Australian Medicines Handbook

Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) is a peer-reviewed medical reference book that provides concise, practical and reliable drug information. It is published annually by the Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd, a company owned by three major non-profit professional organizations: the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The Australian Medicines Handbook is designed to provide healthcare professionals with the necessary tools to make informed decisions about patient care. It includes detailed information on prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and complementary medicines available in Australia. The AMH is recognized for its independent editorial policy, which ensures that the content is free from commercial influence.

Content[edit | edit source]

The AMH is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of pharmacology and therapeutics. These include:

Drug Monographs: Detailed descriptions of individual drugs, including their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, indications, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions.
Class Statements: Overviews of drug classes, providing a comparative analysis of the different drugs within each class.
Therapeutic Guides: Practical advice on the management of common medical conditions, including recommended drug treatments and their rationale.
Appendices: Additional information on topics such as drug interactions, adverse effects, and pregnancy and breastfeeding considerations.

Usage[edit | edit source]

The AMH is widely used by healthcare professionals in Australia, including general practitioners, pharmacists, nurses, and medical students. It is also used as a teaching resource in medical education and pharmacy education.