 The cover of BNF 73 (March 2017) | |
| Author | Pharmaceutical Press, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's knowledge business |
|---|---|
| Language | British English |
| Subject | Medicine, Pharmacy |
| Genre | Medicines Information |
| Publisher | BMJ and Pharmaceutical Press |
Publication date | September 2022 (84th edition) |
| Publication place | United Kingdom |
| Media type | Paperback print, digital online, smartphone app |
| Pages | 1,844 |
| ISBN | 978-0-85711-432-7 |
| OCLC | 1338666044 |
| Website | www |
The 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 the 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.
- ^ "BNF Publications - Books". www.bnf.org. BMJ Group and Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Archived from the original on 17 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.