HANDBOOK OF DRUG INTERACTIONS

Prescribing more than one drug to a patient raises the possibility of one drug affecting the intesity of action, duration of action, and the occurrence of serious side effects assoicated with another drug. "The Handbook of Drug Interactions" provides an easy to use, clinically relevant approach to this increasingly complex problem, bringing togeher information from all available sources. For each drug a simple, at-a-glance table gives an immediate guide to whether action is increased, decreased, or changed in other ways by co-administered drugs. These tables are then cross-referred to more detailed text that indicates what action needs to be taken. Mechanisms of interactions and the latest references are included for those with a particular interest in the subject. Drugs are grouped according to their clinical use and there is minimal use of complicated pharmacological terminology. The index includes alternative drug names to ensure relevance around the world.

* Clinical approach - includes management and is structured according to clinical usage of the drug
* Concise but comprehensive, the handbook covers all drugs available including 'alternative' products
* Generic drug names used throughout, and index includes range of international names to ensure universal usefulness
* Includes up to date references
* Clearly sets out 'Increased effect' or Decreased effect' rather than complicated pharmacological processes

Ace inhibitors
B blockers
Calcium channel blockers
Antiarrhythmics
Digitoxin and digoxin
Sympathomimetics, hypotensives
Respiratory drugs
Diuretics
Electrolytes
Hypoglycaemics
Thyroid drugs
Steroids, prostaglandins
Antilipidaemics
Oral contraceptives
Drugs that decrease gastric acidity
Antiemetics
Antibiotics
Antituberculous drugs
Antiviral drugs
Antimalarial and antihelminthic drugs
Antifungal drugs
Cytotoxics and immunosuppressants
Anticoagulants
Aspirin
Paracetamol
NSAIDS
Antigout drugs
Drugs used in psychiatric disorders
Drugs used in Parkinson's disease
Antiepileptics
Benzodiazepines
Opioids
Intravenous anaesthetics
Local anaesthetics
Volatile anaesthetics
Suxamethonium
Non depolarising muscle relaxants.

All clinicians prescribing drugs, particularly cardiology, psychiatry (especially old age psychiatry) and anaesthesia. There should be a copy on every hospital ward, and in every department of accident and emergency medicine.