BNF 48 is the first edition to include advice on oral and dental conditions and how these relate to other medical problems. Not only will this benefit all professionals who use the BNF, it will prepare dental practitioners to prescribe on terms similar to those of their medical colleagues.

Numerous adjustments have been made to the clinical advice in the BNF; examples of changes made for BNF 48 include:

-- Updated advice on intravenous albumin solutions in the light of new evidence confirming that albumin is appropriate to use in specific circumstances.

-- Revised advice on the role of bronchodilators and corticosteroids in the management of COPD, taking into account NICE guidelines.

-- Adjustments to the asthma charts reflecting the latest guidance.

-- Advice on measures to reduce the risk of stroke with risperidone and olanzapine, following a warning issued by the Committee on Safety of Medicines.

BNF 48 continues to include the well-established charts for calculating 10-year risk for coronary heart disease. In the prescribing notes for hypertension and statins, it provides figures for the risk of coronary heart disease as well as the equivalent figures for the risk of cardiovascular disease.

"As usual, this new edition has taken on board important studies, guidelines, and changes to the manufacturers' product literature. It is essential that healthcare professionals turn to the latest BNF and keep their clinical practice up-to-date," says Professor Martin Kendall, Chairman of the BNF Joint Formulary Committee.

"The advice on oral and dental conditions adds yet another dimension to the BNF and could save the patient from being referred from one practitioner to another."