British National Formulary (BNF) 57

The British National Formulary, also known as BNF, is a comprehensive guidebook that provides healthcare professionals with up-to-date information on the use and administration of medicines in the United Kingdom. The BNF 57 is the latest edition of this handbook, which was released in March 2009.

What is the BNF 57?

The BNF 57 is the latest edition of the British National Formulary. It was published in March 2009 and contains information about medications that are available in the UK. The BNF 57 is an essential resource for healthcare professionals as it provides information about the safe and effective use of medications.

What is included in the BNF 57?

The BNF 57 contains information on over 2,000 drugs and preparations, including details on their indications, dosages, side effects, and contraindications. It also includes guidance on the selection and use of medicines, as well as advice on prescribing and monitoring.

The handbook is organized into several sections, each of which covers a specific category of drugs. These sections include:

Cardiovascular system: This section includes information on drugs used to treat hypertension, angina, heart failure, and other cardiovascular conditions.

Respiratory system: This section covers drugs used to treat asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions.

Gastrointestinal system: This section includes information on drugs used to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as acid reflux, ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Nervous system: This section covers drugs used to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, and epilepsy.

Infections: This section includes information on antibiotics, antiviral drugs, and other medications used to treat infections.

Endocrine system: This section covers drugs used to treat diabetes, thyroid disorders, and other endocrine conditions.

Immune system: This section includes information on drugs used to treat autoimmune disorders and other conditions related to the immune system.

Malignant disease and immunosuppression: This section covers drugs used to treat cancer and other conditions related to immunosuppression.

Nutrition and blood: This section includes information on vitamins, minerals, and other nutritional supplements, as well as drugs used to treat anemia and other blood disorders.

Musculoskeletal and joint diseases: This section covers drugs used to treat arthritis, osteoporosis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Eye: This section includes information on drugs used to treat eye conditions such as glaucoma and conjunctivitis.

Ear, nose, and oropharynx: This section covers drugs used to treat ear, nose, and throat conditions such as allergies and infections.

Skin: This section includes information on drugs used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne.

Immunization and vaccines: This section covers information on vaccines and immunization schedules for both children and adults.

Anaesthesia: This section includes information on anaesthetic drugs and their administration.

Emergency treatment of poisoning: This section covers the treatment of drug overdoses and other types of poisoning.

In addition to these sections, the BNF 57 also includes a comprehensive index and several appendices that provide additional information on drug interactions, adverse reactions, and prescribing guidelines.

Conclusion

The BNF 57 is an essential reference tool for healthcare professionals in the UK. It provides up-to-date information on the use and administration of medicines, as well as guidance on prescribing and monitoring. The handbook is organized into several sections that cover a wide range of drugs and preparations, making it easy to find the information you need quickly and efficiently. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional, the BNF 57 is a must-have resource for your practice.

British National Formulary (BNF) 57

This is the authoritative guide to prescribing, dispensing and administering medicines for all health care professionals. Nobody working in health care can afford to be without the latest edition of "BNF". Compiled with the advice of clinical experts and continually updated to reflect the latest evidence from all credible sources worldwide, this essential reference provides up-to-date guidance on prescribing, dispensing, administering, and monitoring medicines. 

Not only does the "BNF" include the widely accepted framework for the drug management of common diseases, it also includes details of medicines prescribed in the UK, with special reference to their uses, cautions, contraindications, side effects, dosage and relative costs. This allows treatment to be tailored to the individual needs of each patient. 

Updated in print every six months by an expert team of pharmacists, with guidance and validation from a network of leading clinicians, and oversight by a Joint Formulary Committee with representatives from all spheres of clinical practice. "The BNF" reflects current best practices as well as legal and professional guidelines relating to the use of medicines. As a result it is used widely as a touchstone reference, and cited in Parliaments and courts as a source of authority.

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