Drug information handbook for dentistry: oral medicine for medically-compromised patients and specific conditions

Drug information handbook for dentistry: oral medicine for medically-compromised patients and specific conditions

• R.L. Wynn,
• T.F. Meiller &
• H.L. Crossley

USA: Lexi-Comp price $43.95, pp1779 ISBN 159195102X | ISBN: 1-591-95102-X

This 10^th edition dental drug reference text has three principal authors, two of whom are dentists, the third a pharmacist, all based at the University of Maryland, Baltimore. In addition there are 71 people on the editorial panel, all based in the USA or Canada. In total the book runs to almost 1800 pages with the first 1400 pages detailing the drugs to be discussed in alphabetic order. This listing is followed by a brief (around 50 pages) evaluation and description of herbal and dietary supplements and natural products. Thereafter the oral medicine topics are divided into three parts: dental management and therapeutic consideration in the medically-compromised; dental management and therapeutic consideration in patients with specific oral conditions; and other oral medicine topics. Under the heading of 'Appendices' are six sections dealing with standard conversions, calcium channel blockers and gingival hyperplasia, infectious disease information, laboratory values, over the counter dental products and miscellaneous. Clearly the book is written with a North American audience in mind but many of the principles expressed are relevant to European and indeed global dental practice.

The information relating to each drug is given in a standard format starting with the pronunciation of the drugs name. There then follows the US brand name, information on whether a generic drug is available, any synonyms by which the drug is known, pharmacologic category of drug (eg antineoplastic agent) and the condition(s) which the drug is used to treat. In a dental context there is then a highlighting of whether any local anaesthetic/vasoconstrictor precautions apply and whether the drug has an effect on dental treatment.

The text then highlights common adverse effects, the mechanism of action of the drug, drug interactions, the pharmacokinetics of the drug, risk in pregnancy, breast feeding considerations and finally dosage forms. For some drugs such as oral contraceptives additional information is given in relation to contradictions and warnings/precautions.

Overall the book undoubtedly contains a wealth of information and has been meticulously researched and written. It is valuable as a reference source and its value is enhanced by encompassing detailed information on natural products, herbal and dietary supplements.