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|website = {{URL|https://www.bnf.org}}
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The '''''British National Formulary''''' ('''BNF''') is a United Kingdom (UK) [[pharmacy|pharmaceutical]] reference book that contains a wide spectrum of information and advice on [[Medical prescription|prescribing]] and [[pharmacology]], along with specific facts and details about many [[medicine]]s available on the UK [[National Health Service]] (NHS). Information within the BNF includes [[Indication (medicine)|indication(s)]], [[contraindication]]s, [[adverse effect|side effects]], [[Dose (biochemistry)|doses]], [[Drug prohibition law|legal classification]], names and prices of available proprietary and [[Generic drug|generic]] formulations, and any other notable points.<ref name="BNF book">{{cite web|url=https://www.BNF.org/products/books/|title=BNF Publications - Books|publisher=[[BMJ (company)|BMJ Group]] and [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society]]|website=www.bnf.org|access-date=16 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817060858/https://www.bnf.org/products/books/|archive-date=17 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Though it is a national [[Formulary (pharmacy)|formulary]], it nevertheless also includes entries for some medicines which are not available under the NHS, and must be prescribed and/or purchased privately. A symbol clearly denotes such drugs in their entry.
'''''British National Formulary''''' ('''BNF''') is a United Kingdom (UK) [[pharmacy|pharmaceutical]] reference book that contains a wide spectrum of information and advice on [[Medical prescription|prescribing]] and [[pharmacology]], along with specific facts and details about many [[medicine]]s available on the UK [[National Health Service]] (NHS). Information within BNF includes [[Indication (medicine)|indication(s)]], [[contraindication]]s, [[adverse effect|side effects]], [[Dose (biochemistry)|doses]], [[Drug prohibition law|legal classification]], names and prices of available proprietary and [[Generic drug|generic]] formulations, and any other notable points.<ref name="BNF book">{{cite web|url=https://www.BNF.org/products/books/|title=BNF Publications - Books|publisher=[[BMJ (company)|BMJ Group]] and [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society]]|website=www.bnf.org|access-date=16 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817060858/https://www.bnf.org/products/books/|archive-date=17 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Though it is a national [[Formulary (pharmacy)|formulary]], it nevertheless also includes entries for some medicines which are not available under the NHS, and must be prescribed and/or purchased privately. A symbol clearly denotes such drugs in their entry.


It is used by [[pharmacist]]s and [[Physician|doctors]] (both [[general practitioner]]s (GPs) and generalist hospital practitioners, and by other prescribing [[Health care provider|healthcare professionals]] (such as [[nurse]]s, [[pharmacy technician]]s, [[paramedic]]s, and [[dentist]]s)); as a reference for correct dosage, indication, interactions and side effects of drugs. It is also used as a reassurance by those administering drugs, for example a nurse on a hospital ward, and even for patients and others seeking an authoritative source of advice on any aspect of [[pharmacotherapy]].
It is used by [[pharmacist]]s and [[Physician|doctors]] (both [[general practitioner]]s (GPs) and generalist hospital practitioners, and by other prescribing [[Health care provider|healthcare professionals]] (such as [[nurse]]s, [[pharmacy technician]]s, [[paramedic]]s, and [[dentist]]s)); as a reference for correct dosage, indication, interactions and side effects of drugs. It is also used as a reassurance by those administering drugs, for example a nurse on a hospital ward, and even for patients and others seeking an authoritative source of advice on any aspect of [[pharmacotherapy]].


