The purpose of this book is to provide a framework of knowledge to help readers recognize drug categories & generic & trade name drugs understand therapeutic drug actions & the rationale for using drugs to treat disease understand why side effects allergic effects & other effects of drugs occur discern between sound-alike drugs & explore clinical applications & current healthcare issues relating to pharmacology. By providing this foundation of knowledge Understanding Pharmacology for Health Professionals will help health professionals deal with drugs currently on the market & also with the myriad of new drugs that are approved each year.