Five percent of all accident and emergency admissions are caused by prescribed medicines. This figure rises to an alarming twelve percent in elderly patients. This may be through inappropriate use or dosage, side effects, drug:drug interactions, failing metabolism in the liver and reduced excretion by the kidneys. Also, erratic compliance with drug taking by a large proportion of patients complicates and sometimes worsens iatrogenic harm. This practical guide details the most common errors made in prescribing and is ideal for day-to-day use. The clear, accessible language used throughout makes for quick and easy reference. It clarifies complex scientific issues and presents them in a practical format, indispensable for professional life. It is highly recommended for all prescribers, clinical pharmacists, medical students and Foundation Year doctors. It is also a vital resource in the medication review now required for the Quality and Outcomes Framework for General Practitioners in England.

'A highly useful memory jogger - interesting and easy to read - It has information for all levels of practitioners, including specialists who do not usually work with the discussed medications and need to be aware of the potential complications.' Doody Book Reviews

Course Organiser for General Practitioner Continuing Clinical Education, Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Training Agency, and Visiting Professor in Prescribing Science, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, University of Ulster