BNF Categories

Browse for medicines information using the legacy medicine BNF categories.

1.Gastro-intestinal system

  • 1.1.0 Dyspepsia and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
  • 1.2.0 Antispasmodics and other drugs altering gut motility
  • 1.3.0 Antisecretory drugs and mucosal protectants
  • 1.4.0 Acute diarrhoea
    • 1.4.1 Adsorbents and bulk-forming drugs
    • 1.4.2 Antimotility drugs
    • 1.4.3 Enkephalinase inhibitors
  • 1.5.0 Chronic bowel disorders
    • 1.5.1 Aminosalicylates
    • 1.5.2 Corticosteroids
    • 1.5.3 Drugs affecting the immune response
    • 1.5.4 Food allergy
  • 1.6.0 Laxatives
    • 1.6.1 Bulk-forming laxatives
    • 1.6.2 Stimulant laxatives
    • 1.6.3 Faecal softeners
    • 1.6.4 Osmotic laxatives
    • 1.6.5 Bowel cleansing preparations
    • 1.6.6 Peripheral opioid-receptor antagonists
    • 1.6.7 Other drugs used in constipation
  • 1.7.0 Local preparations for anal and rectal disorders
    • 1.7.1 Soothing haemorrhoidal preparations
    • 1.7.2 Compound haemorrhoidal preparations with corticosteroids
    • 1.7.3 Rectal sclerosants
    • 1.7.4 Management of anal fissures
  • 1.8.0 Stoma care
  • 1.9.0 Drugs affecting intestinal secretions
    • 1.9.1 Drugs affecting biliary composition and flow
    • 1.9.2 Bile acid sequestrants
    • 1.9.3 Aprotinin
    • 1.9.4 Pancreatin

2.Cardiovascular system

  • 2.1.0 Positive inotropic drugs
    • 2.1.1 Cardiac glycosides
    • 2.1.2 Phosphodiesterase type-3 inhibitors
  • 2.2.0 Diuretics
    • 2.2.1 Thiazides and related diuretics
    • 2.2.2 Loop diuretics
    • 2.2.3 Potassium-sparing diuretics and aldosterone antagonists
    • 2.2.4 Potassium-sparing diuretics with other diuretics
    • 2.2.5 Osmotic diuretics
    • 2.2.6 Mercurial diuretics
    • 2.2.7 Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
    • 2.2.8 Diuretics with potassium
  • 2.3.0 Anti-arrhythmic drugs
    • 2.3.1 Management of arrhythmias
    • 2.3.2 Drugs for arrhythmias
  • 2.4.0 Beta-adrenoceptor blocking drugs
  • 2.5.0 Hypertension and heart failure
  • 2.6.0 Nitrates, calcium-channel blockers, and other antianginal drugs
    • 2.6.1 Nitrates
    • 2.6.2 Calcium-channel blockers
    • 2.6.3 Other antianginal drugs
    • 2.6.4 Peripheral vasodilators and related drugs
  • 2.7.0 Sympathomimetics
    • 2.7.1 Inotropic sympathomimetics
    • 2.7.2 Vasoconstrictor sympathomimetics
    • 2.7.3 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
  • 2.8.0 Anticoagulants and protamine
  • 2.9.0 Antiplatelet drugs
  • 2.10.0 Stable angina, acute coronary syndromes, and fibrinolysis
    • 2.10.1 Management of stable angina and acute coronary syndromes
    • 2.10.2 Fibrinolytic drugs
  • 2.11.0 Antifibrinolytic drugs and haemostatics
  • 2.12.0 Lipid-regulating drugs
  • 2.13.0 Local sclerosants

3.Respiratory system

  • 3.1.0 Bronchodilators
    • 3.1.1 Adrenoceptor agonists
    • 3.1.2 Antimuscarinic bronchodilators
    • 3.1.3 Theophylline
    • 3.1.4 Compound bronchodilator preparations
    • 3.1.5 Peak flow meters, inhaler devices and nebulisers
  • 3.2.0 Corticosteroids
  • 3.3.0 Cromoglicate and related therapy, leukotriene receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase type-4 inhibitors
    • 3.3.1 Cromoglicate and related therapy
    • 3.3.2 Leukotriene receptor antagonists
    • 3.3.3 Phosphodiesterase type-4 inhibitors
  • 3.4.0 Antihistamines, hyposensitisation, and allergic emergencies
  • 3.5.0 Respiratory stimulants and pulmonary surfactants
    • 3.5.1 Respiratory stimulants
    • 3.5.2 Pulmonary surfactants
  • 3.6.0 Oxygen
  • 3.7.0 Mucolytics
  • 3.8.0 Aromatic inhalations
  • 3.9.0 Cough preparations
    • 3.9.1 Cough suppressants
    • 3.9.2 Demulcent and expectorant cough preparations
  • 3.10.0 Systemic nasal decongestants
  • 3.11.0 Antifibrotics

