Elsevier's Integrated Pharmacology: With Student Consult Online Access

This is THE book for USMLE Step 1 Pharm Review. It's filled with "big-picture" diagrams and concise captions. The chapters are organized according to major drug classes and mechanisms of action, but unlike the other pharm review books (Katzung/ Trevor's, Lippincott's), there's NO minutia. The color schematics are useful for reviewing more complicated signaling mechanisms (Beta and G protein-coupled receptors). I kept it open while reviewing answers to practice questions, and it quickly cleared up any confusion. There are especially high yield chapters on antibiotics, cholinergics, and chemotherapy drugs-exactly what gets tested on the boards. Tables that show microorganisms and appropriate antibiotics are better than the ones in Micro Made Ridiculously Simple. Every section also has boxes showing the MOST relevant side effects. I highly recommend this book; you'll get points on the exam and even remember the drugs when the test's over... and you're in the clinic!