Physician's Drug Handbook

The ambulance service I work for keeps this particular guide on board all its 'rigs.' Granted, referencing information takes a bit of practice. That aside, it's been invaluable to me as a paramedic. In particular the segments on overdose symptoms & treatment thereof. It's also come in handy when patients list prescriptions with which I'm not completely familiar. I personally prefer this reference to the Nurses' Drug Handbook or Mosby's Paramedic Drug Guide.

I am an M.D., and I have used this book for two years - this is my second edition. Much better than the P.D.R.. All the info you need without the fluff. So much for your opinion, Ms. Belanger!

I am an family physician. This is THE book I turn to for drug information. Since buying this book I rarely use the (bloated) P.D.R.. Good riddance!

I can't believe someone dared to downgrade this excellent, fantastic book simply because it didn't have a few of the newest drugs in it. First of all, they probably weren't available until after the book was on its way to the publisher, but more importantly this is the best drug book out there, and to rate it one star is absolutely criminal ! This book has the best layout of any drug book, the most info of the important kind (the stuff you actually use day to day in prescribing), and the most compact yet relevant info you may need. For example, each drug has the following sections describing it and it's characteristics: 1) name (generic & brand), 2) classification, 3) indications, dosage, and route, 4) dosage adjustments, 5) pharmacodynamics, 6) pharmacokinetics, 7) contraindications & precautions, 8) interactions, 9) effects on diagnostic tests, 10) adverse reactions (in multiple different systems), 11) overdosage and treatment, 12) special considerations, 13) information for the patient, 14) pediatric use, 15) breast feeding. This book is the landmark for how to do a good pharmacology book in compact format. I only wish it were smaller so it could fit into a lab coat pocket without being so heavy it almost makes you lean to one side! I highly recommend this book, it is far more useful than the PDR!

I have been delighted with the Physician's Drug Handbook. It contains excellent summaries (in alphabetical order by generic name) of all the medications one is likely to need or encounter in a hospital setting. The layout is excellent, and it is easy to find dosages, common side effects, and valuable information on off-label use.In response to the one-star review, I don't think leaving out a few of the newest brand name drugs makes this book less useful. The value of the PDH is in providing real-world dosages, common side effects, and interactions of established drugs. It is not simply an abbreviated PDR. If one needs information about a newer drug one should consult the current prescribing info from the PDR or manufacturer's website. The book's editors may have been reluctant to simply summarize the PDR entries for drugs about which there is little clinical knowledge.