BNF 85 (British National Formulary) March 2023

The British National Formulary (BNF) is the first choice for concise medicines information. Trusted by health professionals across the world to support confident decision-making at the point of care.The new edition (BNF 85) provides up-to-date guidance on prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicines, plus legal and professional guidelines.Extensive content updates in the BNF 85 edition include:New monographs for:Aklief (R) (trifarotene) for acne vulgarisDrovelis (R) (drospirenone with estetrol)for hormonal contraceptionDucressa (R) (dexamethasone with levofloxacin)for prophylaxis or treatment of postoperative inflammation, or prevention of infection, following cataract surgeryKerendia (R) (finerenone) for chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetesMagnesium citrate for treatment and prevention of magnesium deficiencyNetildex (R) (dexamethasone with netilmicin) for local treatment of eye inflammation and bacterial infectionNettacin (R) (netilmicin) for local treatment of eye infectionSibnayal (R) (potassium citrate with potassium bicarbonate) for distal renal tubular acidosisTenkasi (R) (oritavancin) for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infectionsVydura (R) (rimegepant) for treatment or prophylaxis of migraineXerava (R) (eravacycline) for complicated intra-abdominal infectionsMHRA advice on:Anagrelide: risk of thrombosis, including cerebral infarction, if treatment discontinued abruptlyDenosumab (Prolia (R)): should not be used in patients under 18 years due to the risk of serious hypercalcaemiaDexmedetomidine: clinical trial finds increased risk of mortality in intensive care unit patients aged 65 years or youngerMetformin hydrochloride: reduced vitamin B12 levels and new advice for monitoring patients at riskMethylphenidate hydrochloride long-acting (modified-release) preparations: caution if switching between products due to differences in formulationsNebulised asthma rescue therapy in children: home use of nebulisers in paediatric asthma should be initiated and managed only by specialistsRucaparib (Rubraca (R)): withdrawal of third-line treatment indicationTopiramate (Topamax (R)): start of safety review triggered by a study reporting an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children with prenatal exposureOther significant changes include updated guidance on:Antibacterials for the prevention of secondary cases of diphtheria, and addition of guidance for the prevention of intra-uterine infection in preterm prelabour rupture of membranesContraceptive interactionsPrescribing of drugs associated with dependence and withdrawalCOVID-19 vaccinesManagement of depressionDiphtheria vaccineManagement of epilepsyManagement of goutPost-exposure prophylaxis of herpesvirus infectionsHydrocortisone: addition of children's dosing for adrenal crisisManagement of hypertension in patients with type 1 diabetesManagement of multiple sclerosisObstetrics: preterm labourTacrolimus: updated pregnancy, breast-feeding and monitoring adviceType 1 diabetes: inclusion of continuous glucose monitoring in aims of treatmentType 2 diabetes: use of non-insulin antidiabetic drugsValaciclovir: update to indication and doses in line with UK Health Security Agency recommendations on post-exposure prophylaxis for chickenpox and shinglesOrder your copy and get:Up-to-date information on prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicinesAuthoritative, independent guidance on best practice enabling you to select safe and effective medicinesInformation you can trust for quality and reliabilityEverything you need at your fingertips, all in one book