Useful sources of information

BNF and BNFC

The British National Formulary (BNF) and BNF for Children (BNFC) have been the main information sources used in the development of this guidance. In addition to providing information on drug prescribing and drugs used to manage medical emergencies, the BNF (available at www.medicinescomplete.com) also contains other useful information, including:

  • Contact details for medicines information services (also see overleaf) and poisons information services
  • Guidance on prescribing
  • Information on prescription writing
  • Details of controlled drugs and drug dependence
  • Advice on adverse reactions, including the oral side-effects of drugs, and how to report new adverse reactions to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
  • Information on:
    - prescribing for children
    - prescribing for patients with liver disease
    - prescribing for patients with renal impairment
    - prescribing for pregnant patients
    - prescribing for breastfeeding patients
    - prescribing for the elderly
  • Information on drug interactions (Appendix 1 of BNF and BNFC)
  • A table showing the mean weights of children by age (also see Prescribing for children - mean weights)

In addition information on prescribing for specific patient groups is included in the relevant chapters, either under the specific drug or in the prescribing notes.

Medicines information services

Information on any aspect of drug therapy can be obtained from regional and local Medicines Information Services. For example, the Information Services can provide advice on the choice of drugs, interactions, adverse reactions and restrictions on drug prescribing.

Details of the local services provided within Scotland can be obtained from the directory on the UK Medicines Information website (www.ukmi.nhs.uk) or by telephoning one of the following regional numbers.

Aberdeen: 01224 552 316

Dundee: 01382 632 351 or 01382 660 111 Extn. 32351

Edinburgh: 0131 242 2920

Glasgow: 0141 201 3227

Information on drug therapy relating to dental treatment can be obtained by telephoning the Dental Medicines Advice Service Centre
(www.sps.nhs.uk/dental-medicines-advice-service)

Liverpool: 0151 794 8206