Pharmacology: An Introductory Text, 7th ed.This is the seventh edition of this excellent introductory pharmacology pharmacology, study of the changes produced in living animals by chemical substances, especially the actions of drugs, substances used to treat disease. Systematic investigation of the effects of drugs based on animal experimentation and the use of isolated and text. The text serves as a primer for allied health care professionals and practical nurses and is a welcome guide to the most commonly used drugs. The text is divided into two units, and there are two new chapters, one on geriatric medications and the other on drugs and alcohol abuse. The chapters are very easy to follow and are broken up into objectives, overview of drug actions, specific discussion of each drug, implications for the student, case studies, and review questions. The implications for the student section is a list of very sensible precautions, indications, and contraindications that should not be forgotten. Unit 1 contains nine chapters on the mathematics of dosage, and the treatment of the material is greatly simplified so that the most inexperienced professional can easily understand the material. There is a specific chapter on dosage for children, which is critical to know for parents and professionals alike. Unit 2 contains 22 chapters covering basic pharmacology, These chapters are broken down into drugs that relate to systems of the body plus a treatment of specific categories of drugs such as antibiotics, sulfonamides Sulfonamides Definition Sulfonamides are medicines that prevent the growth of bacteria in the body. Purpose Sulfonamides are used to treat many kinds of infections caused by bacteria and certain other microorganisms. , antihistamines Antihistamines Definition Antihistamines are drugs that block the action of histamine (a compound released in allergic inflammatory reactions) at the H1 , tranquilizers, prostaglandins Prostaglandins Prostaglandins are produced by the body and are responsible for inflammation features, such as swelling, pain, stiffness, redness and warmth. , diuretics Diuretics Definition Diuretics are medicines that help reduce the amount of water in the body. Purpose Diuretics are used to treat the buildup of excess fluid in the body that occurs with some medical conditions such as congestive heart , immunosuppressants immunosuppressants, n.pl the agents that lower or reduce immune response; useful in organ transplant surgery to prevent organ rejection. Corticosteroid hormones given in large amounts; cytotoxic drugs, including antimetabolites and alkylating agents; , and others. Although there are tables of antibiotics, their use, and general dosage, this important tool is not used throughout the text on all drugs. This would be very helpful to the foreign-trained therapist trying to understand basic pharmacology for the state board examination. Other than this unfortunate lack of continuity, the book is generally well written and easy to understand. This book is a worthwhile resource for the allied health care worker. It may be especially useful for the foreign-trained therapist as a simple guide to the various drugs used in the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. and their implications. This text would also serve as an excellent refresher course on pharmacology, with an up-to-date list of drugs for the professional coming back to the field after not practicing for several years. |
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