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Journal of Pharmacy Technology-2012 PDF
Journal of Pharmacy Technology-2012 PDF
J PHARM TECHNOL
VOLUME 28
lists key points that the authors believe are often overlooked or that are especially important, such as monitoring renal function and drug-food interactions.
Usability: The reference appears to be up-to-date,
as it includes newly approved agents such as ceftaroline. Although this book would fit into a lab coat
pocket, it is too large to carry on an everyday basis,
given that it only covers one subject area.
Highlights: The reference is well organized and provides a concise but comprehensive review of each
antibacterial drug class. Each section includes useful
clinical pearls as well. The appendices are beneficial
for the new practitioner, as they can serve as a quick
guide for a spectrum of activity and offer empiric regimens for commonly encountered infections.
Limitations: The depth of material in some sections
is limited. For example, the book provides only a basic overview of pharmacodynamics and resistance
and very little in the way of applied pharmacokinetics. Also, the sections on antivirals and antiretrovirals
are very brief, as they only discuss the class and not
individual agents.
Comparison with Previous Edition or Version: This
version includes antiviral agents, such as antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV, antimycobacterial agents,
and antiparasitic agents. Additionally, a new appendix
with empiric regimens for common infections has
been added.
Comparison with Other Related Books or Products:
The Sanford Guide to Antimicrobial Therapy is another popular pocket-size antimicrobial reference. It
is less expensive than Antibiotics Simplified, and the
most current edition is thinner and lighter than previous editions. With regard to content, the Sanford
Guide provides more in-depth coverage of specific
infection types, empiric regimens including dosing,
and other pertinent infectious disease topics such as
immunization tables and postexposure prophylaxis
regimens.
Reviewers Summary: I recommend this book for
pharmacy students and other health care professionals in training. However, although it may serve as a
quick, concise reference to provide basic information
about a drug class including its spectrum, usual place
in therapy, and clinical pearls, practitioners may need
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012
JPHARMTECHNOL.COM
Usability: Chapters divide the book by pharmaceutical class, making it easy to compare agents within a class. The index allows for searching by individual medication. The information is extensively referenced with primary literature spanning several
decades. In some chapters, the references are nicely
grouped by individual medication or pharmaceutical
class. The price and limited use as a clinical frontline
reference will likely restrict the handbooks purchase.
Highlights: The sections focused on drugs of abuse,
forensic data, and legal implications are unique. There
is comprehensive coverage of the pharmacology, pharmacogenomics, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic attributes of drugs. The coverage of pharmaceutical classes and individual agents is fairly inclusive.
Limitations: Because the book is hardbound, updates will lag behind clinical frontline drug interaction references published online or in other updatable formats. Recently approved medications and the
most current information are not included.
Comparisons with Previous Edition or Version: Information has been updated with new references, new
medications, and new data. A section on pharmacogenomics is included. Interactions with drugs of
abuse are included in this second edition.
Comparison with Other Related Books or Products: Because of the format, this reference will not be
updated as frequently as most of the other drug interaction references. This text provides less clinical frontline information but takes a more detailed, explanatory approach to understanding drug interactions. Because
this information is not readily available in other references, it will be beneficial to those seeking a more thorough knowledge of drug interactions.
Reviewers Summary: This reference will be useful
to those seeking comprehensive knowledge about the
mechanisms of drug interactions. Pharmaceutical researchers and libraries should consider including this
handbook in their collections.
Reviewer: Julie P Karpinski PharmD BCPS, Drug
Information Pharmacist, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI
Conflict of interest: Dr. Karpinski is a Consulting
Contributor for Evaluations of Drug Interactions, a
binder drug interaction reference published by FirstDataBank.
BOOKS RECEIVED
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012
VOLUME 28
J PHARM TECHNOL
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