Description
Book SynopsisAbout half of all the medicines prescribed by doctors are not taken by their patients. One of the reasons most commonly given by patients for not taking drugs is that they feel unhappy about taking medicines which they do not understand and of which they are afraid. This book attempts to rectify this problem by showing in clear, non-technical language how medicines and other drugs work in the body to reduce the effects of disease. Most chapters include fascinating background information on how some of our most important drugs were discovered, along with intriguing and often amusing anecdotes about the drugs and the people behind their discovery. Each chapter also includes a summary of the key points together with illustrations, photographs or diagrams to summarise the main groups and how they work in the body. The book covers all the major groups of drugs, with complete listings of all the drugs available in the UK and the USA, so that the reader can locate his or her specific drug and
Trade Review"Pills, Potions and Poisons...serves as an excellent introduction to the biological effects of drugs." * New Statesman *
"Pills, potions and poisons is a refreshing pharmacology book. There is a lot of useful and interesting information...and I'm sure patients
Table of ContentsForeword ; Preface ; 1. How do drugs work? ; 2. The respiratory system: allergies, asthma, coughs and colds ; 3. Diabetes ; 4. The gastrointestinal tract and feeding: ulcers, indigestion, diarrhoea, constipation and vomiting ; 5. The kidney ; 6. Painkillers ; 7. Migraine and headaches ; 8. Parkinson's disease ; 9. Schizophrenia ; 10. Alzheimer's disease ; 11. Depression and antidepressant drugs ; 12. Epilepsy ; 13. Anxiety and sedation ; 14. Blood: anaemia and coagulation ; 15. Blood pressure ; 16. The heart ; 17. Infections and infestations ; 18. Cancer ; 19. Steroids ; 20. Arthritis, SLE and gout ; 21. Osteoporosis and osteomalacia ; 22. Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants ; 23. Love potions and aphrodisiacs ; 24. Drugs of misuse and recreation: alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, cocaine, cannabis, LSD and ecstasy ; 25. Poisons ; 26. Drugs and their discovery ; Glossary. Further reading. Index
