These notes are divided into 15 chapters, each of which is related to a particular system of the body or to an aspect of medical care. Each chapter is then divided into sections which begin with appropriate notes for prescribers. These notes are intended to provide information to doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to facilitate the selection of suitable treatment. The notes are followed by details of relevant drugs and preparations. Guidance on prescribing This part includes information on prescription writing, controlled drugs and dependence, prescribing for children and the elderly, and prescribing in palliative care.
Advice is given on the reporting of adverse reactions.
Preparations Preparations usually follow immediately after the drug which is their main ingredient. Preparations are included under a non-proprietary title, if they are marketed under such a title, if they are not otherwise prescribable under the NHS, or if they may be prepared extemporaneously. If proprietary preparations are of a distinctive colour this is stated. Drugs Drugs appear under pharmacopoeial or other non-proprietary titles. The symbol is used to denote those preparations that are considered by the Joint Formulary Committee to be less suitable for prescribing.