British National Formulary

British National Formulary

Cover of the British National Formulary, 73rd edition

The British National Formulary (BNF) is a medical and pharmaceutical reference book that contains a wide spectrum of information and advice on prescribing and pharmacology. It is published jointly by the British Medical Association and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. The BNF is updated biannually and is used by healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom and other countries to ensure safe and effective use of medicines.

History

The BNF was first published in 1949, and it has evolved significantly over the years to accommodate changes in medical practice and the introduction of new medicines. The publication is designed to provide healthcare professionals with up-to-date information on the selection, prescribing, dispensing, and administration of medicines.

Content

The BNF includes information on:

• Prescribing guidelines: Recommendations for the safe and effective prescribing of medicines.
• Drug monographs: Detailed information on individual drugs, including indications, contraindications, side effects, and dosing.
• Interactions: Information on potential drug interactions and how to manage them.
• Special considerations: Guidance on prescribing for specific populations, such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
• Emergency treatment: Protocols for the management of medical emergencies.

Structure

The BNF is organized into sections that cover different therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems. Each section provides detailed information on the drugs used to treat conditions within that area. The BNF also includes appendices with additional information, such as drug interactions and borderline substances.

Usage

Healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, and nurses, use the BNF as a reference to ensure that they are prescribing and administering medications safely and effectively. It is considered an essential tool in clinical practice and is widely used in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies.

Digital Access

In addition to the printed version, the BNF is available in digital formats, including online and mobile applications. This allows healthcare professionals to access the information quickly and conveniently at the point of care.

Related pages

• Pharmacology
• Prescription drug
• British Medical Association
• Royal Pharmaceutical Society