RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Practical prescribing JF Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin JO Drug Ther Bull FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd SP 80 OP 80 DO 10.1136/dtb.25.20.80 VO 25 IS 20 A1 Brodie, Martin J A1 Harrison, Ian YR 1987 UL http://dtb.bmj.com/content/25/20/80.abstract AB This book is a practical manual for the prescriber rather than a text book. The first chapter usefully explains pharmacological terms which are used later in the book. This is followed by three sections concerned with choosing drugs. The first section gives a list of ‘best buys’ for common complaints, the second looks at treatment policies and the third gives basic pharmacological information to help in making choices. Side-effects and drug interactions are presented in the next two chapters in a readily accessible form. The final chapter, called ‘Cautions,’ has some useful information not readily found elsewhere including data on teratogenesis and shelf-life of formulations. It also suggests which drugs we should stop using, and discusses factors to consider before using a new drug.