The answers to these questions and more are here at your fingertips. Drawn from FDA - approved information, this unique consumer handbook comes from the Physicians' Desk Reference: drugs listed by generic and brand name and by disease or illness; written in clear, concise, everyday English; full-color drug photographs guard against mixing up medications; includes the latest drugs - protease inhibitors, Zyrtee, Allegra, new drugs for asthma, acne, and more; 100 pages devoted exclusively to the latest medical breakthroughs for treating major health problemsfrom heart disease to allergies and chronic pain; and updates on important new treatments for such common problems as high blood pressure and osteoporosis. SYNOPSIS This invaluable guide features full-color photos of commonly prescribed drugs, cautions about side effects and food and drug interactions, and vital information on diagnoses and treatments of major health problems. FROM THE CRITICS Linda Olson Douglas The editors have taken information from the Physician's Desk Reference and condensed and rewritten it in a format that is intended for use by patients and their family members. Information on over 1,000 medications is presented. The book acts as an aid in the collaboration between physicians (who prescribe medications) and patients (who must properly inform the physician of all pertinent medical conditions, allergies, previous reactions, and present medications). Patients who use this resource will gain a much greater understanding of how their medications work and of problems or conditions that might prompt a review or change of a prescription. The editors and consultants have made considerable effort to write in layman's language and to define technical terms. Despite this, the book is still written at a fairly high reading level, probably high school or college level. Less-educated readers may therefore find some of the terms difficult to understand. The first section lists medications that are organized by the "most familiar" name, usually the brand name. Generic names and alternative brand names are cross-referenced to the main discussion. Under each medication are subheadings describing why the drug is prescribed and when it should not be prescribed, how to take the medication, possible side effects, food and drug interactions, signs of overdosage, and information for pregnant or breast-feeding women. Subsequent chapters provide brief reviews of common medical conditions and various therapies that are available to treat them. These are accompanied by black-and-white line illustrations. There are two useful indexes: a comprehensive alphabetical index and a"disease and disorder" index that lists diseases and medications commonly prescribed for each. There is a color photo section useful for identifying commonly prescribed medications and a list of references and source materials from which patients may obtain further information. Finally, phone numbers for regional poison control centers are provided. This comprehensive, readable, and well-organized book provides a wealth of information to patients seeking to learn more about the safe use of medications. It will serve to reinforce instructions the physician has given and to alert patients to potential problems. It carefully emphasizes that patients must seek their physician's guidance for any final decisions regarding their prescriptions.