MIMS vs BNF (2025): The Prescriber's Comparison Tool vs The Safety Bible
At a Glance
Who is it for?
MIMS:GPs / Prescribers
BNF:All UK Clinicians
Why choose MIMS?
- Comparison tables (e.g. 'Which HRT?')
- Organised by drug class/product
- Includes prices/cost-effectiveness info
Why choose BNF?
- The absolute authority on safety/dosing
- Detailed interaction & caution appendices
- Integrated into all NHS clinical systems
Feature Comparison
| Capability | MIMS | BNF |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free (Registration required) | Free (Open Access / App) |
| Access | Web & App / Print | Web, App, Print & EHR |
| Primary Strength | Product selection & Comparison | Dosing, Safety & Legal |
| Format | Tables & Summaries | Monographs & Appendices |
| Content | Commercial product focus | Generic drug focus |
In-Depth Analysis
Overview
Every UK doctor knows the BNF (British National Formulary). It is the book on the desk and the app on the phone. It is the medico-legal standard for checking doses, interactions, and contraindications. It is comprehensive, but it can be dry and difficult to use when you are trying to choose a medication rather than check one.
MIMS fills that gap. While it contains prescribing info, its superpower is its comparison tables. It groups drugs by class (e.g., Inhaled Corticosteroids or Combined Oral Contraceptives) and lays them out side-by-side. This allows a clinician to quickly compare potencies, device types, and costs.
Key Differences
The BNF is for safety—"Is this dose safe for this patient?" MIMS is for selection—"Which of these five inhalers is the cheapest and most appropriate for my patient?" Prescribers typically use MIMS to pick the drug, and the BNF to sign off the prescription.
Looking for a faster way?
While MIMS and BNF are powerful tools, iatroX offers a free, AI-driven alternative focused specifically on rapid UK guideline retrieval and exam prep.
Use-Cases
Starting HRT
When to choose MIMS
- MIMS provides a table comparing all patches vs gels, combined vs sequential, making selection easy.
When to choose BNF
- Lists every drug alphabetically, making it hard to 'browse' options.
Checking Dosing in Renal Failure
When to choose MIMS
- Brief summary.
When to choose BNF
- The definitive source. If the BNF says reduce the dose, you reduce the dose.