The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7248 p638
10 May 2003

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British National Formulary (www.bnf.org)

Digital changes delay BNF 45 publication

The latest edition of the British National Formulary (BNF 45, March 2003) has now been published. It was delayed by changes to the database that underpins the BNF and which will allow digital versions to be created.

All the software used by the BNF editorial team has been updated and editors now work with a highly structured database of BNF knowledge. Unfortunately, validating and commissioning the database has taken longer that the normal six-month production cycle.

The database will enable new digital versions of the BNF to be published. These will include stand-alone and networked computer versions and versions for use on handheld computers. These are expected to be available in about one month's time.

The main changes to BNF 45 include summaries of recent National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidance, advice on hormone replacement therapy, changes to malaria prophylaxis for sub-Saharan Africa, new guidance on asthma and on the use of statins.

Pharmacists are reminded that copies of old BNFs are keenly sought by the Pharmaid scheme of the Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association. These will be collected in November.