Tips for using the BNFC effectively - e-newsletter July 2008

How can I select doses accurately and safely using BNFC?

• Doses can usually be found in pink panels within the monograph or preparation record.
• Doses are linked to specific indications and routes of administration.
• Where the dose for a drug varies according to indication, each indication is included in its own pink panel.
• You should ensure that you choose the right dose for the right indication and route of administration.
• The age of children is identified clearly and it is easy to determine at what age or body-weight you should consider increasing the dose for children with chronic diseases.
• Wherever possible, doses are expressed in terms of a definite frequency (e.g. if the dose is 1mg/kg twice daily, a child of body-weight 9kg would receive 9mg twice daily). Occasionally, it is necessary to include doses in the total daily dose format (e.g. 10mg/kg daily in 3 divided doses); in these cases you should remember to divide the total daily dose into individual doses (in this example a child of body-weight 9kg would receive 30mg 3 times daily).
• For most drugs the maximum adult dose should not be exceeded. For example, if the dose is 8mg/kg (max.300mg), a child of body-weight 10kg should receive 80mg but a child of body-weight 40kg should receive 300mg (rather than 320mg).