BNF vs iatroX (2025): Prescribing Bible vs. Contextual AI Assistant
At a Glance
Who is it for?
iatroX:Clinicians seeking *contextual* prescribing answers (Why? When?)
British National Formulary (BNF):All UK Prescribers for *lookup* (What? How much?)
Why choose iatroX?
- **Contextual Q&A:** Answers 'Why this drug?' or 'What's first-line?'
- **Integrates** prescribing with diagnosis and management guidelines
- Includes Quiz, Brainstorm, and CPD modules
- Natural language queries (including voice)
Why choose British National Formulary (BNF)?
- **The definitive, MHRA-approved source** for UK prescribing
- Universally trusted and authoritative
- Includes interactions, cautions, and legal status (e.g., Controlled Drug)
- Available via app and integrated into clinical systems (EMIS, SystmOne)
Feature Comparison
| Capability | iatroX | British National Formulary (BNF) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Function | AI-Assisted Guideline Q&A | Authoritative Drug Reference / Formulary |
| Governance | UKCA-marked Class I Medical Device | N/A (Is the official publication/standard) |
| Scope | Diagnosis, Investigation, Management, Drugs | Drugs (Dosing, Interactions, Cautions) |
| Citations | **Yes** (Cites BNF and NICE) | N/A (Is the primary source) |
| Integration | Standalone Web & App | Integrated into primary care systems |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
This is another comparison of synergistic tools. You need both.
The BNF (British National Formulary) is the "bible" for UK prescribing. It is the definitive, authoritative, and legally-recognised source for drug information—what to prescribe, at what dose, what the cautions are, and what the interactions are.
iatroX is an AI assistant that helps with the context of prescribing. It answers why a drug is chosen by referencing the NICE and CKS guidelines that recommend it, and then can pull dosing information from the BNF.
When To Use Each
- Use the BNF when: You have already decided what to prescribe and need to confirm the dose, cautions, interactions, or legal status (e.g., "What is the dose of Apixaban in renal impairment?"). This is definitive lookup.
- Use iatroX when: You need to know why you are prescribing something or what the guideline-recommeded drug is (e.g., "What is the first-line drug for a type 2 diabetic with heart failure per NICE?"). This is contextual query.
In-Depth Comparison: The Workflow
A common clinical workflow might involve both tools:
- iatroX: A GP asks, "What's the first-line treatment for an overactive bladder in a female patient?" iatroX synthesizes the NICE guideline, suggesting "bladder training" first, followed by an "antimuscarinic (e.g., Oxybutynin)."
- BNF: The GP then opens the BNF (or their integrated EMIS/SystmOne formulary) to check the specific cautions and contraindications for Oxybutynin before issuing the prescription.
iatroX provides the "what to do" based on guidelines, while the BNF provides the "how to do it safely" for the specific drug.
Public information as of 4 Nov 2025. Trademarks belong to their owners.
Use-Cases
Drug Dose/Side Effects Lookup
When to choose iatroX
- Can provide summary, but lookup is faster.
When to choose British National Formulary (BNF)
- **Recommended.** The definitive source for dose, cautions, interactions.
Contextual Prescribing Query
When to choose iatroX
- **Recommended.** 'What is the first-line oral antibiotic for a child with tonsillitis per NICE?'
When to choose British National Formulary (BNF)
- N/A. You must find the 'tonsillitis' guideline first, then look up the drug.
Guideline-based Management
When to choose iatroX
- **Recommended.** Links diagnosis, guidelines, and prescribing in one answer.
When to choose British National Formulary (BNF)
- N/A. Does not contain management guidelines, only drug info.
FAQs
- Does iatroX replace the BNF?
- Absolutely not. The BNF is the single source of truth for prescribing, dosing, and drug interactions. iatroX is a guideline retrieval tool that provides context on *why* a drug is recommended, often citing the BNF.
- Is iatroX as reliable as the BNF?
- For drug dosing, cautions, and interactions, you should always use the BNF as the definitive source. For guideline-based management questions, iatroX provides a fast, cited summary of national guidelines.