==Development==
==Development==
Many individuals and organisations contribute towards the preparation of the BNF. It is authored by [[Pharmaceutical Press]], the [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society]]'s (RPS) knowledge business; and is jointly published by the [[BMJ (company)|BMJ]] (owned by the [[British Medical Association|BMA]]), and Pharmaceutical Press (owned by the [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society|RPS]]). It is published under the authority of a Joint Formulary Committee (JFC),<ref name="BNF about">{{cite web|url=https://www.bnf.org/about/|title=BNF Publications - About - Our organisation|publisher=[[BMJ (company)|BMJ Group]] and [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society]]|website=www.bnf.org|access-date=16 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817060538/https://www.bnf.org/about/|archive-date=17 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> which comprises pharmacy, medical, nursing, and lay representatives; there are also representatives from the [[Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency]] (MHRA), the UK Health Departments, and a national guideline producer.
Many individuals and organisations contribute towards the preparation of BNF. It is authored by [[Pharmaceutical Press]], the [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society]]'s (RPS) knowledge business; and is jointly published by the [[BMJ (company)|BMJ]] (owned by the [[British Medical Association|BMA]]), and Pharmaceutical Press (owned by the [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society|RPS]]). It is published under the authority of a Joint Formulary Committee (JFC),<ref name="BNF about">{{cite web|url=https://www.bnf.org/about/|title=BNF Publications - About - Our organisation|publisher=[[BMJ (company)|BMJ Group]] and [[Royal Pharmaceutical Society]]|website=www.bnf.org|access-date=16 August 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817060538/https://www.bnf.org/about/|archive-date=17 August 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> which comprises pharmacy, medical, nursing, and lay representatives; there are also representatives from the [[Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency]] (MHRA), the UK Health Departments, and a national guideline producer.


