BNFC February 2026 Update

This update contains 9 significant changes, 3 dose changes and 1 new monograph.

Significant Changes:

• Birch bark extract: name change to birch bark extracts.
• Epilepsy: updated guidance on management.
• Givinostat: new important safety information.
• Mesalazine and idiopathic intracranial hypertension [MHRA/CHM advice].
• Penicillamine: harm from incorrect recording of a penicillin allergy as a penicillamine allergy [National Patient Safety Alert advice].
• Penicillins: harm from incorrect recording of a penicillin allergy as a penicillamine allergy [National Patient Safety Alert advice] (advice in all penicillins; see example in amoxicillin).
• Respiratory system infections, antibacterial therapy: updated guidance on community-acquired pneumonia.
• Respiratory system infections, antibacterial therapy: updated guidance on hospital-acquired pneumonia.
• Vaccination, general principles: updated guidance on vaccination in pregnancy.

Dose Changes:

• Amoxicillin [update to age ranges and duration of treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in children].
• Clarithromycin [update to age ranges and duration of treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in children].
• Erythromycin [update to age ranges and duration of treatment for community-acquired pneumonia in children].

New Monographs:

• Voranigo® [vorasidenib] for Astrocytoma; Oligodendroglioma.