[The National List of recommendations-- what is it based on?]

The National List of recommendations is a scientific survey of the most used drugs. It separates the drugs into three groups: 1) recommended drugs, 2) drugs only to be used in special circumstances, and 3) drugs which should not be used in normal circumstances because of too limited efficacy or serious adverse reactions. The list is made by specialists chosen by the scientific bodies. The Institute of Rational Pharmacotherapy acts as secretariat. The primary selection criterion is the relationship between effect and adverse reactions, while price issues are not considered. Special consideration has been given to how the effect is expressed, composite measurements of effect and to extrapolation. The list, which is updated annually, is available at the IRF's homepage. The list of recommendations is primarily an instrument for general practitioners and drug committees; in future it should be integrated into the regional drug lists.