Bernard Ho, St George's, University of London

Pharmacology is one of those topics that I believe you have to learn on-the-go after you learnt the basics in your pre-clinical years in med school. Having all three members of the Rang and Dale (R+D) family, I finally realized the potential each of them have separately. R+D flashcards (the little sister) are amazing for 'on-the-run' revision, especially if you want something portable to put in your bag. R+D (the big, fat father) have everything you need to know, and more, in the book. R+D condensed (the sensible, older brother) is a nice hybrid of the former two. R+D condensed is great for last minute pharmacology revision or even as a quick guide to read up the essential information on most classes of drugs. Just enough to sound like you 'know your stuff' in PBL or ward rounds (but not enough to sound like a pharmacist). I found this book to be a great companion to the BNF, as little of the clinical indications are described in the R+D condensed. The main downside of this book is the lack of colors (compared to the 'big' R+D, Elsevier's Integrated Pharmacology and Pharmacology At a Glance). Despite that, I still think this is a worthy candidate to be on your bookshelf.

Posted 2nd Feb 2012

Christopher Roughley, University of Warwick

I found this book to be a great addition because it summarised the essential facts of pharmacology in a really accessible way. It flowed well, introducing the principles of pharmacology and moved on to briefly outline common medications. It was nice to see that two pages was all that was needed to gain a good understanding of the physiological effects a disease and its treatment options. Each page was varied using text and clear diagrams. Small boxes allowed you to pick and choose the parts you wished to read. A great flexible read all round.

Posted 19th Oct 2011

Joseph Fitchett, Imperial College, London

For those like me who have forgotten pharmacology from the earlier years of medical school, Pharmacology Condensed provides the same information in the larger textbook by Rang and Dale cut down into the basics. This makes it a really easy book for revision prior to exams. I've also found it really useful as a concise reference during clinical specialties and GP rotations to add more background understanding to the BNF reference book. Pharmacology is a hard subject so would definitely recommend this textbook for convenience. Personally, I like the books that summarise the information because the larger books are unrealistic to read (particularly in later years of medicine course) and with the internet we can always search the topics we wish to know more about. Definitely recommend this to others!

Posted 14th Oct 2011

Donncha Mullin, University of Glasgow

Overall impression of Pharmacology Condensed, 2e: It is an impressive book for what it offers and it is a good adjunct to Rang and Dale. I tend not to benefit much from using summary books like these, as in my experience the detail that is left out is often the information that helps me understand. I think I would be better off making my own notes from a larger textbook like Rang and Dale´s or Brody´s once I have a full understanding of the topic. Any areas where the book falls short in terms of subjects or details: In general, it presents the key information on each topic in a clear way. However, as I´ve stated above, it´s the finer details that often switch on that light in my head! For example, I´d need a bit more detail on drug metabolism before I´d comfortably attempt to explain it to a doctor or scientist. Suitability of the book’s approach – its depth and organization In my opinion this book is only useful as a revision aid once I´ve gained a full in-depth understanding from a larger textbook. Quality of the illustrations While not being attractive on first glance, they contain excellent information and do not complicate things by using too many symbols or shapes like some other books. Overall strengths and weaknesses of this book in comparison to the competition: It contains more explanatory information on almost every topic compared to ´At a glance´ and more than most topics in 'Crash course'. The diagrams are superior to both of these major competitors. SUMMARY For what it is (a review book), it´s about as good as it can be. Seeing as it is aimed at people about to sit exams I would add some mnemonics to it. People say that mnemonics should be a personal thing but in my experience this isn´t necessary. I´ve learned the cranial nerves from a mnemonic on Wikipedia (and it´s not a dirty one either!).

Posted 12th Oct 2011