Since its first publication in 2002, the has become an indispensable source of independent information on essential medicines for pharmaceutical policy-makers and prescribers worldwide. The is the authoritative guide on how to make effective use of the medicines on the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, so improving patient safety, and limiting unnecessary medical spending. For each medicine the provides information on use, dosage, adverse effects, contraindications and warnings, supplemented by guidance on selecting the right medicine for a range of conditions.The new edition, , details changes made to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines in 2007, with updated therapeutic information on existing medicines reflecting new clinical knowledge.