The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 279 No 7469 p283
15 September 2007

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BNF 54 up to date on patient safety issues

The latest edition of the British National Formulary contains new information on areas as diverse as the fire risk associated with paraffin-based emollients and which patients are most likely to suffer psychiatric reactions with systemic corticosteroids.

BNF 54, published this week, also highlights recent safety concerns with telithromycin and piroxicam and details restrictions associated with their use.

Comprehensive information on the Department of Health’s “catch-up” programme for Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination and further advice on appropriate measures of renal function when making dosage adjustments for patients with renal impairment are also included.

“Alerting health professionals to drug safety issues and other significant changes to prescribing practice is a fundamental part of our role,” explained John Martin, acting executive editor of BNF Publications. “In this way, we continue to ensure that consistent standards of prescribing are maintained,” he added.