Digital versions of new BNF include extra entries
Digital versions of the latest British National Formulary now include
a range of multi-ingredient preparation monographs not available in
print.
Historically, the BNF has included only a few monographs for medicinal
products with two active ingredients. Monographs for ramipril/felodipine,
triamterene/furosemide, co-amilofruse (amiloride/furosemide) and co-tenidone
(atenolol/chlortalidone) will be the first of a large number of additional
entries in the digital version of BNF 55.
“
This development provides a more accurate representation of the characteristics
of these preparations than has hitherto been possible in print, and crucially
presents this information in a single location within the publication,” states
a leaflet accompanying BNF 55.
The latest edition contains guidance on the community management of emergencies
such as anaphylaxis, meningococcal disease and myocardial infarction.
This new information is located in the reference pages at the back of
the printed BNF and includes doses of drugs to be used for immediate
care by community healthcare professionals.
BNF 55 also includes updated advice on the use of adrenaline for anaphylaxis
and folic acid for the prevention of neural tube defects, as well as
new safety considerations for the use of erythropoietin products.
BNF editors and clinical advisers have reviewed the National Institute
for Health and Clinical Excellence guidelines on antimicrobial prophylaxis
against infective endocarditis for adults and children undergoing interventional
procedures. In line with these guidelines, the BNF now states that antimicrobial
prophylaxis is no longer recommended for the prevention of endocarditis
for patients having dental and non-dental procedures. Prophylaxis may
expose patients to the adverse effects of antimicrobials when the evidence
of benefit has not been proven.
Also added is the latest advice on INR (international normalised ratio)
monitoring for anticoagulated patients who require dental surgery.
BNF newsletter
Healthcare professionals wishing
to be updated with the latest changes affecting clinical practice
can sign up to receive joint newsletters from
the BNF and BNF for Children. The newsletters, to be
issued
several times a year, will include:
• details of significant updates
• tips for using the BNF and BNFC
effectively
• latest developments
on BNF and BNFC publications
• links to case studies and examples
of prescribing excellence.
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