4.Central nervous system

  • 4.1.0 Hypnotics and anxiolytics
    • 4.1.1 Hypnotics
    • 4.1.2 Anxiolytics
    • 4.1.3 Barbiturates
  • 4.2.0 Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders
    • 4.2.1 Antipsychotic drugs
    • 4.2.2 Antipsychotic depot injections
    • 4.2.3 Drugs used for mania and hypomania
  • 4.3.0 Antidepressant drugs
  • 4.4.0 CNS stimulants and drugs used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
  • 4.5.0 Obesity
    • 4.5.1 Anti-obesity drugs acting on the gastro-intestinal tract
    • 4.5.2 Centrally acting appetite suppressants
  • 4.6.0 Drugs used in nausea and vertigo
  • 4.7.0 Analgesics
  • 4.8.0 Antiepileptic drugs
    • 4.8.1 Control of the epilepsies
    • 4.8.2 Drugs used in status epilepticus
    • 4.8.3 Febrile convulsions
  • 4.9.0 Drugs used in parkinsonism and related disorders
    • 4.9.1 Dopaminergic drugs used in Parkinson's disease
    • 4.9.2 Antimuscarinic drugs used in parkinsonism
    • 4.9.3 Drugs used in essential tremor, chorea, tics, and related disorders
  • 4.10.0 Drugs used in substance dependence
    • 4.10.1 Alcohol dependence
    • 4.10.2 Nicotine dependence
    • 4.10.3 Opioid dependence
  • 4.11.0 Dementia

5.Infections

  • 5.1.0 Antibacterial drugs
    • 5.1.1 Penicillins
    • 5.1.2 Cephalosporins, carbapenems, and other beta-lactams
    • 5.1.3 Tetracyclines
    • 5.1.4 Aminoglycosides
    • 5.1.5 Macrolides
    • 5.1.6 Clindamycin
    • 5.1.7 Some other antibacterials
    • 5.1.8 Sulfonamides and trimethoprim
    • 5.1.9 Antituberculosis drugs
    • 5.1.10 Antileprotic drugs
    • 5.1.11 Metronidazole and tinidazole
    • 5.1.12 Quinolones
    • 5.1.13 Urinary-tract infections
  • 5.2.0 Antifungal drugs
    • 5.2.1 Triazole antifungals
    • 5.2.2 Imidazole antifungals
    • 5.2.3 Polyene antifungals
    • 5.2.4 Echinocandin antifungals
    • 5.2.5 Other antifungals
  • 5.3.0 Antiviral drugs
    • 5.3.1 HIV infection
    • 5.3.2 Herpesvirus infections
    • 5.3.3 Viral hepatitis
    • 5.3.4 Influenza
    • 5.3.5 Respiratory syncytial virus
  • 5.4.0 Antiprotozoal drugs
    • 5.4.1 Antimalarials
    • 5.4.2 Amoebicides
    • 5.4.3 Trichomonacides
    • 5.4.4 Antigiardial drugs
    • 5.4.5 Leishmaniacides
    • 5.4.6 Trypanocides
    • 5.4.7 Drugs for toxoplasmosis
    • 5.4.8 Drugs for pneumocystis pneumonia
  • 5.5.0 Anthelmintics
    • 5.5.1 Drugs for threadworms
    • 5.5.2 Ascaricides
    • 5.5.3 Drugs for tapeworm infections
    • 5.5.4 Drugs for hookworms
    • 5.5.5 Schistosomicides
    • 5.5.6 Filaricides
    • 5.5.7 Drugs for cutaneous larva migrans
    • 5.5.8 Drugs for strongyloidiasis

