What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pharmacopoeia
Example
The hospital's pharmacy follows the guidelines set by the national pharmacopoeia. [pharmacopoeia: noun]
Example
The pharmacopoeia lists the recommended dosage for each medication. [pharmacopoeia: noun]
formulary
Example
The hospital's formulary only includes medications that have been approved by the medical staff. [formulary: noun]
Example
The doctor consulted the formulary to find an alternative medication for the patient. [formulary: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Formulary is more commonly used than pharmacopoeia in everyday language, especially in clinical settings. Pharmacopoeia is more commonly used in research and academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pharmacopoeia and formulary?
Pharmacopoeia is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its use in research and academic settings, while formulary is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.