VADEMECUM

The notion of vademecum comes from two Latin words: vade and mecum . The etymology of the term, in this way, refers to the expression “come with me” . A formulary is an easily portable publication that collects essential data on a subject .

For example: "I am going to consult the formulary to know exactly what components this remedy has" , "I always carry a mechanics formulary in my car: so I can solve minor damages that occur in the vehicle" , "This book became in the kitchen vademecum of a whole generation ” .

In a vademecum, the most important information and concepts of a topic are presented. Suppose that a book summarizes the main ideas of a political movement: it can be said that this work is the vademecum of the party or current in question.

The most common use of the notion, however, is associated with the publication that physicians use to access information on medications. In the formulary you can find the components , the recommended dosage, the contraindications and the effects of the drugs. In this way, the formulary is a great help when it comes to prescribing a remedy.

Today there are many web spaces that come to act as pharmacological vademecum not only for doctors but also for veterinarians. What's more, you have to know that there are even web applications that these professionals can have installed on their mobile phones or tablets so that they can be consulted and answered at any time.

In the same way, for example, herbal medicine experts also have their own formulary. In their specific case, what they come to find is a wide range of medicinal plants that they can use when treating their patients who have trusted them instead or in a complementary way to the so-called “traditional medicine”.

Thus, the professionals of the same have at their fingertips from files of the aforementioned plant species to the methods of use and preparation of them, what they can be used for, photographs and also establishments where they can be purchased already prepared. This without overlooking the different names they have, the therapeutic value they have or the best way to use them.

The list of drugs recognized by a social work is also called a formulary . This means that these drugs are those covered by the social work (and, therefore, they are delivered to the member at no charge or at a discount).

Today, the formulary is often digitized . This makes drug searches easier .

It is also interesting to know that there is a radio program in Spain called “Vademecum”. It is broadcast on Radio 5 (RTVE), it is weekly and its objective is to solve an endless number of doubts that listeners have in terms of health. Information that is offered closely, so that it is understandable, and that is given by its presenter, who is none other than Luis Lapuente.