6.Endocrine system

  • 6.1.0 Drugs used in diabetes
    • 6.1.1 Insulins
    • 6.1.2 Antidiabetic drugs
    • 6.1.3 Diabetic ketoacidosis
    • 6.1.4 Treatment of hypoglycaemia
    • 6.1.5 Treatment of diabetic nephropathy and neuropathy
    • 6.1.6 Diagnostic and monitoring devices for diabetes mellitus
  • 6.2.0 Thyroid and antithyroid drugs
    • 6.2.1 Thyroid hormones
    • 6.2.2 Antithyroid drugs
  • 6.3.0 Corticosteroids
  • 6.4.0 Sex hormones
  • 6.5.0 Hypothalamic and pituitary hormones and anti-oestrogens
  • 6.6.0 Drugs affecting bone metabolism
    • 6.6.1 Calcitonin and parathyroid hormone
    • 6.6.2 Bisphosphonates and other drugs affecting bone metabolism
  • 6.7.0 Other endocrine drugs
    • 6.7.1 Bromocriptine and other dopaminergic drugs
    • 6.7.2 Drugs affecting gonadotrophins
    • 6.7.3 Cushing's Syndrome
    • 6.7.4 Somatomedins

7.Obstetrics, gynaecology, and urinary-tract disorders

  • 7.1.0 Drugs used in obstetrics
    • 7.1.1 Prostaglandins and oxytocics
    • 7.1.2 Mifepristone
    • 7.1.3 Myometrial relaxants
  • 7.2.0 Treatment of vaginal and vulval conditions
    • 7.2.1 Preparations for vaginal and vulval changes
    • 7.2.2 Vaginal and vulval infections
  • 7.3.0 Contraceptives
    • 7.3.1 Combined hormonal contraceptives
    • 7.3.2 Progestogen-only contraceptives
    • 7.3.3 Spermicidal contraceptives
    • 7.3.4 Contraceptive devices
    • 7.3.5 Emergency contraception
  • 7.4.0 Drugs for genito-urinary disorders
    • 7.4.1 Drugs for urinary retention
    • 7.4.2 Drugs for urinary frequency, enuresis, and incontinence
    • 7.4.3 Drugs used in urological pain
    • 7.4.4 Bladder instillations and urological surgery
    • 7.4.5 Drugs for erectile dysfunction
    • 7.4.6 Drugs for premature ejaculation

8.Malignant disease and immunosuppression

  • 8.1.0 Cytotoxic drugs
    • 8.1.1 Alkylating drugs
    • 8.1.2 Anthracyclines and other cytotoxic antibiotics
    • 8.1.3 Antimetabolites
    • 8.1.4 Vinca alkaloids and etoposide
    • 8.1.5 Other antineoplastic drugs
  • 8.2.0 Drugs affecting the immune response
    • 8.2.1 Antiproliferative immunosuppressants
    • 8.2.2 Corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants
    • 8.2.3 Anti-lymphocyte monoclonal antibodies
    • 8.2.4 Other immunomodulating drugs
  • 8.3.0 Sex hormones and hormone antagonists in malignant disease

9.Nutrition and blood

  • 9.1.0 Anaemias and some other blood disorders
    • 9.1.1 Iron-deficiency anaemias
    • 9.1.2 Drugs used in megaloblastic anaemias
    • 9.1.3 Drugs used in hypoplastic, haemolytic, and renal anaemias
    • 9.1.4 Drugs used in platelet disorders
    • 9.1.5 G6PD deficiency
    • 9.1.6 Drugs used in neutropenia
    • 9.1.7 Drugs used to mobilise stem cells
  • 9.2.0 Fluids and electrolytes
    • 9.2.1 Oral preparations for fluid and electrolyte imbalance
    • 9.2.2 Parenteral preparations for fluid and electrolyte imbalance
  • 9.3.0 Intravenous nutrition
  • 9.4.0 Oral nutrition
    • 9.4.1 Foods for special diets
    • 9.4.2 Enteral nutrition
  • 9.5.0 Minerals
    • 9.5.1 Calcium and magnesium
    • 9.5.2 Phosphorus
    • 9.5.3 Fluoride
    • 9.5.4 Zinc
    • 9.5.5 Selenium
  • 9.6.0 Vitamins
    • 9.6.1 Vitamin A
    • 9.6.2 Vitamin B group
    • 9.6.3 Vitamin C
    • 9.6.4 Vitamin D
    • 9.6.5 Vitamin E
    • 9.6.6 Vitamin K
    • 9.6.7 Multivitamin preparations
  • 9.7.0 Bitters and tonics
  • 9.8.0 Metabolic disorders
    • 9.8.1 Drugs used in metabolic disorders
    • 9.8.2 Acute porphyrias

