Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics

Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics is a comprehensive textbook on pharmacology, widely regarded as a seminal work in the field of medicine. First published in 1941, it has been updated regularly to incorporate the latest research and clinical findings. The book is named after its original authors, Alfred Gilman and Louis S. Goodman, who were both pioneering figures in pharmacology and therapeutics.

Overview

Goodman & Gilman's provides an exhaustive overview of the pharmacological principles underlying the therapeutic use of drugs. It covers the biochemical and physiological effects of drugs on the body, the mechanisms of drug action, and the relationship between drug concentration and effect. The textbook is structured into sections that deal with general principles, the pharmacological basis of therapeutics, and the actions of specific drug groups on physiological systems.

Content

The book is divided into several parts, each focusing on different aspects of pharmacology:

• General Principles: This section introduces the fundamental concepts of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism, and pharmacogenomics.
• Drug Action and Drug Interactions: It covers the mechanisms by which drugs exert their therapeutic or toxic effects, including receptor binding, signal transduction, and genetic regulation.
• Therapeutic Classes of Drugs: Detailed chapters on various classes of drugs, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antineoplastics, cardiovascular drugs, and neuropharmacological agents, among others.
• Special Systems Pharmacology: This part addresses the effects of drugs on specific physiological systems, such as the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and endocrine system.

Editions

Since its first publication, Goodman & Gilman's has been revised and reissued in numerous editions to reflect the rapid advancements in the field of pharmacology. Each new edition incorporates the latest drugs, treatment guidelines, and understanding of disease mechanisms.

Impact

Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics is considered a cornerstone text in the field of pharmacology. It is widely used by students, researchers, and practitioners in pharmacology, pharmacy, medicine, and related health sciences. The book's comprehensive coverage of the principles of drug action and its detailed information on specific drug classes and agents make it an invaluable resource for understanding the scientific basis of drug therapy.

See Also

• Pharmacology
• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics
• Drug metabolism
• Pharmacogenomics