Information on drugs is drawn from the manufacturers' product literature, medical and pharmaceutical literature, regulatory authorities and professional bodies. Advice is constructed from clinical literature, and reflects, as far as possible, an evaluation of the evidence from diverse sources. The BNF also takes account of authoritative national guidelines and emerging safety concerns. In addition, the Joint Formulary Committee takes advice on all therapeutic areas from advisers from expert groups; this ensures that the BNF's recommendations are relevant to practice. In September 2016, the [[National Institute for Health and Care Excellence]] (NICE) in the UK gave NICE accreditation to the processes to produce BNF publications; a further review in 2021 resulted in the successful renewal of accreditation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accreditation decisions |url=https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/accreditation/accreditation-decisions |website=NICE |access-date=9 January 2023 |date=September 2021}}</ref>
Information on drugs is drawn from the manufacturers' product literature, medical and pharmaceutical literature, regulatory authorities and professional bodies. Advice is constructed from clinical literature, and reflects, as far as possible, an evaluation of the evidence from diverse sources. BNF also takes account of authoritative national guidelines and emerging safety concerns. In addition, the Joint Formulary Committee takes advice on all therapeutic areas from advisers from expert groups; this ensures that BNF's recommendations are relevant to practice. In September 2016, the [[National Institute for Health and Care Excellence]] (NICE) in the UK gave NICE accreditation to the processes to produce BNF publications; a further review in 2021 resulted in the successful renewal of accreditation.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accreditation decisions |url=https://www.nice.org.uk/about/what-we-do/accreditation/accreditation-decisions |website=NICE |access-date=9 January 2023 |date=September 2021}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
It was first published in 1949,<ref name="BNF about"/> as the '''''National Formulary''''', with updated versions appearing every three years until 1976. The fifth version in 1957 saw its name change to ''The British National Formulary''.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Anon|title=The British National Formulary|journal=[[British Medical Journal]]|volume=2|issue=5047|pages=758–759|year=1957|pmid=13460381|pmc=1962234}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wade|first1=O. L.|title=British National Formulary: Its birth, death, and rebirth|journal=BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)|volume=306|issue=6884|pages=1051–1054|year=1993|pmid=8490505|pmc=1676980|doi=10.1136/bmj.306.6884.1051}}</ref> A new-look version, under the auspices of [[Owen Wade (physician)|Owen Wade]], was released in 1981.<ref name="BNF about"/><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Anon|title=British National Formulary 1976-8|journal=[[British Medical Journal]]|volume=2|issue=6136|pages=580–581|year=1978|pmid=20792725|pmc=1606955|doi=10.1136/bmj.2.6136.580-b}}</ref> A study in Northern Ireland, looking at prescribing in 1965, reported that the BNF was likely able to serve the requirements of prescribers in general practice, while also achieving a cost saving.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wade|first1=O. L.|last2=McDevitt|first2=G. D.|title=Prescribing and the British National Formulary|journal=[[British Medical Journal]]|volume=2|issue=5514|pages=635–637|year=1966|pmid=20791099|pmc=1943465|doi=10.1136/bmj.2.5514.635}}</ref> By 2003, issue 46 of the BNF contained 3000 interactions or groups of interactions, with about 900 of these marked by a bullet.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Aronson|first1=J. K.|title=Drug interactions-information, education, and the British National Formulary|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02125.x|journal=[[British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology]]|volume=57|issue=4|pages=371–372|year=2004|pmid=15025733|pmc=1884473}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=VNRAS.com |first=BNF 73 |title=BNF 73 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BNF-73-2017.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021232748/https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BNF-73-2017.pdf |archive-date=2021-10-21 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=VNRAS.com |title=BNF for Children BNFC 2019-2020 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011172320/https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BNF 78 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-78-1.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BNF for Children BNFC 2019-2020 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011172320/https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
It was first published in 1949,<ref name="BNF about"/> as '''''National Formulary''''', with updated versions appearing every three years until 1976. The fifth version in 1957 saw its name change to ''British National Formulary''.<ref>{{Cite journal|author=Anon|title=British National Formulary|journal=[[British Medical Journal]]|volume=2|issue=5047|pages=758–759|year=1957|pmid=13460381|pmc=1962234}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wade|first1=O. L.|title=British National Formulary: Its birth, death, and rebirth|journal=BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)|volume=306|issue=6884|pages=1051–1054|year=1993|pmid=8490505|pmc=1676980|doi=10.1136/bmj.306.6884.1051}}</ref> A new-look version, under the auspices of [[Owen Wade (physician)|Owen Wade]], was released in 1981.<ref name="BNF about"/><ref>{{Cite journal|author=Anon|title=British National Formulary 1976-8|journal=[[British Medical Journal]]|volume=2|issue=6136|pages=580–581|year=1978|pmid=20792725|pmc=1606955|doi=10.1136/bmj.2.6136.580-b}}</ref> A study in Northern Ireland, looking at prescribing in 1965, reported that BNF was likely able to serve the requirements of prescribers in general practice, while also achieving a cost saving.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Wade|first1=O. L.|last2=McDevitt|first2=G. D.|title=Prescribing and British National Formulary|journal=[[British Medical Journal]]|volume=2|issue=5514|pages=635–637|year=1966|pmid=20791099|pmc=1943465|doi=10.1136/bmj.2.5514.635}}</ref> By 2003, issue 46 of the BNF contained 3000 interactions or groups of interactions, with about 900 of these marked by a bullet.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Aronson|first1=J. K.|title=Drug interactions-information, education, and British National Formulary|doi=10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02125.x|journal=[[British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology]]|volume=57|issue=4|pages=371–372|year=2004|pmid=15025733|pmc=1884473}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=VNRAS.com |first=BNF 73 |title=BNF 73 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BNF-73-2017.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021232748/https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/BNF-73-2017.pdf |archive-date=2021-10-21 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=VNRAS.com |title=BNF for Children BNFC 2019-2020 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011172320/https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BNF 78 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-78-1.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BNF for Children BNFC 2019-2020 |url=https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |access-date=1 May 2022 |archive-date=11 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011172320/https://vnras.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/BNF-for-Children-BNFC-2019-2020-1.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Editions==
==Editions==
A new edition of the BNF book is published twice-yearly, in March and September.<ref name="BNF book"/> The current edition is 87, which was published in March 2024. It is a tradition that the colour of each new edition is radically different from the previous.<ref name="BNF about"/>
A new edition of BNF book is published twice-yearly, in March and September.<ref name="BNF book"/> The current edition is 87, which was published in March 2024. It is a tradition that the colour of each new edition is radically different from the previous.<ref name="BNF about"/>


