Quick Guide to BNF / BNFc

Get access to the information you need on drugs and medicines.

What is it?

The BNF is the British National Formulary and the BNFc is the British National Formulary for Children. These are the key authoritative, reference texts for information about drugs and medications, provided especially for UK healthcare staff.

How to Access…

Who is it for?

These texts are available for NHS staff and healthcare students.

Log in

The BNF and BNFc are available in a range of formats. You will need login details for some formats but not all.

Keele Staff and Students – use your Keele login details
NHS Staff – use your NHS OpenAthens username / password

Key Formats

Print Book

We hold print versions of the BNF and the BNFc within the Health Library. These are available for reference. You can find the BNF at shelf mark RS125.B7 and the BNFc at shelf mark RJ560.B7.

Medicines Complete (login required)

The BNF and BNFc are available online via the Medicines Complete interface. You will need to log in to access Medicines Complete. More drugs-based texts may be available within Medicines Complete dependent on the subscription of your organisation.

NICE Evidence (freely available)

An online version of both the BNF and BNFc is available via the NICE Evidence website:

Home page for the BNF on the NICE Evidence website

Mobile App

A mobile app is available from the publishers, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. One app contains content to both texts. Search for “BNF Publications” on your App Store. The app is free and no login is required. Please check the terms and conditions for allowed use.

Comments

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NHS staff can register for an NHS Athens account so that they can log on to online resources purchased by the NHS and your library service. An Athens account is also called an openathens account (they changed the name but we are slow to catch on). Register for your Account To register you need to complete the online form . Screen-shot of the Athens registration form 1. Enter your name 2. Enter your NHS-based email address Using your NHS address will allow the system to automatically approve you. Otherwise your account will be placed on a list for approval. You wont be able to use resources until your account has been approved. Do not use a personal email address such as gmail or yahoo. We will not be able to verify this or approve the account. 3. Enter your organisation This is the NHS trust that you work for. You should see suggested options to select once you start typing. GPs and CCG staff should try entering “Staffordshire” to find a group level o...

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