| Introduction |
A to Z Drug Facts was developed with the health care provider in mind. The book is designed to provide vital drug information in a format that is both easy to understand and readily accessible. A to Z Drug Facts contains more than 600 full drug monographs, plus abbreviated monographs for combination drugs, orphan drugs, and AIDS drugs in development. Each monograph covers pharmacology considerations and patient care considerations.
Monographs are organized alphabetically by generic drug name. Consistent sections and unique icons are used to create a visual roadmap to help navigate the information. The standard format used throughout the book makes the information clear and easy to find. The following outlines what you'll find in each category.
Monograph Organization
Pharmacology considerations: The top half of each monograph contains detailed drug information. The following sections are included:
Drug Name: Generic drug name and common synonyms are listed in each monograph header. A slash between drug names indicates a combination product.
Class: Facts and Comparisons' drug classification is used. A semicolon separates two equal therapeutic classes (eg, Cardiovascular; Antineoplastic) when a drug is indicated for very different uses (eg, corticosteroids for cancer or for poison ivy). A slash is used to separate a class and a subclass (eg, Antibiotic/Cephalosporin).
Phonetic Pronunciation: A guide is provided for generic drug names. Pronunciations for commonly used terms, such as acid, have not been given. The pronunciations are based on the USAN Council officially designated pronunciations. The syllable in capital letters receives the emphasis.
Trade Name: U.S. trade names are listed for each drug in italics. If none are available the statement “available as generic only” appears. Common Canadian trade names are provided whenever possible following the list of U.S. names. A maple leaf appears at the beginning of the Canadian list. If a trade name is available both in the U.S. and Canada it appears under the U.S. list only.
Action: A brief, simple description of the drug's action is provided.
Indications: All approved indications are included. For some antibiotics a general statement regarding susceptible microorganisms is listed instead of listing the entire microbial spectrum, which could be quite lengthy. Common unlabeled uses and orphan drug uses are included when appropriate.
Contraindications: All known contraindications are included. Hypersensitivity to a given drug is always a contraindication and, therefore, this fact is assumed and has not been repeated for every monograph. “Standard Considerations” appears when there are no specific contraindications other than hypersensitivity.
Route/Dosage: Route of administration and the pertinent dosages are provided. Standard abbreviations are used when possible (see Standard Abbreviations). Route and dosage are organized by age group, route and specific condition when appropriate.
Interactions: Potential drug interactions are listed alphabetically followed by any incompatibilities. “None well documented” appears when there is no specific information.
Lab Test Interferences: Potential lab test interferences are listed alphabetically. “None well documented” appears when there is no specific information.
Adverse Reactions: Common (1% or greater incidence) or life-threatening reactions are included. Adverse reactions are classified according to abbreviated body system (see Standard Abbreviations).
Precautions: Information regarding pregnancy (including FDA category), lactation, children, elderly, and special risk patients is included. For pregnancy Category X drugs, any applicable information regarding birth control use is also included.
Patient Care Considerations: The bottom half of each monograph contains information specific to nursing care. The following sections are included:
Administration/Storage: Information includes timing of administration, methods of administration, whether or not to crush, chew or swallow certain dose forms, reconstitution/dilution specifics, general storage guidelines, safe handling and disposal. Storage temperature ranges are given and generally are as follows:
| Controlled Room Temperature | = | 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) |
| Refrigeration | = | 2° to 8°C (36° to 46°F) |
| Freezing | = | –20° to –10°C (–4° to 14°F) |
Assessment/Interventions: Information includes actions to take before/during/after drug administration, assessing for allergy, history, preconditions, dietary and social habits.
Overdosage: Information not available for all drugs. Specific signs and symptoms that might signal an overdose are included when appropriate.
Patient/Family Education: Information to share with patient and/or family is listed, including how/when to take medication, side effects to watch for, actions to take to counteract/minimize side effects, cautions on hazardous activities, and general safety precautions.
The following information is not stated because it is assumed that, for every drug, the health care provider will take these patient education actions:
Combination Drugs
Combination drugs not included in the general monograph section are summarized in table format. Generic name, trade name, strength and average adult dose are listed.
Orphan Drugs
Drug or biological products for the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of rare diseases or conditions. A rare disease is one which affects <200,000 persons in the U.S. or one which affects >200,000 persons but for which there is no reasonable expectation that the cost of developing the drug and making it available will be recovered from sales of that drug in the U.S.
AIDS Drugs in Development
Investigational agents specific to AIDS that are in any phase of clinical trials, usually Phase II or later.
Appendices
The appendices include a variety of reference material designed to offer a quick guide to often needed information. They include the FDA Pregnancy Categories, General Management of Acute Overdosage, Management of Hypersensitivity Reactions, Calculations, International System of Units, and Normal Laboratory Values.
Color Locator
A four-color drug identification guide follows Appendix H. More than 900 prescription drugs are represented. Each photograph includes designated schedule, trade name, strength and identification imprint (if available). The photographs are organized by color and are listed in a separate Color Locator index.
Using the Index
The index includes generic and trade drug names (including Canadian trade names) followed by the number of their monograph page. Trade drug names appear in italics and Canadian trade names are indicated with a [C].