==Availability==
==Availability==
BNF content is available digitally via a website and mobile app, and as a book. The book is available for purchase. In 2023, NICE announced their decision to stop the supply of print BNF to NHS organisations in England. The same decision was made by Scotland and Wales.<ref name="BNF book"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/nhs-evidence-content/bnf |title=BNF - NHS Evidence - Search Engine for Evidence in Health and Social Care |access-date=2012-06-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001024033/http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/nhs-evidence-content/bnf |archive-date=1 October 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> NHS workers and healthcare professionals in the [[HINARI]] group of developing nations are entitled to free access via MedicinesComplete following registration (requires provision of a name, an address, an email address, and a phone number). Other visitors can subscribe to the BNF on MedicinesComplete.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/ |title=Digital Medicines Information Suite |access-date=2008-12-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219062431/http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/ |archive-date=19 December 2008 |df=dmy-all }} MedicinesComplete</ref> Healthcare organisations can also subscribe to a customisable BNF via their corporate online intranet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bnfformularycomplete.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925205851/http://www.bnfformularycomplete.com/ |archive-date=2011-09-25|title=BNF FormularyComplete}} BNF on FormularyComplete</ref> In 2017, BNF Publications released applications for offline access to the BNF on [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices. Monthly content updates are available, over an internet connection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nice.org.uk/About/What-we-do/NICE-apps-for-smartphones-and-tablets|title=NICE apps for smartphones and tablets|publisher=[[National Institute for Health and Care Excellence]]|website=www.nice.org.uk|date=April 2014|access-date=19 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813081104/http://www.nice.org.uk/About/What-we-do/NICE-apps-for-smartphones-and-tablets|archive-date=13 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> NICE provides a website providing the content of the BNF for non-commercial to the public, including non-NHS users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bnf.nice.org.uk/|title=BNF (British National Formulary|work=nice.org.uk|url-access=limited|access-date=2023-08-04}}</ref>
BNF content is available digitally via a website and mobile app, and as a book. The book is available for purchase. In 2023, NICE announced their decision to stop the supply of print BNF to NHS organisations in England. The same decision was made by Scotland and Wales.<ref name="BNF book"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.evidence.nhs.uk/nhs-evidence-content/bnf |title=BNF - NHS Evidence - Search Engine for Evidence in Health and Social Care |access-date=2012-06-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001024033/http://www.evidence.nhs.uk/nhs-evidence-content/bnf |archive-date=1 October 2012 |df=dmy }}</ref> NHS workers and healthcare professionals in the [[HINARI]] group of developing nations are entitled to free access via MedicinesComplete following registration (requires provision of a name, an address, an email address, and a phone number). Other visitors can subscribe to BNF on MedicinesComplete.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/ |title=Digital Medicines Information Suite |access-date=2008-12-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219062431/http://www.medicinescomplete.com/mc/ |archive-date=19 December 2008 |df=dmy-all }} MedicinesComplete</ref> Healthcare organisations can also subscribe to a customisable BNF via their corporate online intranet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bnfformularycomplete.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110925205851/http://www.bnfformularycomplete.com/ |archive-date=2011-09-25|title=BNF FormularyComplete}} BNF on FormularyComplete</ref> In 2017, BNF Publications released applications for offline access to BNF on [[iOS]] and [[Android (operating system)|Android]] devices. Monthly content updates are available, over an internet connection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nice.org.uk/About/What-we-do/NICE-apps-for-smartphones-and-tablets|title=NICE apps for smartphones and tablets|publisher=[[National Institute for Health and Care Excellence]]|website=www.nice.org.uk|date=April 2014|access-date=19 July 2014|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813081104/http://www.nice.org.uk/About/What-we-do/NICE-apps-for-smartphones-and-tablets|archive-date=13 August 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> NICE provides a website providing the content of BNF for non-commercial to the public, including non-NHS users.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bnf.nice.org.uk/|title=BNF (British National Formulary|work=nice.org.uk|url-access=limited|access-date=2023-08-04}}</ref>


