Prescribing for the first time is a nerve-wracking experience. Of all the tasks performed by new doctors, it is probably the one with greatest direct impact on the wellbeing of patients. Safe and effective practice rests on a good understanding of both clinical pharmacology and practical prescribing. Acquiring this is not easy, particularly when faced with reams of information about hundreds of unfamiliar drugs, often presented in a way that appears detached from clinical reality.

This book is your starting point. It is a direct response to requests from students for a compendium of the 100 most important drugs in the NHS. Key information about the clinical pharmacology and practical prescribing of each drug is presented side-by-side, allowing you to direct your attention as appropriate for your stage of training. Drugs can be accessed alphabetically when you need quick information on the wards and by organ system or clinical indication when you are at your desk.

Research led by Professor Emma Baker has identified the top 100 drugs' by their importance and prescribing frequency. She has shown that the list changes little over time, making it a stable resource upon which to base learning.KEY FEATURES

The top 100 drugs and the five most important intravenous fluids are presented using a clear, consistent layout across double-page spreads.
Drugs are arranged alphabetically and also listed by organ system and clinical indication, providing multiple pathways into the information.
Clinical pharmacology is discussed under the headings: common indications; mechanisms of action; important adverse effects; warnings; and important interactions.
Practical prescribing is discussed under the headings: prescription; administration; communication; monitoring; and cost.
A clinical tip is presented for every drug.
Single-best-answer questions are provided for self-assessment and to show how information from several drugs may be integrated

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Drugs listed by system

Drugs listed by indication

Top 100 drugs

Acetylcysteine (N-acetylcysteine)
Activated charcoal
Adenosine
Adrenaline (epinephrine)
Aldosterone antagonists
Alginates and antacids
Allopurinol
Alpha-blockers
Aminoglycosides
Aminosalicylates
Amiodarone
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Angiotensin receptor blockers
Antidepressants, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors
Antidepressants, tricyclics and related drugs
Antidepressants, venlafaxine and mirtazepine
Antiemetics, dopamine D2-receptor antagonists
Antiemetics, histamine H1-receptor antagonists
Antiemetics, phenothiazines
Antiemetics, serotonin 5-HT3-receptor antagonists
Antifungal drugs
Antihistamines (H1-receptor antagonists)
Antimotility drugs
Antimuscarinics, bronchodilators
Antimuscarinics, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal uses
Antimuscarinics, genitourinary uses
Antipsychotics, first-generation (typical)
Antipsychotics, second-generation (atypical)
Aspirin
Benzodiazepines
Beta2-agonists
Beta-blockers
Bisphosphonates
Calcium and vitamin D
Calcium channel blockers
Carbamazepine
Cephalosporins and carbapenems
Clopidogrel
Compound ( 2-agonist-corticosteroid) inhalers
Corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), systemic
Corticosteroids, inhaled
Corticosteroids, topical
Digoxin
Dipyridamole
Diuretics, loop
Diuretics, potassium-sparing
Diuretics, thiazide and thiazide-like
Dopaminergic drugs for Parkinson's disease
Emollients
Fibrinolytic drugs
Gabapentin and pregabalin
H2-receptor antagonists
Heparins and fondaparinux
Insulin
Iron
Laxatives, bulk forming
Laxatives, osmotic
Laxatives, stimulant
Lidocaine
Macrolides
Metformin
Methotrexate
Metronidazole
Naloxone
Nicorandil
Nicotine replacement and related drugs
Nitrates
Nitrofurantoin
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Ocular lubricants (artificial tears)
Oestrogens and progestogens
Opioids, compound preparations
Opioids, strong
Opioids, weak
Oxygen
Paracetamol
Penicillins
Penicillins, antipseudomonal
Penicillins, broad-spectrum
Penicillins, penicillinase-resistant
Phenytoin
Phosphodiesterase (type 5) inhibitors
Potassium, oral
Prostaglandin analogue eye drops
Proton pump inhibitors
Quinine
Quinolones
Statins
Sulphonylureas
Tetracyclines
Thiazolidinediones
Thyroid hormones
Trimethoprim
Vaccines
Valproate
Vancomycin
Vitamins
Warfarin
Z-drugs
5a-reductase inhibitors
Fluids

Colloids (plasma substitutes)
Compound sodium lactate (Hartmann's solution)
Glucose (dextrose)
Potassium, intravenous
Sodium chloride