Pharmacology for Anaesthesiologists

This volume will provide the reader with a good understanding of general pharmacological principles, together with knowledge of drugs likely to be encountered in both basic anaesthetic practice and current treatment of patients presenting for anaesthesia.

Anaesthesiologists, uniquely, administer drugs intravenously and by inhalation which profoundly interfere with fundamental physiological functions such as breathing, cardiac output, blood pressure, the protective reflexes, and the perception of pain. The drugs used are often highly potent and potentially toxic. It is therefore anaesthesiologists are required to have a good working knowledge and understanding of pharmacological and physiological principles, and their application to anaesthesia and intensive care. Together with a companion text on Pharmacology for Anaesthesiologists , this book on physiology provides up-to-date information to trainees in anaesthesiology and related specialities preparing for professional examinations: both editors have a wealth of experience as examiners in these subjects. In addition to covering the core material for these examinations, some topics not usually dealt with in textbooks for anaesthesiologists are also covered, since they can have at least an indirect relevance to the practising anaesthesiologist. These books will also be of benefit to established anaesthesiologists, and those in other related specialities, who want to keep up to date with recent developments in physiology and pharmacology.