"In recognition of the many innovations in drug therapy that have occurred over the past year, including a host of newly approved drug products, this year's completely updated and revised edition provides detailed profiles of over 300 prescription drugs (more than in previous editions) and over 20 chronic disorders - all written in easy-to-understand terms." "New sections have been added to the drug and disorder profiles to give further depth to the information supplied. For instance, the new category "Conditions Requiring Dosing Adjustments" can be found in most of the drug profiles. It informs people with special conditions, such as compromised kidney function, of any changes in drug dosage they may require." "Among some of the disorder profiles, the new features "Important Points to Consider" and "Recommended Additional Reading" appear. The former is a succinct summary of the key points everyone concerned with a particular disorder needs to know in order to make informed decisions about available treatment options. The latter refers readers to other publications which may interest them." "Each of the more than 300 drug profiles opens with an informational box outlining the benefits and risks of the drug, followed by information on available dosage forms and strengths, the principal use of the drug when prescribed as a single ingredient and as a component of a combination drug, the advisability of use during pregnancy, adverse effects and common side effects and more." "The more than 20 disorder profiles explain how drugs are used to manage and treat such conditions as AIDS, asthma and osteoporosis, among others. Also included in The Essential Guide is a 16-page insert showing color photographs of many of the profiled prescription drugs at their actual size." "Although this book is not a do-it-yourself manual that can be substituted for the professional judgment of a doctor, it does provide the information consumers need to take today's complex and potent drugs safely."--BOOK JACKET.Title Summary field provided by Blackwell North America, Inc. All Rights Reserved