The British National Formulary (BNF) is the first choice for concise medicines information. Trusted by health professionals across the world to support confident decision-making at the point of care.

The new edition (BNF 85) provides up-to-date guidance on prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicines, plus legal and professional guidelines.

Extensive content updates in the BNF 85 edition include:

New monographs for:

Aklief (R) (trifarotene) for acne vulgaris Drovelis (R) (drospirenone with estetrol)for hormonal contraception Ducressa (R) (dexamethasone with levofloxacin)for prophylaxis or treatment of postoperative inflammation, or prevention of infection, following cataract surgery Kerendia (R) (finerenone) for chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes Magnesium citrate for treatment and prevention of magnesium deficiency Netildex (R) (dexamethasone with netilmicin) for local treatment of eye inflammation and bacterial infection Nettacin (R) (netilmicin) for local treatment of eye infection Sibnayal (R) (potassium citrate with potassium bicarbonate) for distal renal tubular acidosis Tenkasi (R) (oritavancin) for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections Vydura (R) (rimegepant) for treatment or prophylaxis of migraine Xerava (R) (eravacycline) for complicated intra-abdominal infections

MHRA advice on:

Anagrelide: risk of thrombosis, including cerebral infarction, if treatment discontinued abruptly Denosumab (Prolia (R)): should not be used in patients under 18 years due to the risk of serious hypercalcaemia Dexmedetomidine: clinical trial finds increased risk of mortality in intensive care unit patients aged 65 years or younger Metformin hydrochloride: reduced vitamin B12 levels and new advice for monitoring patients at risk Methylphenidate hydrochloride long-acting (modified-release) preparations: caution if switching between products due to differences in formulations Nebulised asthma rescue therapy in children: home use of nebulisers in paediatric asthma should be initiated and managed only by specialists Rucaparib (Rubraca (R)): withdrawal of third-line treatment indication Topiramate (Topamax (R)): start of safety review triggered by a study reporting an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children with prenatal exposure

Other significant changes include updated guidance on:

Antibacterials for the prevention of secondary cases of diphtheria, and addition of guidance for the prevention of intra-uterine infection in preterm prelabour rupture of membranes Contraceptive interactions Prescribing of drugs associated with dependence and withdrawal COVID-19 vaccines Management of depression Diphtheria vaccine Management of epilepsy Management of gout Post-exposure prophylaxis of herpesvirus infections Hydrocortisone: addition of children's dosing for adrenal crisis Management of hypertension in patients with type 1 diabetes Management of multiple sclerosis Obstetrics: preterm labour Tacrolimus: updated pregnancy, breast-feeding and monitoring advice Type 1 diabetes: inclusion of continuous glucose monitoring in aims of treatment Type 2 diabetes: use of non-insulin antidiabetic drugs Valaciclovir: update to indication and doses in line with UK Health Security Agency recommendations on post-exposure prophylaxis for chickenpox and shingles

Order your copy and get:

Up-to-date information on prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicines Authoritative, independent guidance on best practice enabling you to select safe and effective medicines Information you can trust for quality and reliability Everything you need at your fingertips, all in one book