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The development of a national children's formulary
1University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 6QG, UK; Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|November 13, 2013
Summary
The British National Formulary for Children (BNFC) was developed to address safety concerns with off-label medicine use in pediatric patients. Its creation in 2005 marked a significant improvement in organized and safe prescribing for children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Drug Safety
- Evidence-Based Medicine
Background:
- Historically, pediatric medicine prescribing lacked organization and specific guidelines.
- Many medications used in children were prescribed off-label, leading to safety concerns and inequitable treatment compared to adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To chart the historical development and progress of the British National Formulary for Children (BNFC).
- To highlight the evolution of pediatric pharmacotherapy guidelines in the UK.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of the development of pediatric formularies.
- Analysis of the progression from 'Medicines for Children' to the BNFC.
Main Results:
- The first national formulary for pediatric prescribing, 'Medicines for Children,' was published in 1999.
- Government funding led to the development and production of the British National Formulary for Children in 2005.
Conclusions:
- The establishment of the BNFC has significantly improved the organization and safety of medicine prescribing for children.
- The formulary represents a crucial step in ensuring children receive appropriate and evidence-based pharmaceutical care.
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