Pharmacology for Health Professionals, seventh edition

Pharmacology for Health Professionals provides a clinically grounded introduction to pharmacology, guiding students from foundational principles through to in-depth exploration of drug actions across major body systems and their application in treating common pathological conditions in the Australian and New Zealand context.

Designed for nursing, pharmacy and allied health students, this trusted text takes an integrated, practice-focused approach that links pharmacological mechanisms to real-world clinical care. Clear, concept-driven explanations build understanding of complex physiological processes while reinforcing safe, patient-centred and evidence-based use of medicines.

Aligned with contemporary Australasian practice, the text incorporates medicines policy, public health perspectives and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for practice in dynamic healthcare environments. Particular attention is given to medication safety, polypharmacy and rational medicines use, especially in aged care and other complex patient populations.

A carefully scaffolded chapter structure supports learning progression and enhances engagement with challenging content.

New to this edition

• Expanded coverage of aged care and special populations
• Enhanced focus on medication safety and polypharmacy
• Significant revision of foundational clinical, ethical and legal content
• Major updates to cancer therapy, antimicrobial chemotherapy and resistance, obesity pharmacotherapy and vaccinations
• Updated epidemiological data, clinical guidelines and emerging therapeutics
• New and revised Critical Thinking Scenarios, with additional resources available via Evolve and ClinicalKey

Comprehensive, contemporary and accessible, Pharmacology for Health Professionals equips students with the knowledge and confidence to apply pharmacology safely and effectively.

• Critical Thinking Scenarios opening each chapter establish clinical context
• Clinical Focus boxes address common medication issues
• Key Points summaries consolidate essential concepts
• Drug Monographs and Drugs at a Glance tables provide clear, rapid reference
• End-of-chapter review questions integrate theory and practice
• Comprehensive art and expanded humanoid models illustrate core pharmacological mechanisms
• Structured ‘chunking’ of content supports comprehension and retention

Additional instructor resources

• Solutions to end-of-chapter review questions
• Additional Critical Thinking Scenarios + model answers
• Additional Clinical Interest boxes
• PowerPoint presentation