Register to use all the features of this website, including selecting clinical areas of interest and “favourite” articles, taking part in quizzes and much more.
Hint: If you are a General Practitioner your username may be your MCNZ#
About us | FAQ | Contact us | Terms of use
Interactive quizzes are based on material found in Best Practice Journal and Best Tests. Initially, quizzes are posted out with journals and GPs are invited to submit their answers for CME credits.
Register or Log in to take part in quizzes.
Login to my bpac.
Don't have an account? Register to use all the features of this website, including selecting clinical areas of interest, taking part in quizzes and much more.
Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that regulates circadian rhythm and sleep. Given its important biological functions,... View Article
Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as dabigatran and rivaroxaban are now established as the “go to” choice in primary care... View Article
Over-the-counter cough medicines, although widely used, are not particularly effective at reducing the severity or duration of... View Article
Opioids can be effective for relieving moderate to severe acute pain but carry a significant risk of harm with longer periods... View Article
Limited pharmacological treatment options to manage chronic non-neuropathic pain can lead to the inappropriate prescribing of... View Article
Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been recommended... View Article
Prescribers in New Zealand are highly reliant on cilazapril as their “go-to” ACE inhibitor, but this prescribing is out of step... View Article
Despite being recommended for short-term use only, and usually second-line to non-pharmacological management strategies, benzodiazepines... View Article
Quinolones (e.g. ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin) are associated with increasing antimicrobial resistance and rare, but potentially... View Article
Stopping benzodiazepine or zopiclone treatment in people who have been taking these medicines long-term can be challenging. Strategies... View Article
This tool provides pharmacological treatment options for patients with COPD based on their symptom severity. Choose category... View Article
Vildagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor available fully subsidised from 1 October, 2018. DPP-4 inhibitors have... View Article
From 1 August, 2018, rivaroxaban will be fully subsidised without restriction for people who require an oral anticoagulant. This... View Article
Tramadol is an atypical opioid used for moderate pain when paracetamol and/or a NSAID is not adequate. There is no evidence that... View Article
There are a multitude of causes of acute pain, however, the approach to management will often be similar; assessment guides prescribing... View Article
There are few indications for prescribing a strong opioid for acute pain in a primary care setting. If a strong opioid is required,... View Article
Celecoxib is a selective cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor that has been fully subsidised without restriction, since 1 June,... View Article
Intravenous ferric carboxymaltose is now a potential option for treating patients with iron deficiency anaemia in the community.... View Article
Metoprolol succinate accounts for almost three-quarters of the beta-blockers dispensed in New Zealand. There is, however, little... View Article
The funded brand of amiodarone has now changed, see: Antiarrhythmic medicine brand changes: flecainide and amiodaroneTwo brands... View Article
Inappropriate prescribing of opioids for non-cancer pain is an international problem. In this article we examine an initiative... View Article
This report provides data on the use of vitamin D supplementation over the 12 month period from July, 2015 to June, 2016. View Article
In 2011, bpacnz produced guidance on vitamin D supplementation for primary care. In the past five years vitamin D use has... View Article
In March, 2016, subsidy changes came into effect for medicines used to treat patients with COPD. The large number of changes created... View Article
This report provides prescribers with details about patients in their practice who are taking ten or more medicines over a 12... View Article
This report provides an overview of dispensings of medicines indicated for the treatment of depression and anxiety in patients... View Article
Subsidy changes for medicines used to treat patients with COPD came into effect on March 1, 2016. In this article we discuss how... View Article
Valaciclovir is an antiviral medicine which can be used for the treatment of Herpes simplex infections and herpes zoster. As of... View Article
This report provides an update on the use of oxycodone over the 12 month period from October, 2014 – September, 2015. View Article
View Article
”Biosimilars” is likely to become an increasingly familiar term for clinicians in New Zealand and worldwide. Medicines produced... View Article
Modified-release melatonin is an unsubsidised medicine that is approved for, and moderately effective at, improving sleep quality... View Article
Zopiclone and some benzodiazepines, such as temazepam and triazolam, are indicated for the short-term treatment of insomnia. View Article
Brand changes for cardiovascular medicines: carvedilol, ezetimibe and ezetimibe with simvastatin View Article
Antithrombotic medicines, such as aspirin and warfarin, have been routinely prescribed in primary care for decades for the prevention... View Article
This report provides an update on the use and monitoring of dabigatran between October, 2013 and September, 2014 in general practice... View Article
Benzodiazepines may be considered as a short-term treatment for insomnia and anxiety; zopiclone, a benzodiazepine-like medicine,... View Article
Shorter courses of oral corticosteroids for the management of exacerbations in patients with COPD | Diet and the risk of COPD View Article
