Includes bibliographical references and index

Let's start at basics : cells and how they work -- Proteins as targets for drugs -- A drug's journey through the body -- The cardiovascular system (1) : drugs used in the management of cardiovascular disease -- The cardiovascular system (2) : hypertension and antihypertensive drugs -- Pain and its management -- Disorders and drugs of the digestive system -- Infection and antimicrobial drugs -- Disorders and drugs of the respiratory system -- Disorders and drugs of the endocrine system -- Mental health and neurological disorders -- Cancer and anti-cancer drugs

This third edition of "Introducing Pharmacology" provides an accessible and engaging introduction to the subject of pharmacology for nursing and healthcare students -- and anyone needing to refresh their knowledge of this important area. The third edition recognizes that many nursing and healthcare courses are now requiring students to engage with the subject at a higher level. Accordingly, this edition has been reinforced with more advanced pharmacology that will help these students, but without losing the clarity and accessibility of earlier editions. This popular text includes: clear explanations of how drugs work in the human body; the underlying physiology and pathophysiology necessary for an understanding of the action of drugs; coverage of the common drug groups that nurses and other healthcare professionals are likely to encounter in practice; case-studies, relating pharmacological theory to clinical practice; and an extensive glossary of key terms and definitions. -- From publisher's description