Prescribing
Prescribing Resources for Resident Doctors
BNF / BNF-C
Access information: Open access. Also available through Medicines Complete or the mobile app.
Top tips: Quick, concise and useful answers for many prescribing questions.
eMC
Access information: Open access. Registration optional for additional functionality.
Top tips: Summary of Product Characteristics (SPCs) are good for checking licensed information, including: dose, administration, adverse reactions and interactions. Can also access Patient Information Leaflets (PIL) and risk materials where applicable.
Right Decision Service
Access information: Open access. Registration optional for additional functionality.
Top tips: Local and national guidelines, protocols and calculators to support your prescribing including fluid calculator, antimicrobial guidelines, electrolyte disturbances, diabetes protocols.
East Region Formulary
Access information: Open access.
Top tips: Provides guidance on appropriate and cost-effective prescribing in NHS Lothian, Fife & Borders. Formulary recommendations are organised around clinical conditions, helping clinicians identify the most appropriate treatment options for patients.
Stockley’s Interaction Checker & Stockley’s Drug Interactions
Access information: Open access using NHS computer/network. NHS Scotland email and password required if not using an NHS computer/network.
Top tips: Stockley’s Interaction Checker: Summary of potential interactions with a key to indicate their significance. Links to the corresponding interaction monograph.
Stockley’s Drug Interactions: Detailed monographs providing advice on managing interactions and their clinical importance.
NHS Injectable Medicines Guide (Medusa)
Access information: Access via link on intranet
Top tips: Provides information on the preparation and administration of injectable medicines for both adults and paediatrics.
Specialist Pharmacy Service (SPS)
Access information: Open access. Registration optional for additional functionality.
Top tips: Evidence-based advice on medicines including medicines monitoring, brand-specific prescribing, swallowing difficulties, prescribing in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
TOXBASE
Access information: Register for an individual username and password
Top tips: National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) website. Contains clinical advice on poisonings including antidotes. Contact the UK National Poisons Information Service for advice on 0344 892 0111.
Renal Drug Database
Access information: Register for an individual username and password by emailing knowledge@nes.scot.nhs.uk
Top tips: Practical advice on dosing according to the extent of renal impairment. Recommendations may be off-label (unlicensed dosing).
Scottish Palliative Care Guidelines
Access information: Open access
Top tips: Guidelines on pain, opioid equivalence, palliative care emergencies, syringe drivers and anticipatory prescribing for adults with palliative care needs.