Pharmacology Third Edition

American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, Summer 1998 by Sprague, Jon E

GARY C. ROSENFELD AND DAVID S. LOOSEMITCHELL. Pharmacology Third Edition. Baltimore MD: Williams and Wilkins, 1998. xi 445 pp., 36 figs., 33 tbls. $22.95.

The textbook written bv Rosenfeld and Loose-Mitchell is a condensed and succinct description of medical pharmacology. The book's intent is not to be a thorough and comprehensive review of pharmacology, but rather to serve as a study guide for health-care professionals preparing for licensing examinations such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), Because the overall objective of the text is to serve as a study guide, the text is presented in an outline format.

The first chapter is devoted to the general principles of drug action, followed by chapters examining the pharmacology of agents affecting major organ systems (Autonomic Nervous System, Renal System, Cardiovascular, Central Nervous System, Endocrine System etc.). The final three chapters of the book describe agents used in the treatment of infectious diseases, and cancer as well as reviewing the principles of toxicology.

The outline format utilized by each of the chapters for specific pharmacological agents was typically organized in the following order: general properties, mechanism of action, pharmacological effects, therapeutic uses and adverse effects. A series of review questions then followed each chapter. The final section of the book consists of a comprehensive examination written in the USMLE format.

Although the format of Pharmacology gives it the feel of a series of lecture notes and examination questions that have been published, the authors goals and objectives are effectively reached. Pharmacology is an excellent review for the student who will be taking an examination similar to the USMLE. Pharmacy faculty involved in the teaching of pharmacology may benefit from the overall format of the text when it comes to preparing lecture notes. However, the book in its abbreviated format would probably not be appropriate as a primary textbook for most pharmacology courses. Details and thorough explanation are intentionally omitted to meet the overall objectives. Pharmacy faculty advising students who are preparing for the USMLE or similar examinations could in good faith recommend Pharmacology as an effective study guide.

Jon E. Sprague

Ohio Northern University