Book excerpt: This new edition has been fully revised to bring pharmacologists and trainees fully up to date with the latest developments in the field of medical pharmacology. Beginning with an introduction to general pharmacological principles, the following sections discuss drugs for common and less common disorders found in different regions of the body. The seventh edition includes new drugs, as well as the latest therapeutic guidelines from authoritative sources such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the British National Formulary (BNF). Each topic includes key point summary boxes as well as illustrations, flowcharts and tables to enhance learning. A ‘problem-directed study’ question at the end of each chapter helps trainees test their knowledge. An extensive appendices section includes a list of essential medicines, drugs that should/shouldn’t be prescribed in pregnancy and lactation, and suggestions for further reading. Key points Fully revised, new edition presenting latest developments in medical pharmacology Includes therapeutic guidelines from WHO and BNF Problem-directed study questions and key point summary boxes enhance learning Previous edition published in 2008