In this fast-changing health-care environment, consumers need to become more knowledgeable and discerning in their use of medical procedures and medications. Living in a country that allows direct-to-consumer advertising of medications complicates the situation for patients, physicians, and pharmacists. The AARP has produced an inexpensive, high-quality drug-reference handbook that is valuable for all potential medicine users, not just older persons. Content is based on the widely consulted Clinical Pharmacology database [http://www.clinicalpharmacology.com], produced by Gold Standard.

The entries are written in accessible language and guide readers in what they should know, tell, ask, and understand. The drugs are arranged in alphabetical order by generic name. Each entry is accompanied by one or two photographs showing such things as the pill size, shape, color, markings, or packaging for common brands. Information is clearly laid out in the form of eight questions covering what each drug is for; what to tell health-care providers before taking the drug; how to take the drug; what to do if a dose is missed; how the drug interacts with other prescription, nonprescription, and illicit drugs as well as foods, beverages, and dietary supplements; what to watch for when taking the drug; what side effects are possible; and how the drug should be stored. The advice on side effects is straightforward and concrete. The layout and descriptions are far more understandable and useful for the layperson than the professionally oriented PDR with its scientific vocabulary and instructions for doctors. The "How to Use This Book" section is an important feature, carefully explaining how entries are formatted and what information they provide. Two indexes, "Disease and Disorder Index" and "Index of Generic and Brand-Name Drugs," round out the book. 

Reviews:

“The go-to drug directory.”

–Library Journal