BNF for Children January 2025 Update
This update contains 13 significant changes, 4 dose changes, 2 new monographs, 2 new preparations and 2 deleted monographs.
Significant Changes:
Cefotaxime: removal of indication and dose for emergency treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis or meningococcal disease, before urgent transfer to hospital, in patients who cannot be given benzylpenicillin.
Ceftriaxone: update to indications and dosing for pre-hospital treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease.
Central nervous system infections, antibacterial therapy: updated guidance on management.
Chloramphenicol: updated monitoring advice.
Dexamethasone: update to dose advice for adjunctive treatment of suspected bacterial meningitis.
Fever: updated guidance on management.
GLP-1 receptor agonists: reminder of the potential side effects and to be aware of the potential for misuse [MHRA/CHM advice] (advice in dulaglutide, liraglutide and semaglutide; see example in liraglutide).
Medical emergencies in the community: update to antibacterials for suspected bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease.
Medroxyprogesterone acetate: risk of meningioma and measures to minimise this risk [MHRA/CHM advice].
Neonatal infection, antibacterial therapy: updated guidance on management.
Respiratory system infections, antibacterial therapy: updated guidance on fluoroquinolones.
Urinary-tract infections: updated guidance on fluoroquinolones.
Urinary-tract infections: updated guidance on treatment of lower urinary-tract infections.
Dose Changes:
Cefotaxime [removal of intramuscular route for severe susceptible infections due to sensitive Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and meningitis].
Ceftriaxone [removal of intramuscular route for meningitis].
Ceftriaxone [update to indications and dosing for meningitis and meningococcal disease].
Fluconazole [update to indications and dosing].
New Monographs:
Piasky® [crovalimab].
Sogroya® [somapacitan].
New Preparations: Alutard SQ Bee® [bee venom extract]; Alutard SQ Wasp® [wasp venom extract].
Deleted Monographs: Crizanlizumab; Voxelotor.