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® (trifarotene) for acne vulgaris
Drovelis® (drospirenone with estetrol)for hormonal contraception
Ducressa® (dexamethasone with levofloxacin)for prophylaxis or treatment of postoperative inflammation, or prevention of infection, following cataract surgery
Kerendia® (finerenone) for chronic kidney disease associated with type 2 diabetes
Magnesium citrate for treatment and prevention of magnesium deficiency
Netildex® (dexamethasone with netilmicin) for local treatment of eye inflammation and bacterial infection
Nettacin® (netilmicin) for local treatment of eye infection
Sibnayal® (potassium citrate with potassium bicarbonate) for distal renal tubular acidosis
Tenkasi® (oritavancin) for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections
Vydura® (rimegepant) for treatment or prophylaxis of migraine
Xerava® (eravacycline) for complicated intra-abdominal infections

MHRA advice on:



Anagrelide: risk of thrombosis, including cerebral infarction, if treatment discontinued abruptly
Denosumab (Prolia®): should not be used in patients under 18 years due to the risk of serious hypercalcaemia
Dexmedetomidine: clinical trial finds increased risk of mortality in intensive care unit patients aged 65 years or younger
Metformin hydrochloride: reduced vitamin B12 levels and new advice for monitoring patients at risk
Methylphenidate hydrochloride long-acting (modified-release) preparations: caution if switching between products due to differences in formulations
Nebulised asthma rescue therapy in children: home use of nebulisers in paediatric asthma should be initiated and managed only by specialists
Rucaparib (Rubraca®): withdrawal of third-line treatment indication
Topiramate (Topamax®): start of safety review triggered by a study reporting an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children with prenatal exposure

Other 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 membranes
Contraceptive interactions
Prescribing of drugs associated with dependence and withdrawal
COVID-19 vaccines
Management of depression
Diphtheria vaccine
Management of epilepsy
Management of gout
Post-exposure prophylaxis of herpesvirus infections
Hydrocortisone: addition of children’s dosing for adrenal crisis
Management of hypertension in patients with type 1 diabetes
Management of multiple sclerosis
Obstetrics: preterm labour
Tacrolimus: updated pregnancy, breast-feeding and monitoring advice
Type 1 diabetes: inclusion of continuous glucose monitoring in aims of treatment
Type 2 diabetes: use of non-insulin antidiabetic drugs
Valaciclovir: update to indication and doses in line with UK Health Security Agency recommendations on post-exposure prophylaxis for chickenpox and shingles

Order your copy and get:



Up-to-date information on prescribing, dispensing, and administering medicines
Authoritative, independent guidance on best practice enabling you to select safe and effective medicines
Information you can trust for quality and reliability
Everything you need at your fingertips, all in one book