Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs 2000, The

The Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs  provides more detailed and comprehensive information on the most important drugs in current use than any other reference source available to the general public. It includes suggestions for how consumers can lower their prescription costs and other medical expenses as well as tips for how pharmacists and physicians can control medical costs, making it a resource doctors, pharmacists and other health care professionals will want to consult as well. With each drug profile, you'll find:

• The benefits versus the risks of the drugs highlighted in an easy-to-read, quick-reference box

• The generic and brand names of the drug, including whether the drug is available generically

• The principal uses of the drug

• How the drug works

• How safe it is to take, including the possible risks of taking it

• Possible effects of the drug on sexual function

• Whether it's safe to use if you're pregnant or breastfeeding

• Precautions to take if you're over 60

James J. Rybacki, Pharm.D., is president of The Clearwater Group, an international therapeutic, professional, education, research, and management concern; a clinical assistant professor at the University of Maryland; and a spokesperson for the American Heart Association's "Get with the Guidelines" program. He lives in Maryland.

James W. Long, M.D. was director of Health Services for the National Science Foundation and a member of the faculty of the George Washington School of Medicine.