Speaking at the launch of the third edition of the BNF-C this month, Martin Kendall, chairman of the development committee for the BNF-C, said that there is a real risk that children may not be given the right prescriptions for the medicines they need unless all prescribers consult the latest edition of the BNF-C.

“When sick children need drug treatment it is important to ensure that they get the right drug, the right dose, and in the right form. Up-to-date guidance, approved by national experts, is only available in the BNF-C,” he said. “Prescribers, whether doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists or others, should always consult the BNF-C when in any doubt before treating children.”

The latest edition includes details of a new immunisation schedule for vaccination against meningitis and other fatal infections, updates on the management of meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and new advice on the management of childhood obesity. Guidance on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, asthma and epilepsy has also been revised.

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