The BNF also includes the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary (NPF) and other NPF content for use by [[District nurse|District Nurse]]s and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (including [[Health visitor|Health Visitor]]s), who have received training to become nurse prescribers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BNF is only available in the UK |url=https://www.nice.org.uk/bnf-uk-only |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=NICE}}</ref>
BNF also includes the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary (NPF) and other NPF content for use by [[District nurse|District Nurse]]s and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (including [[Health visitor|Health Visitor]]s), who have received training to become nurse prescribers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BNF is only available in the UK |url=https://www.nice.org.uk/bnf-uk-only |access-date=2023-11-09 |website=NICE}}</ref>


==Sister publications==
==Sister publications==
The ''[[British National Formulary for Children]]'' (BNFC)<ref name="BNF book"/><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Elias-Jones|first1=A.|last2=Rylance|first2=G.|doi=10.1136/adc.2005.080366|title=The launch of the British National Formulary for Children|journal=[[Archives of Disease in Childhood]]|volume=90|issue=10|pages=997–998|year=2005|pmid=16177154|pmc=1720111}}</ref><ref name="bnfc">{{cite web |url=http://bnfc.org/bnfc/ |title=BNFC.org |access-date=2006-09-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220231742/http://bnfc.org/bnfc/ |archive-date=20 December 2007 |df=dmy }} British National Formulary for Children</ref> book, first published September 2005,<ref name="BNF about"/> is published yearly,<ref name="BNF about"/> and details the doses and uses of medicines in children from [[neonate]]s to [[adolescent]]s.<ref name="BNF book"/>
''[[British National Formulary for Children]]'' (BNFC)<ref name="BNF book"/><ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Elias-Jones|first1=A.|last2=Rylance|first2=G.|doi=10.1136/adc.2005.080366|title=The launch of British National Formulary for Children|journal=[[Archives of Disease in Childhood]]|volume=90|issue=10|pages=997–998|year=2005|pmid=16177154|pmc=1720111}}</ref><ref name="bnfc">{{cite web |url=http://bnfc.org/bnfc/ |title=BNFC.org |access-date=2006-09-07 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220231742/http://bnfc.org/bnfc/ |archive-date=20 December 2007 |df=dmy }} British National Formulary for Children</ref> book, first published September 2005,<ref name="BNF about"/> is published yearly,<ref name="BNF about"/> and details the doses and uses of medicines in children from [[neonate]]s to [[adolescent]]s.<ref name="BNF book"/>


==BNF sections==
==BNF sections==
The ''British National Formulary'' is divided into various sections; with the main sections on drugs and preparations being organised by body system.
''British National Formulary'' is divided into various sections; with the main sections on drugs and preparations being organised by body system.


;Table of Contents
;Table of Contents

Revision as of 10:15, 17 June 2025

British National Formulary (BNF)
The cover of BNF 73 (March 2017)
AuthorJoint Formulary Committee
LanguageBritish English
SubjectMedicine, Pharmacy
GenreMedicines Information
PublisherBMJ and
Pharmaceutical Press
Publication date
September 2022 (84th edition)
Publication placeUnited Kingdom
Media typePaperback print, digital online, smartphone app
Pages1,844
ISBN978-0-85711-432-7
OCLC1338666044
Websitewww.bnf.org

British National Formulary (BNF) is a United Kingdom (UK) pharmaceutical reference book that contains a wide spectrum of information and advice on prescribing and pharmacology, along with specific facts and details about many medicines available on the UK National Health Service (NHS). Information within BNF includes indication(s), contraindications, side effects, doses, legal classification, names and prices of available proprietary and generic formulations, and any other notable points.[1] Though it is a national formulary, it nevertheless also includes entries for some medicines which are not available under the NHS, and must be prescribed and/or purchased privately. A symbol clearly denotes such drugs in their entry.

