5. DEVELOPMENT OF INDIAN PHARMACOPOEIA AND INTRODUCTION TO OTHER PHARMACOPOEIAS SUCH AS BP, USP, EUROPEAN PHARMACOPOEIA, EXTRA PHARMACOPOEIA AND INDIAN NATIONAL FORMULARY

Development of Indian Pharmacopoeia and Introduction to Other Pharmacopoeias

Pharmacopoeia – Definition

Pharmacopoeia is derived from Greek words Pharmakon meaning drug and Poeia meaning to make. Pharmacopoeias and formularies are official books containing standards for drugs and related substances, collectively called Drug Compendia. They include drug sources, descriptions, formulas, actions, uses, dosages, and storage instructions, and are legally issued by government-appointed authorities. These are periodically revised to include the latest information.

Classification of Drug Compendia

Official Compendia: Legally recognized standards by government agencies, including:
- British Pharmacopoeia (BP)
- British Pharmaceutical Codex (BPC)
- Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)
- United States Pharmacopoeia (USP)
- National Formulary
Non-official Compendia: Secondary reference sources such as:
- Merck Index
- Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences
- The United States Dispensary

Development of Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)

Pre-independence, the British Pharmacopoeia was used in India.
In 1946, the Indian Pharmacopoeial List was issued as a supplement to BP, prepared under Sir R.N. Chopra.
The Indian Pharmacopoeia Committee was appointed in 1948 to prepare the Pharmacopoeia of India.

IP Editions Timeline

1955: First edition under Dr. B.N. Ghosh, written in English with Latin monograph titles.
1966: Second edition under Dr. B. Mukherji, doses expressed in metric; formulations included.
1985: Third edition with two volumes and nine appendices, added many new monographs.
1996: Fourth edition effective December, covered over 1100 monographs and appendices, with addenda in 2000 and 2003.
2007: Fifth edition in three volumes containing general notices, drug substances, dosage forms, and pharmaceutical aids.
2010: Sixth edition published by Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC), included new chapters on NMR and microbial contamination.
2014: Seventh edition extended to include anticancer drugs, antiretroviral drugs, biotechnology products, and indigenous herbs.

Introduction to Other Pharmacopoeias

British Pharmacopoeia (BP)

First published in 1864, includes materia medica and preparation/compounding sections.
Contains medicinal substances, formulated preparations, immunological products, surgical materials, and veterinary medicines.
Annual publication with evolving monographs including traditional and homeopathic medicines.
Latest editions include numerous new and revised monographs and supplementary chapters.

British Pharmaceutical Codex (BPC)

Started in 1907 as a reference book for practitioners and pharmacists.
Contains more drugs and preparations than BP, includes actions, uses, preparation methods, storage, and poisoning treatments.

United States Pharmacopoeia (USP)

Official standards for medicines, food ingredients, and dietary supplements in the US.
Recognized in over 130 countries, published as USP-NF combining USP and National Formulary.
Includes monographs, tests, procedures, and acceptance criteria supported by reference standards.

European Pharmacopoeia (EP)

Established by the Council of Europe starting 1964, legally binding for member countries.
Published volumes since 1969 with inclusion of drug monographs and standards.

Extra Pharmacopoeia (Martindale)

First produced in 1883, also called Martindale, an authorized global drug reference.
Provides extensive information on drugs, herbal medicines, excipients, vaccines, and various other pharmaceutical substances.

Indian National Formulary

Published by Indian government to assist medical practitioners, students, and pharmacists since 1960.
Contains drug interactions, resistances, cumulative effects, dependence, and prescription writing guidance.