Drug Treatment of the Rheumatic Diseases, 3d ed.

Drug Treatment of the Rheumatic Diseases, ed 3 Written for the general-practice physician, this book presents detailed information on drugs used to treat the rheumatic diseases. Part 1 clearly describes pharmacological properties, actions, indications, and contraindications of drugs currently used in rheumatology, illustrating structural formulae and actions with figures and graphs. Part 2 covers specific rheumatic diseases and step-by-step regimens of drug therapy that are based on providing optimum relief with minimal side effects. The editor acknowledges in several instances the equal or higher effectiveness of physical measures in treating various conditions, but only drug therapies are discussed. Each chapter concludes with an extensive, current reference list. A subject index provides additional assistance for information access.

The organization and choice of information included help this book meet the editor's purpose, which is to clarify the confusing rheumatologic drug situation for the general practitioner. Because this book originated in the United Kingdom, the drugs presented and the manner and preference of their use naturally reflect more closely medical practices in that area than those in the United States. These differences are minor, however, and should not be a problem for the reader.

I believe this book is most appropriate for physicians in general practice, the audience it was intended to address, but it could be used by physical therapists as a current reference for specific topics in drug use in rheumatic diseases.