This report has been developed to give you an opportunity to reflect on the treatment received by patients registered at your... View Article
This report provides an update on the use of bisphosphonates in New Zealand. In the past year changes to funding occurred, including... View Article
Polypharmacy is a marker of potential problematic prescribing. In clinical practice, defining polypharmacy purely by a specific... View Article
Polypharmacy can be appropriate and beneficial for patients. However, polypharmacy also increases the risk of problematic prescribing... View Article
Topical antibiotics in general have been excessively used in New Zealand in recent years. The increasing prevalence of resistance... View Article
This article has been archived. If you would like access to the original article please contact: editor@bpac.org.nz View Article
Does aspirin protect against cancer? More high-quality research is needed View Article
Updated 2021Colchicine is a plant-based alkaloid, extracted from Colchicum autumnale (autumn crocus, meadow saffron) and Gloriosa... View Article
Since 2011, bpacnz has produced a series of reports and articles on appropriate use of opioids and has urged prescribers to review... View Article
Following on from the interview with Dr Jeremy McMinn in the last edition of Best Practice Journal, we examine in more detail... View Article
Pharmacological treatment is an integral part of the practice of medicine, and is one of the most significant factors in improving... View Article
Paracetamol or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) can be used first-line for pain relief in acute migraine. A triptan... View Article
Evidence that alternate dosing of paracetamol and ibuprofen in children with fever may reduce temperature: other benefits un... View Article
Reminder: Most broad-spectrum antibiotics do not interact with combined oral contraceptives | Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and Zanamivir... View Article
Simvastatin and atorvastatin: beware of potential CYP3A4 interactions when prescribing other medicines View Article
Concerns have been raised, both in New Zealand and internationally, about the increasing off-label use of antipsychotics, and... View Article
Patients with severe immune-mediated inflammatory diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease or psoriasis, often respond... View Article
Omeprazole is not approved for use in infants (children aged under one year). Although omeprazole is effective at reducing gastric... View Article
New evidence is increasingly suggesting that isotretinoin may be best prescribed using a lower daily dose, with the regimen tailored... View Article
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are successfully used to treat a wide range of painful conditions. However, NSAIDs... View Article
Amoxicillin clavulanate is a broad spectrum antibiotic which is used frequently in New Zealand general practice. The proportion... View Article
Ticagrelor (Brilinta) is a new oral antiplatelet medicine, which has been available, fully subsidised, with Special Authority,... View Article
Dabigatran is an oral anticoagulant approved for use in non-valvular atrial fibrillation and prevention of venous thromboembolism... View Article
An approved medicine is a medicine which has been through a regulatory process in New Zealand and can be considered safe to prescribe,... View Article
Dabigatran has been available for general practitioners to prescribe since July, 2011. Dabigatran is indicated for prevention... View Article
What are sulfonamides and how do they work? | Prescribing co-trimoxazole | Adverse effects of co-trimoxazole | Medicine interactions... View Article
Welcome to your annual practice report This report has been developed to give you an opportunity to reflect on the treatment received... View Article
Syringe drivers are often required to provide medicines for symptom management in patients who are terminally ill. They provide... View Article
What are tetracyclines and how do they work? | Which infections should tetracyclines be used for? | First-line indications for... View Article
Macrolides are a class of antibiotic that includes erythromycin, roxithromycin, azithromycin and clarithromycin. First-line indications... View Article
How does metronidazole work? | Which infections should metronidazole be used for? | First line indications for metronidazole... View Article
This report highlights four key prescribing and laboratory testing recommendations covered over the past five years. Over this... View Article
Due to its progressive nature, many people with type 2 diabetes will eventually require insulin treatment. Insulin initiation... View Article
The use of atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine and olanzapine is increasing. In many cases, these medicines are used for... View Article
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) is now available in New Zealand, fully funded, without Special Authority, as an alternative oral anticoagulant... View Article
Dr Janice Wilson, Health Quality & Safety Commission's Chief Executive, says medicine errors are an ongoing and potentially serious... View Article
Amoxicillin clavulanate is an important and effective medicine but its use must be reserved for specific indications in order... View Article
Intravenous (IV) administration of medicines in general practice clinics or in patient’s homes, is becoming increasingly common... View Article
This web version is a sample only, all data below the national level has been omitted. View Article
Older people respond well to treatments for depression. The management of depression in older people essentially follows the same... View Article
Despite the increasing focus on vitamin D levels and claimed associations with many health conditions, there is no evidence to... View Article
Examines oxycodone prescribing compared to that of morphine. View Article
