Consumers Guide to Prescription & Over the Counter

This is a comprehensive reference guide for consumers to refer to when questions about their or their loved ones diseases or medications arise. The book is organised based on common disease states via different body systems: Cardiovascular disorders (high blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems); respiratory disorders (emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, tuberculosis); gastrointestinal disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, constipation); endocrine disorders (diabetes, thyroid, polycystic ovarian syndrome); central nervous system disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar, Alzheimers); infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, parasitic, fungal); pain disorders (migraine, headache); and miscellaneous disorders (glaucoma, psoriasis, smoking cessation, weight management). The book also includes common over the counter dietary supplements and vitamins, and their usage and toxicity levels to watch out for. Each disease state subgroup includes: a short summary of the causes of the disease, general treatment guidelines, and different classes of drugs useful to treat the disease. The summary also includes non-pharmacologic approaches to better manage the disease. The medication information is organised in easy-to-read tables with information that includes drug names, mechanisms of action to help readers understand as to why they are being prescribed, how/when to take the drugs, storage of the drugs, common and serious side effects, contraindications (when it should not be used), and some important drug-drug interactions. Please do not self-treat your disease. Make sure you follow the information and instructions from your healthcare providers (doctors, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants) regarding how to take your drug regimens. This book could help you easily avoid preventable drug interactions, physician/hospital visits, and other healthcare costs by simply providing important drug-disease information.