Using the Formulary
Formulary searching guide
A few tips if you are new to the site........
Information is located in two parts of the formulary:
1. Therapeutic sections
These include which drugs are recommended for use. These are classified green (first line), yellow (second line), amber (specialist use) and red (hospital only). Information on drug choice and links to other websites are included, e.g. NICE, BNF etc. and also the MTW Q-pulse documents. These sections are arranged as per BNF classification.
2. Prescribing guidelines
Includes local prescribing guidance and antimicrobial prescribing policies
How to find a drug
- Type the name of the drug into the search box on the top right of the screen. This will give the chapter(s) in which the drug is listed. OR
- Click on the therapeutic sections button on the left hand side of the home page to reveal BNF chapter headings. Then click on the relevant chapter which will displayed the drug groups in that chapter then click on the relevant drug group.
Using icons
There are links to the BNF and Summary of Product Characteristics which provide dosing information and NICE technology appraisal guidance where applicable. This links to the relevant BNF page, where dosing information can be found
This links to the relevant Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
This links to the relevant guideline NICE technology appraisal
this links to the relevant internet page
this links to a relevant word document
this links to a relevant PDF document
this links to some Trust guideline documents
Other icons
Safety warning, high cost drug, cytotoxic drug,
shared care guidelines,
unlicensed use,
unlicensed drug
,
Please note: Current listed prices for medicines are only a guide – the software is due to incorporate updated prices shortly
Colour codes
On the left-hand side of each page a colour key will be displayed explaining the prescribing status of every item on the formulary.
Guidelines
Links to guideline documents or relevant internet pages are displayed in each chapter
Other clinical information
Other clinical information can be found in the prescribing guideline section of the formulary. This section has been divided up according to BNF therapeutic sections.
It is best to put your search term into the search box on the right-hand side of the page. Remember, you may need to scroll down a bit to find the relevant heading in the results and click on the relevant chapter.
Antibiotic prescribing
Antibiotic prescribing information is found in the antimicrobial guidelines which are in the prescribing guideline section of the formulary.
This opens up to give headings on general antibiotic prescribing and then information is divided up according to type of infection. Prophylaxis guidance according to type of surgery is also available.
Alternatively, enter your search term in the search box as described above.