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Two types of BNF are available for practitioners: the BNF and the BNF for children (BNFc). Ensuring that you use the most appropriate type for your practice area is essential as medications, recommendations, licensing, legislation and monitoring differ for adults and children. The BNF is published in paper copy bi‐annually in September and March and the BNFc is published in paper copy once a year in September. There are electronic versions (as discussed later) which are frequently updated, so it is always advisable to use the electronic version to ensure the most up‐to‐date information is accessed.

As a health professional you are accountable for using the most up‐to‐date evidence base for your practice. This means ensuring that you only use the current version of the BNF and that which relates to your practice area and patient group. You should consider:

 that previous versions may have outdated information or even sections that have been removed;

 the implications of advising your patient on their medication regimen if the information source you have chosen is out of date. What are the potential risks to the patient? What could this mean for your practice and accountability?