Rapid Medicines Management for Healthcare Professionals

Rapid Medicines Management for Healthcare Professionals is an accessible, easy-to-use reference guide to safe and effective use of medicines in clinical practice. Introducing readers to the key principles of pharmacology and medicines management, this book addresses the essential elements encountered in healthcare practice.

Clear, concise chapters explain the principles of clinical pharmacology, examine the formulation, administration, and monitoring of medicines, outline the characteristics of common drugs, and explore practical considerations such as vaccinations and evidence-based medicine. Blank templates allow readers to create customised drug information sheets, whilst a glossary enables easy access to explanations of key pharmacological concepts and terminology.

• Offers quick reference to essential pharmacological knowledge
• Covers both pharmacological theory and real-world applications of managing medicines
• Includes practical information on commonly prescribed drugs
• Complements standard reference sources such as the British National Formulary (BNF)

Helping readers make informed medicines management decisions and render the best possible care, Rapid Medicines Management for Healthcare Professionals is a valuable resource for students and qualified nurses, as well as other healthcare professionals with an interest in medicine management.

Paul Deslandes is Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.

Simon Young is Academic Subject Manager and Head of Post Registration Provision, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.

Ben Pitcher is Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, UK.

Introduction ix

Section I Underpinning Theory 1

1 Introduction to Pharmacodynamics 3

2 Synaptic Transmission 5

3 Neurotransmitters I 9

4 Neurotransmitters II 13

5 Receptors 17

6 Agonists and Antagonists 21

7 Enzymes as Drug Targets 25

8 Transport Proteins and Channels 29

9 Hormones 31

10 Introduction to Pharmacokinetics 35

11 Absorption 39

12 Distribution 41

13 Metabolism 43

14 Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Inhibitors and Inducers 45

15 Elimination 47

Section II Applied Theory 49

16 Routes of Administration: Oral 51

17 Routes of Administration: Inhalation 55

18 Routes of Administration: Topical 59

19 Routes of Administration: Transdermal 61

20 Routes of Administration: Injection 63

21 Routes of Administration: Rectal 67

22 Drugs in Pregnancy 69

23 Drugs in Breast‐feeding 71

24 Drugs in Children 73

25 Drugs in Hepatic Impairment 77

26 Drugs in Renal Impairment 79

27 Biologic Medicines 81

28 Pharmacogenetics 85

29 Adverse Drug Reactions 87

30 Drug Interactions 91

31 Drug Allergy and Anaphylaxis 95

Section III Therapeutics 97

32 Therapeutics Chapter Template 99

33 Anti‐emetics 101

34 Antacids and Anti‐Secretory Medicines 105

35 Laxatives 109

36 Drugs Acting on the Renin Angiotensin System 113

37 Beta‐Blockers 117

38 Diuretics 121

39 Anticoagulants 125

40 Antiplatelets 129

41 Inotropes 133

42 Anti‐anginals 137

43 Calcium Channel Blockers 141

44 Drugs for Hyperlipidaemia 145

45 Antihistamines 149

46 Bronchodilators 153

47 Oxygen 157

48 Antipsychotics 161

49 Clozapine 165

50 Antidepressants 169

51 Benzodiazepines and Z‐Drugs 173

52 Dopamine‐enhancing Drugs 177

53 Lithium 181

54 Drugs for Dementia 185

55 Anticonvulsants 189

56 Drugs for Alcohol Withdrawal 193

57 Nicotine Replacement Therapy 197

58 Paracetamol 201

59 Opioids 205

60 Antibacterials 209

61 Antifungals 213

62 Antivirals 217

63 Insulin 221

64 Blood Glucose Lowering Drugs 225

65 Steroids 229

66 Contraceptives 233

67 Drugs for Urinary Incontinence and Retention 237

68 Drugs for Osteoporosis 241

69 Vitamins 245

70 Drugs for Eczema, Psoriasis, and Skin Conditions 249

71 Non‐steroidal Anti‐inflammatory Drugs 253

72 Local Anaesthetics 257

73 Blank Therapeutics Chapter Template 261

Section IV Practice Considerations 263

74 Vaccinations 265

75 Antimicrobial Stewardship 269

76 Substance Misuse 271

77 Medicines Licensing and Classification 273

78 Who Can Prescribe and Who Can Administer Medicines? 275

79 Medicines Storage 277

80 The 5Rs 279

81 Covert Administration 283

82 Evidence‐based Medicine 285

Glossary 287

Index 291

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The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.