The British Medical Association guide to medicines & drugs - John Henry|British Medical Association

Containing practical advice and non-technical explanations, this reference work aims to provide a back-up source of information to reinforce and clarify medical advice. It contains details of all drugs and medicines used in modern medical practice.;The first section is about understanding and using drugs; how drugs act on the body; the impact of possible side effects and adverse reactions; long term drug treatment; drug dependence and drug abuse.;All the generic and brand name drugs are listed in the drug finder index in the second section, with full colour photographs of 300 common brand name drugs. The third section contains a concise and easy-to-use description of the major classes of drugs such as analgesics and anti-hypertensives, what disorders they are used to treat, how they act on the body and what major side-effects they may produce. Illustrations are used throughout this part to enhance the descriptions.;The fourth section is the core of the book, containing a cross section of 213 drugs, including information on their specific effects and uses, method of administration, special diet advice, precautions to be taken for certain groups such as pregnant women and young children, side effects and adverse reactions, interactions with other drugs and with food and drink. There is also advice on vitamins, minerals and drugs of abuse.