The British National Formulary (BNF) is the Bible for many doctors in the UK and around the world. Here's how you can get it on your Palm or Pocket PC PDA...
Notice 26.01.04: This page originally described the use of iSiloX to convert websites, such as the content on BNF.org into a format suitable for use on a PDA. At no stage did this site make a copy of the BNF or part thereof available for download. These instructions have been removed at the request of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain. No offense was intended. There is no authorized version of the BNF for PDAs.
Is there an alternative?
Yes, and it's free. If you prefer American spellings and prescribing practices, check out ePocrates Rx (includes 30-day trial access to premium content). It's a somewhat complex registration and installation process, and a low-res (160 x 160) but a highly functional app (I especially like the interaction checking facility). You need a PC to perform the installation, but once the files are installed on your Palm you can share your Mac's Internet connection to the ePocrates AutoUpdate app on the Palm via Bluetooth, in order to sync with online content.
Update 20.03.04: A "no frills" authorized version of the BNF (for Palm OS only) can now be ordered for £124 to NHS users or £155 to non-NHS users (including VAT and postage). This price includes BNF no. 46 (September 2003) on a 32 MB SD card, plus no. 47 and 48 when released, if you place your order before 31.05.04. The BNF is published twice a year, so subscribers will presumably be forced to pay at least this sum annually to keep using the product, given that the card will be crippled 2-3 months after the expiry of their subscription. It's not clear whether the BNF reader supports the full 320 x 480 resolution of the palmOne T3.
Update 20.03.04: If you are in New Zealand, check out MIMS NZ. A free time-limited trial can be downloaded; a subscription is $NZ220 p.a. An article on Medscape (registration required) posted 18.03.04 looks at the accuracy, comprehensiveness, and ease of use of drug interaction software. iFacts ($US70) and Lexi-Interact ($US75) offered the most
competent, complete, user-friendly compendia while ePocrates Rx v. 6.0 faired less well (the products scoring 777, 756, and 559 respectively out of a possible 800).
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