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

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

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

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.

See also

• British National Formulary
• Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference
• Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme