Dimethyl fumarate is an oral immunomodulator. Selected gastro-resistant capsules are licensed for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, while Skilarence gastro-resistant tablets are licensed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis requiring systemic treatment.
Dimeticone is a silicone-based topical treatment for confirmed head-lice infestation. It coats lice and disrupts their water balance rather than poisoning their nervous system.
Dinoprostone is a manufactured form of prostaglandin E2, a hormone-like substance involved in preparing the cervix and stimulating uterine contractions. Selected vaginal and intravenous formulations are used by specialist maternity teams to induce labour.
Dinutuximab beta is a monoclonal antibody used as specialist immunotherapy for neuroblastoma. It targets GD2 and helps the immune system attack cancer cells. Its licensed role includes certain high-risk, relapsed or refractory disease in patients aged 12 months and over.
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride is a sedating antihistamine with antimuscarinic effects. Selected oral tablets are licensed for temporary sleep disturbance, while the cream relieves local allergic itching, rashes, hives, stings and insect bites.
This oral syrup combines a sedating antihistamine and cough suppressant, an expectorant and menthol. It relieves dry or chesty cough, associated congestion and related sleep disturbance.
An oral syrup combination for cough and congestion. Diphenhydramine has antihistamine, cough-suppressing and drying effects; levomenthol provides mild cooling and decongestant effects. Licensed symptoms and ages differ by product.
This combination contains paracetamol for pain relief and diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine. It is licensed for short-term relief of bedtime pain that is making sleep difficult, not sleeplessness without pain.
This combination relieves cold and flu symptoms. Daytime tablets contain paracetamol for pain and fever with pseudoephedrine for nasal congestion. Night-time tablets contain paracetamol with sedating diphenhydramine.
An inactivated combination vaccine that prompts immunity against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. It is used after primary immunisation and during pregnancy to help protect newborns against pertussis.