Stockley's Drug Interactions. Tenth edition, Stockley's Drug Interactions Pocket Companion 2013

Abstract

Stockley's Drug Interactions, 10th edition, is the most recent publication of this pharmaceutical reference text. With close to 4,200 monographs included in this edition, it is quite comprehensive in its scope. Almost all of the editorial staff are pharmacists, which is an important consideration in such a reference text. It includes interactions for not only other drugs, but also herbs, supplements, foods, and other substances such as tobacco and alcohol. The text itself is organized into thirty-nine chapters. The first chapter presents a thorough overview of the varied possible drug interactions that exist, including a number of data tables and illustrations. After the first chapter, the remaining chapters are presented alphabetically by type of drug class or substance (such as alcohol). Each chapter includes an introduction with a short overview of the drug type and, if it lends itself to the topic at hand, discussions of common interactions, mode of action, and specific information for drug subclasses. Each interaction is then listed alphabetically by specific drug and secondary interacting agent. The text is organized with a bolded, short-paragraph, bottom-line determination as the first note under each topic heading. Below that, the more detailed clinical evidence, mechanisms of action, importance, management, and reference sections are included. Most references originate from primary sources, although there are some unpublished drug company documents and personal correspondence cited as well. The index includes both drug types and specific drug names. The editors include an advisement for readers to look up both the drug type and drug name in order to access all of the relevant information available in the edition. Stockley's Drug Interactions Pocket Companion 2013 is designed to be a quick-reference text for clinicians. Its diminutive size compared to the larger edition makes it more convenient for mobile clinicians. The pocket edition includes approximately half of the drug interactions that the full text includes (over 2,000) and is organized alphabetically by substance. There are no chapters in the companion edition; nor are the reference lists included. There is an index available for quick page identification of a substance. Information is condensed into short paragraph form; most entries include 1 or 2 paragraphs. The streamlined edition means that no graphics or tables are included. There is a page that defines 39 abbreviations utilized throughout the book (the more comprehensive edition includes 100), along with a short preface that discusses the organization, inclusions, and severity ratings. The pocket guide uses four symbols to alert the reader to the severity of the interaction. “X” alerts to a life-threatening interaction or one that is contraindicated by the manufacturers. “!” delineates that there is a significant hazard, and dose adjustment and close monitoring are indicated. “?” means there is doubt about the interaction, and patient advisement, along with possible monitoring, is recommended. A checkmark notes that there is no interaction or none of clinical significance. Pharmaceutical data, including drug interactions, change often. The editors publish any new updates to the topics at MedicinesComplete . Access for one year is included with purchase, but only on an individual basis as it is a single-use code. This creates a significant barrier for libraries or institutional pharmacies to be assured of the most current information. However, the scope of both books is quite broad and offers a well-organized reference text in general.