British National Formulary 57: March 2009

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 practice as well as legal and professional guidelines relating to the use of medicines.