Iranian Journal of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Razi Institute for Drug Research (RIDR) of Iran University of Medical Sciences and Health Services (IUMS) ISSN: 1735-2657 Vol. 4, Num. 2, 2005, pp. 151-151

Iranian Journal of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Vol. 4, No. 2, 2005, pp. 151-151

Book Review: Pharmacology by Rang HP, Dale MM, Ritter JM and Moore PK. Fifth Edition Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh, 2003

P RAVI SHANKAR and DINESH K UPADHYAY

Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Pokhara, Nepal.

Address correspondence to: Dr. P. Ravi Shankar, Depart-ment of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Deep Heights, Pokhara, Nepal. Phone: +977 (61) 523600, Fax: +977 (61) 522160. E-mail: ravi_p_shankar001@hotmail.com

Received July 7, 2005; Accepted July 13, 2005

Code Number: pt05033

The strength of the book lies in its clear and lucid exposition of the basic principles of Pharmacology and its relationship to pharmacological effects and clinical uses. The book has been divided into six main sections which are colour coded. Each chapter begins with a short overview in bold print. The page numbers of different topics covered in the chapter is detailed right at the beginning. The ‘key points’ are summarized in beautiful blue boxes. The diagrams by Peter Lamb aid in comprehension of the text.

The clinical aspects are summarized in light yellow boxes. We especially liked the small footnotes on many pages. The tables drawn against a beautiful purple background are a treasure trove of information. The references and further reading section has been updated and covers significant new advances. The short description in italics of each article will be useful to readers.

The new topics added are molecular control of nitric oxide synthesis, animal models (including transgenic animals) in drug testing, erectile dysfunction and new approaches to treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and osteoporosis. There has been a revision and reorganization of the section on ‘Drugs used in the treatment of infections and cancer’. Gene therapy, Drug discovery and development are some of the areas covered in the ‘special topics’ section. The appendix summarizes important drugs in attractive boxes.

The larger page size, attractive layout and use of paper manufactured from sustainable forests are other features. The book will be a useful addition to the libraries of medical students, postgraduates in Pharmacology, teachers and scientists.

Copyright © 2005 by Razi Institute for Drug Research (RIDR)