Main description:

This updated and revised edition includes a wealth of new information including an invaluable guide as to how to access drug information, receptor systems, and new dispensing legislation for nurses. This extremely useful text now has a chapter on Nursing Management of Drug Preparation. Changes to current chapters include: Drug and food interactions; Toxicology (basics) and drug overdose; Hormone treatment and related contraceptives; Minor ailments, including use of medicines during pregnancy; Various chronic illnesses, including HIV/AIDS, TB, hypertension, COPD, etc.; Side-effect profiles of various categories of drugs; Biological agents and vaccines; and, Boxes containing information on clinical application.

Contents:

Understanding the basic principles of pharmacology; Pharmacokinetic principles; Pharmacodynamic principles; Neurotransmitters & their receptor systems; Drugs & the nervous system; Drugs & the cardiovascular system; Corticosteroids & the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS); Drugs & the respiratory system; Drugs & the gastrointestinal tract; Drugs & the genitourinary & reproductive system; The antimicrobial treatment of infections & infestations; Selected clinical applications; Management of drugs, administration & monitoring patients responses; The legal framework for the prescribing & dispensing of medicine by nurses; Glossary; Reference; Index.