10.Musculoskeletal and joint diseases

  • 10.1.0 Drugs used in rheumatic diseases and gout
    • 10.1.1 Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
    • 10.1.2 Corticosteroids
    • 10.1.3 Drugs that suppress the rheumatic disease process
    • 10.1.4 Gout and cytotoxic-induced hyperuricaemia
    • 10.1.5 Other drugs for rheumatic diseases
  • 10.2.0 Drugs used in neuromuscular disorders
    • 10.2.1 Drugs that enhance neuromuscular transmission
    • 10.2.2 Skeletal muscle relaxants
    • 10.2.3 Drugs used in muscular dystrophy
  • 10.3.0 Drugs for the treatment of soft-tissue disorders and topical pain relief
    • 10.3.1 Enzymes
    • 10.3.2 Rubefacients, topical NSAIDs, capsaicin, and poultices

11.Eye

  • 11.1.0 Administration of drugs to the eye
  • 11.2.0 Control of microbial contamination
  • 11.3.0 Anti-infective eye preparations
    • 11.3.1 Antibacterials
    • 11.3.2 Antifungals
    • 11.3.3 Antivirals
  • 11.4.0 Corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory preparations
    • 11.4.1 Corticosteroids
    • 11.4.2 Other anti-inflammatory preparations
  • 11.5.0 Mydriatics and cycloplegics
  • 11.6.0 Treatment of glaucoma
  • 11.7.0 Local anaesthetics
  • 11.8.0 Miscellaneous ophthalmic preparations
    • 11.8.1 Tear deficiency, ocular lubricants, and astringents
    • 11.8.2 Ocular diagnostic and peri-operative preparations and photodynamic treatment
    • 11.8.3 Ocular preparations used in metabolic conditions
  • 11.9.0 Contact lenses

12.Ear, nose, and oropharynx

  • 12.1.0 Drugs acting on the ear
    • 12.1.1 Otitis externa
    • 12.1.2 Otitis media
    • 12.1.3 Removal of earwax
  • 12.2.0 Drugs acting on the nose
  • 12.3.0 Drugs acting on the oropharynx
    • 12.3.1 Drugs for oral ulceration and inflammation
    • 12.3.2 Oropharyngeal anti-infective drugs
    • 12.3.3 Lozenges and sprays
    • 12.3.4 Mouthwashes, gargles, and dentifrices
    • 12.3.5 Treatment of dry mouth

13.Skin

  • 13.1.0 Management of skin conditions
    • 13.1.1 Vehicles
    • 13.1.2 Suitable quantities for prescribing
    • 13.1.3 Excipients and sensitisation
  • 13.2.0 Emollient and barrier preparations
    • 13.2.1 Emollients
    • 13.2.2 Barrier preparations
  • 13.3.0 Topical local anaesthetics and antipruritics
  • 13.4.0 Topical corticosteroids
  • 13.5.0 Preparations for eczema and psoriasis
    • 13.5.1 Preparations for eczema
    • 13.5.2 Preparations for psoriasis
    • 13.5.3 Drugs affecting the immune response
  • 13.6.0 Acne and rosacea
    • 13.6.1 Topical preparations for acne
    • 13.6.2 Oral preparations for acne
    • 13.6.3 Topical preparations for rosacea
  • 13.7.0 Preparations for warts and calluses
  • 13.8.0 Sunscreens and camouflagers
    • 13.8.1 Sunscreen preparations
    • 13.8.2 Camouflagers
  • 13.9.0 Shampoos and other preparations for scalp and hair conditions
  • 13.10.0 Anti-infective skin preparations
    • 13.10.1 Antibacterial preparations
    • 13.10.2 Antifungal preparations
    • 13.10.3 Antiviral preparations
    • 13.10.4 Parasiticidal preparations
    • 13.10.5 Preparations for minor cuts and abrasions
  • 13.11.0 Skin cleansers, antiseptics, and desloughing agents
    • 13.11.1 Alcohols and saline
    • 13.11.2 Chlorhexidine salts
    • 13.11.3 Cationic surfactants and soaps
    • 13.11.4 Iodine
    • 13.11.5 Phenolics
    • 13.11.6 Oxidisers and dyes
    • 13.11.7 Desloughing agents
  • 13.12.0 Hyperhidrosis
  • 13.13.0 Topical circulatory preparations

