Back to updates

Essential drugs – January 2026

Select language:

This guide has been updated. This month's revision includes in particular: significant changes (4), new entries (2), deleted entries (0)  

Significant changes 
  • Drugs for external use and antiseptics:
    • Alcohol-based handrub: fully revised
    • Chlorhexidine 5% concentrated solution: fully revised
    • Chlorhexidine 7.1% dermal gel: fully revised
    • Chlorhexidine 0.2% mouthwash: fully revised
    • Povidone iodine 10% aqueous solution: fully revised
    • Povidone iodine 4% or 7.5% scrub solution: fully revised
       
  • Antiseptics and disinfectants (part two): fully revised  

New entries
  • Drugs for external use and antiseptics:
    • Chlorhexidine 2% alcohol-based solution
    • Chlorhexidine 4% soap

Deleted entries
  • Drugs for external use and antiseptics:
    • Chlorine-releasing compounds
    • Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)
    • Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC)