What is a hospital formulary?

A hospital formulary is defined as a list of medications that are approved and allowed for ordering within a healthcare facility. This list typically includes details about each medication, such as its indications, dosing guidelines, and any pertinent restrictions or considerations for its use. The formulary serves as a critical tool in managing medications, ensuring that healthcare professionals have a standardized guideline for prescribing and dispensing medications, promoting safety and efficacy in patient care.

In contrast, an inventory of medical supplies, a list of procedures performed at the facility, and guidelines for patient admission refer to different aspects of hospital operations. While they are important components of hospital management, they do not pertain specifically to the medications that are approved for use, which is the fundamental role of a hospital formulary. By maintaining a formulary, hospitals can support effective medication management, help control costs, and ensure compliance with clinical guidelines.