PDR: Physicians' Desk Reference, 2002 (Hospital/Library Version)

Completely revised and updated, the 2002 PDR provides FDA-approved drug information on more than 4,000 prescription drugs (brand and generic names), over 2,000 full-color, actual-size photos of medicines for instant identification, and important data on over 250 drug manufacturers. New medicines, new drug interaction data, the most recent side effects findings, and certain drugs now removed from the market make it absolutely critical that medical and healthcare professionals keep up-to-date with the very latest prescription drug information. The 2002 PDR contains: the newest drugs-which drugs are indicated for the diagnosed condition; how different drugs interact; latest findings on side effects caused by the prescribed drug; recommended dosages; clinical pharmacology; pediatric use; contraindications; FDA use-in-pregnancy ratings; and more. Among the new drugs featured in this edition are: Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium), a new proton pump inhibitor approved for the treatment of GERD and H. pylori eradication; Canasa (mesalamine), a new anti-inflammatory rectal suppository indicated for the treatment of active ulcerative proctitis; Lumigan (bimatoprost), a new ophthalmic solution approved for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure associated with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension; Advair (fluticasone propionate/salmeterol xinafoate), a new combination inhalation powder approved for the maintenance treatment of asthma; Trizivir (abacavir sulfate/lamivudine/zidovudine), a new combination nucleoside analogue approved for the treatment of HIV-1 infection; Cancidas (caspofungin acetate), the first of a new class of antifungal agents called glucan synthesis inhibitors, is indicated for refractory treatment of invasive aspergillosis; Remeron SolTab (mirtazapine), a new orally disintegrating tablet for the treatment of depression; Lunelle Monthly (medroxyprogesterone acetate/estradiol cypionate), a new long acting contraceptive injection; Gleevec (imatinib mesylate), a new oral protein-tyrosine kinase inhibitor for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML); and Valcyte (valganciclovir HCl), the new antiviral prodrug of ganciclovir, is indicated for CMV retinitis in patients with AIDS. New larger trim size allows dramatically improved readability. 3,000+ pages.

With its 3,223 pages of prescription drugs, the updated Physicians' Desk Reference is the most comprehensive, widely used drug reference available. It is a requisite for hospitals, libraries, doctors, and medical students, and a boon to medical buffs and amateurs. There's a "Manufacturers' Index," a "Brand and Generic Name Index," a "Product Category Index," and the priceless "Product Identification Guide" (30 glossy pages filled with thousands of color pictures). There are also lists of drug information centers and poison control centers, but the heart of the book is the "Product Information" section, which details the pharmacology, usage, warnings, and precautions for more than 2,200 pharmaceuticals. The result is a weighty, irreplaceable medical reference.