Quinolones are associated with increasing antimicrobial resistance. Their use needs to be reserved for specific indications involving... View Article
Young people are having sex. Advice about sexual health and contraception should be considered for all adolescents, including... View Article
Once the decision has been made to initiate antihypertensive treatment, choice of medicine should be based on individual patient... View Article
Ideally antibiotics should be reserved for the treatment of known bacterial infection but it is well recognised that they are... View Article
The decision to initiate a statin should be based upon an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), the likely... View Article
From November 1, 2010 donepezil will be funded without Special Authority, on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. Donepezil and other... View Article
The short answer is no. There is little evidence that cough and cold preparations have any clinically significant effect on reducing... View Article
Humalog, Tramadol and Gabapentin View Article
A more recent article has been published on this subject: Weight loss: the options and the evidence Improving diet and increasing... View Article
Enoxaparin (Clexane) is a low molecular weight heparin used in the treatment of acute coronary syndromes and in the treatment... View Article
Oxycodone is a strong opiod and is a second line option (after Morphine) for use at step three on the WHO analgesic ladder. It... View Article
Topical corticosteroids are used to treat many skin conditions. They should be used at the lowest potency possible for the shortest... View Article
All antidepressant drugs are approximately equal in effectiveness, although individual patient response may vary markedly.10 View Article
Intermittent or persistent asthma? Which inhaled corticosteroid? The role of long acting beta-2 agonists (LABA). Role of nebulisers... View Article
Nicotine replacement therapy, nortriptyline, bupropion and varenicline are all effective aids for smoking cessation. These pharmacological... View Article
There is evidence that early use of insulin in people with type 2 diabetes is beneficial. At present insulin is under used in... View Article
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is not a magic cure but it is effective for smoking cessation when used correctly. It is important... View Article
Antiplatelet drugs including aspirin, clopidogrel and dipyrimadole, reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events by about 20-25%... View Article
The decision whether to choose aspirin or warfarin for stroke prevention is often not clear cut. There is evidence that treatment... View Article
There are several different opioid options that can be considered at step two of the WHO analgesic ladder for chronic pain. Choice... View Article
Advice from the 'Safe and Quality Use of Medicines Group'. View Article
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is available as a transdermal patch. This allows controlled delivery of the drug for up to... View Article
Imiquimod enhances the immune response to viral infections and tumours by stimulating the immune system to release interferon... View Article
Nebulisers are used to deliver bronchodilators to people with asthma or COPD or antibiotics to those with bronchiectasis. There... View Article
Older people have a higher cardiovascular risk and therefore appear to have the most potential to benefit from risk reduction,... View Article
Some eye medications are used when there is high risk of visual loss and their misuse can increase this risk. Initiation and... View Article
Thiazides are considered to be appropriate initial treatment for most people with hypertension. Choice of other antihypertensives,... View Article
“Would you like fries with that”. The role of co-enzyme Q10 supplements in medical treatment. View Article
Carvedilol may be an option for patients initiating beta-blocker treatment for heart failure or patients in whom metoprolol is... View Article
Can Sumatriptan be used safely with SSRIs? Can you ever use beta-blockers in someone with a history of Asthma? View Article
Practical advice on reducing the use of augmentin View Article
The evidence-base for the information contained in this article is no longer current: please refer to the New Zealand Formulary... View Article
The information in this article is now out of date. An updated article can be found here: http://www.bpac.org.nz/BPJ/2010/July/coldmeds.aspx A... View Article
A focus on the clinical issues surrounding the use of Herceptin including latest results from clinical trials. View Article
Key messages on the use of SSRIs. View Article
Can smoking cessation affect the dose of antipsychotics?Do statins cause nightmares?How important is it to give simvastatin at... View Article
In this article we provide an overview and guidance on the management of patients taking lithium. View Article
Long acting beta agonists (LABAs) are useful drugs in asthma management however they should only be prescribed for patients who... View Article
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an effective alternative to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the treatment... View Article
An update on treatment of atrial fibrillation with a focus on warfarin. View Article
Tiotropium is an effective option | Long acting beta agonists | Inhaled corticosteroids | Exercise | Should an anticholinergic... View Article
Is it safe to use beta-blockers for cardiac disease in people with COPD? View Article
Venlafaxine: how and when to use | Antidepressants for elderly people | Antidepressants in pregnancy and breastfeeding | Suicide... View Article
Cardiovascular risk associated with NSAIDs and coxibsNSAIDs in the treatment of soft tissue injuries View Article
There are very few indications for the use of cephalosporins as first-line antibiotic treatment. Ceftriaxone is used for the treatment... View Article