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Quick Guide to BNF / BNFc

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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
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.


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