The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7360 p430
8 October 2005

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British National Formulary(BNF.org)

BNF 50 now available

BNF 50, the latest edition of the British National Formulary, contains updated information on malaria prophylaxis, the use of tricyclic antidepressants and advice on vaccinations.

The new edition, published this week, no longer recommends prophylaxis against malaria with chloroquine and proguanil for parts of Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It now advises travellers to use regimens recommended in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including mefloquine, doxycycline or atovaquone plus proguanil.

The dangers of using particular antidepressants are emphasised in BNF 50 following reports of fatalities after overdose of tricyclic antidepressants; an overview of the management of antidepressant poisoning is also included.

Recent changes to the BCG vaccination programme are reflected in this latest edition and advice on rabies vaccination has been completely revised.

The Commonwealth Pharmaceutical Association’s collection of BNF 48 and BNF 49 will take place from 7 to 11 November.