It is used by pharmacists and doctors (both general practitioners (GPs) and generalist hospital practitioners, and by other prescribing healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacy technicians, paramedics, and dentists)); as a reference for correct dosage, indication, interactions and side effects of drugs. It is also used as a reassurance by those administering drugs, for example a nurse on a hospital ward, and even for patients and others seeking an authoritative source of advice on any aspect of pharmacotherapy.

Development

Many individuals and organisations contribute towards the preparation of BNF. It is authored by Pharmaceutical Press, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's (RPS) knowledge business; and is jointly published by the BMJ (owned by the BMA), and Pharmaceutical Press (owned by the RPS). It is published under the authority of a Joint Formulary Committee (JFC),[2] which comprises pharmacy, medical, nursing, and lay representatives; there are also representatives from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK Health Departments, and a national guideline producer.

Information on drugs is drawn from the manufacturers' product literature, medical and pharmaceutical literature, regulatory authorities and professional bodies. Advice is constructed from clinical literature, and reflects, as far as possible, an evaluation of the evidence from diverse sources. BNF also takes account of authoritative national guidelines and emerging safety concerns. In addition, the Joint Formulary Committee takes advice on all therapeutic areas from advisers from expert groups; this ensures that BNF's recommendations are relevant to practice. In September 2016, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK gave NICE accreditation to the processes to produce BNF publications; a further review in 2021 resulted in the successful renewal of accreditation.[3]

History

It was first published in 1949,[2] as National Formulary, with updated versions appearing every three years until 1976. The fifth version in 1957 saw its name change to British National Formulary.[4][5] A new-look version, under the auspices of Owen Wade, was released in 1981.[2][6] A study in Northern Ireland, looking at prescribing in 1965, reported that BNF was likely able to serve the requirements of prescribers in general practice, while also achieving a cost saving.[7] By 2003, issue 46 of the BNF contained 3000 interactions or groups of interactions, with about 900 of these marked by a bullet.[8][9][10][11][12]

Editions

A new edition of BNF book is published twice-yearly, in March and September.[1] The current edition is 87, which was published in March 2024. It is a tradition that the colour of each new edition is radically different from the previous.[2]

Availability

BNF content is available digitally via a website and mobile app, and as a book. The book is available for purchase. In 2023, NICE announced their decision to stop the supply of print BNF to NHS organisations in England. The same decision was made by Scotland and Wales.[1][13] NHS workers and healthcare professionals in the HINARI group of developing nations are entitled to free access via MedicinesComplete following registration (requires provision of a name, an address, an email address, and a phone number). Other visitors can subscribe to BNF on MedicinesComplete.[14] Healthcare organisations can also subscribe to a customisable BNF via their corporate online intranet.[15] In 2017, BNF Publications released applications for offline access to BNF on iOS and Android devices. Monthly content updates are available, over an internet connection.[16] NICE provides a website providing the content of BNF for non-commercial to the public, including non-NHS users.[17]

BNF also includes the Nurse Prescribers' Formulary (NPF) and other NPF content for use by District Nurses and Specialist Community Public Health Nurses (including Health Visitors), who have received training to become nurse prescribers.[18]

Sister publications

British National Formulary for Children (BNFC)[1][19][20] book, first published September 2005,[2] is published yearly,[2] and details the doses and uses of medicines in children from neonates to adolescents.[1]

BNF sections

British National Formulary is divided into various sections; with the main sections on drugs and preparations being organised by body system.

