Modell's Drugs in Current Use and New Drugs, Milagros Fernandez and Lydia Calix (eds). New York, NY, Springer Publishing Co. (2003) 412 pages, softcover, $32.95

This is very comprehensive coverage of therapeutic drugs written by two pharmacists. It is divided into four sections (1) drugs in current use, (2) new drugs), (3) glossary of side effects, and (4) references. The main focus is on the drugs in current use for therapeutic reasons. Those used for diagnostic purposes such as vaccines are not included. The information available should stimulate the exploration of any drug in deeper detail if needed.

The text provides the necessary understanding so that those who read it should be comfortable in managing the pharmaceutical care of patients. The glossary of side effects is an enabling means of gaining insight into any drug reaction of any patient. The bulk of the text is written to provide concise information of drugs in current use so that nurses can have a more in-depth management of patients. The range for any drug runs from no effect to that of desirable outcome, to drastic negative reactions. The need to be familiar with drug reactions is a mean key to the desired total effective management of each individual patient, thus there is no alternative to effective us of drugs, with all their variations, in each individual patient is crucial to excellent care.