PDL
Medical abbreviation · Pharmacy
| Stands for | Preferred drug list |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
PDL stands for Preferred drug list, a pharmacy abbreviation.
List of drugs a health plan, usually a state Medicaid program, covers without extra requirements; non-preferred drugs typically need prior authorization. It works like a formulary tier system.
Example: Brand inhaler is non-PDL for Medicaid; switch to the preferred budesonide-formoterol.
Usage notes
State Medicaid PDLs are developed by pharmacy and therapeutics committees and often tied to supplemental rebates negotiated with manufacturers. Preferred status may favor a brand over its generic when rebates make the brand cheaper for the state, which can surprise pharmacists and patients.
Related abbreviations
More pharmacy abbreviations
- OROS – Osmotic-controlled release oral delivery system
- OTC – Over-the-counter
- P&T – Pharmacy and therapeutics committee
- PA – Prior authorization
- PAR – Periodic automatic replenishment
- PBM – Pharmacy benefit manager
- PDMP – Prescription drug monitoring program
- PEC – Primary engineering control
- Ph. Eur. – European Pharmacopoeia
- PI – Package insert
- PIC – Pharmacist-in-charge
- PM – Nighttime formula
See all 134 pharmacy abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.