Table of Contents
  • Preface
  • Acknowledgements
  • How BNF publications are constructed
  • How to use the BNF
  • Changes
  • Guidance on prescribing
  • Prescription writing
  • Emergency supply of medicines
  • Controlled drugs and drug dependence
  • Adverse reactions to drugs
  • Guidance on intravenous infusions
  • Medicines optimisation
  • Antimicrobial stewardship
  • Prescribing for children
  • Prescribing in hepatic impairment
  • Prescribing in renal impairment
  • Prescribing in pregnancy
  • Prescribing in breast-feeding
  • Prescribing in palliative care
  • Prescribing for the elderly
  • Drugs and sport
  • Prescribing in dental practice
Notes on drugs and preparations
  1. Gastro-intestinal system
  2. Cardiovascular system
  3. Respiratory system
  4. Nervous system
  5. Infection
  6. Endocrine system
  7. Genito-urinary system
  8. Malignant disease
  9. Blood and nutrition
  10. Musculoskeletal system
  11. Eye
  12. Ear, nose, and oropharynx
  13. Skin
  14. Vaccines
  15. Anaesthesia
  16. Emergency treatment of poisoning
Appendices and indices
  • Appendix 1 Interactions
  • Appendix 2 Borderline substances
  • Appendix 3 Cautionary and advisory labels for dispensed medicines
  • Appendix 4 Wound management products and elasticated garments
  • Dental Practitioners' Formulary
  • Nurse Prescribers' Formulary
  • Non-medical prescribing
  • Index of proprietary manufacturers
  • Special-order manufacturers

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "BNF Publications - Books". www.bnf.org. BMJ Group and Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "BNF Publications - About - Our organisation". www.bnf.org. BMJ Group and Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
  3. ^ "Accreditation decisions". NICE. September 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2023.
  4. ^ Anon (1957). "British National Formulary". British Medical Journal. 2 (5047): 758–759. PMC 1962234. PMID 13460381.
  5. ^ Wade, O. L. (1993). "British National Formulary: Its birth, death, and rebirth". BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.). 306 (6884): 1051–1054. doi:10.1136/bmj.306.6884.1051. PMC 1676980. PMID 8490505.
  6. ^ Anon (1978). "British National Formulary 1976-8". British Medical Journal. 2 (6136): 580–581. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.6136.580-b. PMC 1606955. PMID 20792725.
  7. ^ Wade, O. L.; McDevitt, G. D. (1966). "Prescribing and British National Formulary". British Medical Journal. 2 (5514): 635–637. doi:10.1136/bmj.2.5514.635. PMC 1943465. PMID 20791099.
  8. ^ Aronson, J. K. (2004). "Drug interactions-information, education, and British National Formulary". British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 57 (4): 371–372. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2125.2004.02125.x. PMC 1884473. PMID 15025733.
  9. ^ VNRAS.com, BNF 73. "BNF 73" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 21 October 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ VNRAS.com. "BNF for Children BNFC 2019-2020" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 October 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  11. ^ "BNF 78" (PDF).
  12. ^ "BNF for Children BNFC 2019-2020" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 October 2021. Retrieved 1 May 2022.
  13. ^ "BNF - NHS Evidence - Search Engine for Evidence in Health and Social Care". Archived from the original on 1 October 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-14.
  14. ^ "Digital Medicines Information Suite". Archived from the original on 19 December 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2008. MedicinesComplete
  15. ^ "BNF FormularyComplete". Archived from the original on 25 September 2011. BNF on FormularyComplete
  16. ^ "NICE apps for smartphones and tablets". www.nice.org.uk. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. April 2014. Archived from the original on 13 August 2014. Retrieved 19 July 2014.
  17. ^ "BNF (British National Formulary". nice.org.uk. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
  18. ^ "BNF is only available in the UK". NICE. Retrieved 9 November 2023.
  19. ^ Elias-Jones, A.; Rylance, G. (2005). "The launch of British National Formulary for Children". Archives of Disease in Childhood. 90 (10): 997–998. doi:10.1136/adc.2005.080366. PMC 1720111. PMID 16177154.
  20. ^ "BNFC.org". Archived from the original on 20 December 2007. Retrieved 2006-09-07. British National Formulary for Children
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