14.Immunological products and vaccines

  • 14.1.0 Active immunity
  • 14.2.0 Passive immunity
  • 14.3.0 Storage and use
  • 14.4.0 Vaccines and antisera
  • 14.5.0 Immunoglobulins
    • 14.5.1 Normal immunoglobulin
    • 14.5.2 Disease-specific immunoglobulins
    • 14.5.3 Anti-D (Rh0) immunoglobulin
  • 14.6.0 International travel

15.Anaesthesia

  • 15.1.0 General anaesthesia
    • 15.1.1 Intravenous anaesthetics
    • 15.1.2 Inhalational anaesthetics
    • 15.1.3 Antimuscarinic drugs
    • 15.1.4 Sedative and analgesic peri-operative drugs
    • 15.1.5 Neuromuscular blocking drugs
    • 15.1.6 Drugs for reversal of neuromuscular blockade
    • 15.1.7 Antagonists for central and respiratory depression
    • 15.1.8 Drugs for malignant hyperthermia
  • 15.2.0 Local anaesthesia

A2.Borderline substances

  • A2.1.0 Enteral feeds (non-disease specific)
    • A2.1.1 Enteral feeds (non-disease specific): less than 5 g protein/100 mL
    • A2.1.2 Enteral feeds (non-disease specific): 5 g (or more) protein/100 mL
    • A2.1.3 Enteral feeds (non-disease specific): Child under 12 years
  • A2.2.0 Nutritional supplements (non-disease specific)
    • A2.2.1 Nutritional supplements: less than 5 g protein/100 mL
    • A2.2.2 Nutritional supplements: 5 g (or more) protein/100 mL
  • A2.3.0 Specialised formulas
    • A2.3.1 Specialised formulas: Infant and child
    • A2.3.2 Specialised formulas for specific clinical conditions
  • A2.4.0 Feed supplements
    • A2.4.1 High-energy supplements
    • A2.4.2 Fibre, vitamin, and mineral supplements
  • A2.5.0 Feed additives
    • A2.5.1 Special additives for conditions of intolerance
    • A2.5.2 Feed thickeners and pre-thickened drinks
    • A2.5.3 Flavouring preparations
  • A2.6.0 Foods for special diets
    • A2.6.1 Gluten-free foods
    • A2.6.2 Low-protein foods
  • A2.7.0 Nutritional supplements for metabolic diseases

A5.Wound management products and elasticated garments

  • A5.1.0 Basic wound contact dressings
    • A5.1.1 Low adherence dressings
    • A5.1.2 Absorbent dressings
  • A5.2.0 Advanced wound dressings
    • A5.2.1 Hydrogel dressings
    • A5.2.2 Vapour-permeable films and membranes
    • A5.2.3 Soft polymer dressings
    • A5.2.4 Hydrocolloid dressings
    • A5.2.5 Foam dressings
    • A5.2.6 Alginate dressings
    • A5.2.7 Capillary-action dressings
    • A5.2.8 Odour absorbent dressings
  • A5.3.0 Antimicrobial dressings
    • A5.3.1 Honey
    • A5.3.2 Iodine
    • A5.3.3 Silver
    • A5.3.4 Other antimicrobials
  • A5.4.0 Specialised dressings
    • A5.4.1 Protease-modulating matrix dressings
    • A5.4.2 Silicone keloid dressings
  • A5.5.0 Adjunct dressings and appliances
    • A5.5.1 Surgical absorbents
    • A5.5.2 Wound drainage pouches
    • A5.5.3 Physical debridement pads
  • A5.6.0 Complex adjunct therapies
    • A5.6.1 Topical negative pressure therapy
  • A5.7.0 Wound care accessories
    • A5.7.1 Dressing packs
    • A5.7.2 Woven and fabric swabs
    • A5.7.3 Surgical adhesive tapes
    • A5.7.4 Adhesive dressings
    • A5.7.5 Skin closure dressings
  • A5.8.0 Bandages
    • A5.8.1 Non-extensible bandages
    • A5.8.2 Light-weight conforming bandages
    • A5.8.3 Tubular bandages and garments
    • A5.8.4 Support bandages
    • A5.8.5 Adhesive bandages
    • A5.8.6 Cohesive bandages
    • A5.8.7 Compression bandages
    • A5.8.8 Multi-layer compression bandaging
    • A5.8.9 Medicated bandages
  • A5.9.0 Compression hosiery and garments
    • A5.9.1 Graduated compression hosiery
    • A5.9.2 Lymphoedema garments