The calendar year that the data relates to.

The name given to the specific type, strength, and formulation of a drug; or, the specific type of an appliance. For example, Paracetamol 500mg tablets.

The unique code used to refer to a BNF Presentation.

The name of the main active ingredient in a drug. Appliances do not hold a chemical substance, but instead inherit the corresponding BNF section. Determined by the British National Formulatory (BNF) for drugs, or the NHS BSA for appliances. For example, Amoxicillin.

The unique code used to refer to the British National Formulary (BNF) chemical substance.

The name given to a British National Formulary (BNF) section. This is the next broadest grouping of the BNF therapeutical classification system after chapter.

The unique code used to refer to the British National Formulary (BNF) section.

The name given to a British National Formulary (BNF) chapter. This is the broadest grouping of the BNF therapeutical classification system.

The unique code used to refer to the British National Formulary (BNF) chapter.

Generic prescribing is encouraged and many drugs are now prescribed generically even when they are not available in generic form (principally because the branded product is still in patent). Within this data prescriptions items are classified in four ways: Class 1 - Drugs prescribed and available generically Class 2 - Drugs prescribed generically but only available as a proprietary product Class 3 - Drugs prescribed and dispensed by proprietary brand name Class 4 - Dressings and appliances

The number prescription items dispensed. 'Items' is the number of times a product appears on a prescription form. Prescription forms include both paper prescriptions and electronic messages.

Of which class 2 items' is the number of 'Dispensed items' that have been apportioned to the listed presentation that were prescribed generically.

The total quantity of a drug or appliance that was prescribed. This is calculated by multiplying Quantity by Items. For example, if 2 items of Paracetamol 500mg tablets with a quantity of 28 were prescribed, the total quantity will be 56.

Total cost is the amount that would be paid using the basic price of the prescribed drug or appliance and the quantity prescribed. Sometimes called the 'Net Ingredient Cost' (NIC). The basic price is given either in the Drug Tariff or is determined from prices published by manufacturers, wholesalers or suppliers. Basic price is set out in Parts 8 and 9 of the Drug Tariff. For any drugs or appliances not in Part 8, the price is usually taken from the manufacturer, wholesaler or supplier of the product. This is given in GBP.

Cost per item is calculated by dividing the 'Total cost' by the number of 'Dispensed items'.

Cost per quantity is calculated by dividing the 'Total cost' by the 'Total quantity'.

Quantity per item is calculated by dividing the 'Total quantity' by the number of 'Dispensed items'.