Rapid Medicines Management for Healthcare Professionals is an accessible, easy-to-use reference guide to safe and effective use of medicines in clinical practice. Introducing readers to the key principles of pharmacology and medicines management, this book addresses the essential elements encountered in healthcare practice.
Clear, concise chapters explain the principles of clinical pharmacology, examine the formulation, administration, and monitoring of medicines, outline the characteristics of common drugs, and explore practical considerations such as vaccinations and evidence-based medicine. Blank templates allow readers to create customised drug information sheets, whilst a glossary enables easy access to explanations of key pharmacological concepts and terminology.
- Offers quick reference to essential pharmacological knowledge
- Covers both pharmacological theory and real-world applications of managing medicines
- Includes practical information on commonly prescribed drugs
- Complements standard reference sources such as the British National Formulary (BNF)
Helping readers make informed medicines management decisions and render the best possible care, Rapid Medicines Management for Healthcare Professionals is a valuable resource for students and qualified nurses, as well as other healthcare professionals with an interest in medicine management.
Table of Contents
Introduction ix
Section I Underpinning Theory 1
1 Introduction to Pharmacodynamics 3
2 Synaptic Transmission 5
3 Neurotransmitters I 9
4 Neurotransmitters II 13
5 Receptors 17
6 Agonists and Antagonists 21
7 Enzymes as Drug Targets 25
8 Transport Proteins and Channels 29
9 Hormones 31
10 Introduction to Pharmacokinetics 35
11 Absorption 39
12 Distribution 41
13 Metabolism 43
14 Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Inhibitors and Inducers 45
15 Elimination 47
Section II Applied Theory 49
16 Routes of Administration: Oral 51
17 Routes of Administration: Inhalation 55
18 Routes of Administration: Topical 59
19 Routes of Administration: Transdermal 61
20 Routes of Administration: Injection 63
21 Routes of Administration: Rectal 67
22 Drugs in Pregnancy 69
23 Drugs in Breast‐feeding 71
24 Drugs in Children 73
25 Drugs in Hepatic Impairment 77
26 Drugs in Renal Impairment 79
27 Biologic Medicines 81
28 Pharmacogenetics 85
29 Adverse Drug Reactions 87
30 Drug Interactions 91
31 Drug Allergy and Anaphylaxis 95
Section III Therapeutics 97
32 Therapeutics Chapter Template 99
33 Anti‐emetics 101
34 Antacids and Anti‐Secretory Medicines 105
35 Laxatives 109
36 Drugs Acting on the Renin Angiotensin System 113
37 Beta‐Blockers 117
38 Diuretics 121
39 Anticoagulants 125
40 Antiplatelets 129
41 Inotropes 133
42 Anti‐anginals 137
43 Calcium Channel Blockers 141
44 Drugs for Hyperlipidaemia 145
45 Antihistamines 149
46 Bronchodilators 153
47 Oxygen 157
48 Antipsychotics 161
49 Clozapine 165
50 Antidepressants 169
51 Benzodiazepines and Z‐Drugs 173
52 Dopamine‐enhancing Drugs 177
53 Lithium 181
54 Drugs for Dementia 185
55 Anticonvulsants 189
56 Drugs for Alcohol Withdrawal 193
57 Nicotine Replacement Therapy 197
58 Paracetamol 201
59 Opioids 205
60 Antibacterials 209
61 Antifungals 213
62 Antivirals 217
63 Insulin 221
64 Blood Glucose Lowering Drugs 225
65 Steroids 229
66 Contraceptives 233
67 Drugs for Urinary Incontinence and Retention 237
68 Drugs for Osteoporosis 241
69 Vitamins 245
70 Drugs for Eczema, Psoriasis, and Skin Conditions 249
71 Non‐steroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs 253
72 Local Anaesthetics 257
73 Blank Therapeutics Chapter Template 261
Section IV Practice Considerations 263
74 Vaccinations 265
75 Antimicrobial Stewardship 269
76 Substance Misuse 271
77 Medicines Licensing and Classification 273
78 Who Can Prescribe and Who Can Administer Medicines? 275
79 Medicines Storage 277
80 The 5Rs 279
81 Covert Administration 283
82 Evidence‐based Medicine 285
Glossary 287
Index 291
