The first stop for professional medicines advice

Events

Next events
Our forthcoming conferences and webinars covering a range of Medicines Optimisation issues with SPS and other great speakers and presenters.
Past Events
Search our library of past events for recordings, presentations, and interviews with speakers, all to inform your practice.

Recommended articles

Using solid oral dosage form antibiotics in children
Whole doses of solid oral dosage forms can be used 'off-label' in place of oral suspensions. This includes use for Group A streptococcal infections
Phenoxymethylpenicillin7 December 2022
Temperature management for medicines storage
Temperature changes can affect medicines. Learn to manage temperature and act when temperature is outside the intended range.
Written Instruction for the administration of seasonal ‘flu vaccination
Advice on using written instructions for the administration of 'flu vaccinations to healthcare staff.
Vaccinating25 August 2021
Managing the risks associated with rapid over-infusion of parenteral nutrition in babies
There is a risk of severe harm or death if PN is unintentionally infused too rapidly in babies. Healthcare professionals need to ensure safe practice.
Paediatrics28 October 2022
Managing constipation in people taking clozapine
Constipation in people taking clozapine can be fatal. Guidance on preventing and managing constipation in these individuals is described.
Mental health and illness14 October 2022
Using opioids for pain relief during pregnancy
Opioid analgesics may be used at any stage of pregnancy at the lowest effective dose for the short-term relief of pain when other analgesics are not effective
Tramadol + Paracetamol10 August 2022
Differences between metolazone preparations and safety considerations
Healthcare professionals involved in the use of metolazone need to be aware of the differences between licensed and unlicensed products to ensure safe care
Switching7 September 2022
Safety considerations when using Vitamin D
Healthcare professionals who use vitamin D should be aware of the risks of toxicity and safe practice principles which may prevent patient harm
Medicines Safety7 September 2022
Reversing an adult opioid overdose with naloxone in the medical setting
A patient safety alert highlighted the risks of giving inappropriate doses of naloxone. This page guides on using appropriate intravenous doses.
Naloxone18 October 2022
Using intravenous paracetamol preparations safely in paediatrics
Safety risks and mitigation strategies are described to reduce the risk of errors with intravenous paracetamol in neonates, infants, and children.
Paracetamol21 September 2022

COVID-19

COVID-19 Vaccines
Information and guidance from across SPS on pharmaceutical aspects of COVID-19 vaccines’ use
COVID-19 Treatments
Guidance for Chief Pharmacists and supporting documents to achieve Institutional Readiness and deployment of COVID-19 Treatments
COVID-19 Medicines Optimisation
Resources and tools to support Medicines Optimisation activities during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recommended in PGDs

Templates
National PGD templates are developed with experts for clinical specialties. They reduce duplication and variation, and improve consistency of care.
How to develop a Patient Group Direction
A step by step guide to help organisations and individuals navigate all stages of the PGD development process
Summary advice9 June 2022
When Patient Group Directions are not required
Guidance on when PGDs should not be used and advice on alternative mechanisms for supply and administration of medicines
Trusts29 June 2022

Planning

Medicines Supply Tool
Latest information on supply issues, actions to take, alternatives to use, and expected resolution dates. Content provided by DHSC and CMU.
Annual medicines planning
Our annual Prescribing Outlook outputs support planning, implementation and budget planning for medicines every year.
New Medicines Updates
Regularly updated new medicines material, in addition to our annual outputs
Patent Expiry Updates
Regularly updated patent expiry material, in addition to our annual outputs
Biosimilars Updates
Regularly updated biosimilars material, in addition to our annual outputs. Includes specific information on ranibizumab for ocular use.

Recommended for primary care

Medicines Monitoring
Summarised recommendations and guidance for medicines requiring monitoring to save you time when you're making monitoring decisions with patients
Swallowing difficulties
All our advice on using medicines safely and effectively in patients with swallowing difficulties
Safety in breastfeeding
All our training and guidance to help decision making about the use of medicines in breastfeeding
Safety in pregnancy
All our training and guidance to help decision making about the use of medicines in pregnancy