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Prescribing information is presented for all patients: information is provided for adults with differences in the doses and formulations used for different age ranges of children are provided where necessary. Be aware that, for clarity and to aid selection of the correct dose, age and weight ranges for children have been adjusted in the most recent versions of the BNF and BNFC so that they no longer overlap. This change is reflected in this edition of the guidance.

For those drugs where a range in the dose or frequency of administration is provided by the BNF, a dose and frequency of administration that is most relevant to primary care dental practice is recommended based on the opinion of experienced practitioners. Advisory notes and cautions are provided in footnotes to the prescribing boxes to help inform the decision of the practitioner. For more-detailed information on cautions, contraindications and side-effects, refer to the BNF and BNFC (available at www.medicinescomplete.com).

For practical reasons, the frequency of administration of each drug is generally given as ‘X times daily’. However, it is advisable to inform patients that they should take the drug at regular intervals that are as spaced out as possible.

In some cases a drug of choice is recommended for a given dental condition. However, in many cases drug regimens are not listed in order of preference so that the choice of the clinical practitioner is not limited. The availability of sugar-free preparations, as indicated in the BNF, is highlighted; for further details, refer to the BNF and BNFC (www.medicinescomplete.com).

Common drug interactions that could have serious consequences are identified within the guidance and include:

• interaction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), carbamazapine, azole antifungals, metronidazole and macrolide antibiotics with warfarin.
• incidence of myopathy after prescribing azoles and clarithromycin in those taking statins.
• asthma symptoms exacerbated following the use of NSAIDs.

It is important that dentists are aware of potential drug interactions. Therefore, please refer to Appendix 1 of the BNF and BNFC (www.medicinescomplete.com) for comprehensive information on drug interactions.

Note that antibiotics which do not induce liver enzymes are no longer thought to reduce the efficacy of combined oral contraceptives.