Pharmacology
From Simmons Library Research Guides
We have selected these resources to help you find relevant information on your research topic. Please contact a librarian for help using the resources listed in this guide or for help with your research process.
Contents |
Reference and Background Information
Search for Reference sources that contain information about your specific research topic here:
You may also consult the resources below for overviews of the topic that you have chosen to research. Use these resources to help you to put your topic in context and give you the big picture of what information exists about your topic. These resources may have bibliographies at the end of each entry that can help further your research.
- Drug Facts and Comparisons
Level G Books RM301.12 .D78 2003
- Drug Topics Red Book
Level 1 Reference HD9666.1 .D75 2002
Anyone looking for information on pharmaceuticals, this book is the ideal resource. Prices and product information, as well as emergency contact information, interaction tables, and a directory for pharmacy and healthcare are included. Vaccines, a poison antidote chart, a clinical reference guide, herbal medicine information, and management and professional development information are also included in this handbook.
- Encyclopedia of Clinical Toxicology: A Comprehensive Guide and Reference to the Toxicology of Prescription and OTC Drugs, Chemicals, Herbals, Plants, Fungi, Marine Life, Reptiles and Insect Venoms, Food Ingredients, Clothing, and Environmental Toxins
Level 1 Reference RA1193 .R67 2002
This encyclopedia lists possible toxins alphabetically (in the above areas). Case reports are listed, as well as uses and effects. Examples of entries include "abacavir", "mefruside", and "wool."
- Goodman & Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics
Level G Books RM300 .G644 2006 and Simmons Eresource
- How Drugs Work: Basic Pharmacology for Healthcare Professionals
Level G Books RM300 .M33 2003
- Pathophysiology: Concepts of Altered Health States
Level G Books RB113 .P67 2005
- The Textbook of Pharmaceutical Medicine
Simmons Eresource
This e-book is a comprehensive text on pharmaceutical medicine for those who are in or studying the drug industry in the US or Europe. The book is divided into four parts - research and development, medical departmental issues, regulatory aspects and pharmacoeconomic and other issues.
- Understanding Pharmacology: A Physiologic Approach
Level G Books RM300 .G717 2000
Drug Indexes
- AHFS Drug Information
Simmons Eresource
AHFS Drug Information "aims to provide an evidence-based foundation for safe and effective drug therapy." Published by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, it is the only drug compendium published by a non-commercial entity and it is updated frequently.
- Essential Guide to Prescription Drugs
Level 1 Reference RM300 .L64 2006
Written for patients, this is an easy to understand guide to prescription drugs. It includes benefits and risks of each drug, how the drug works, safety information, special precautions, and color photographs of common prescription drugs.
- Index Nominum, International Drug Directory
Level 1 Reference RS139 .I5 2004
This comprehensive listing of medicinal drugs provides information for each drug, such as the international non-proprietary name, chemical name and molecular structure.
- Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference
Level 1 Reference RS141.3 .M37 2002
Providing literature and studies reviews on drugs and placing them in context for practicing pharmacists and physicians is the aim of this work. Each entry details the international nonproprietary name, adverse effects and treatment, precautions, interactions, antimicrobial action, pharmacokinetics and uses and administration.
- PDR (Physician's Desk Reference)
Level 1 Reference RS75 .P5 2007
This annual compilation consists of prescribing information on prescription drugs. There are four indexes - by manufacturer, products, category, and generic/chemical index. There are also color images of medications and product information, consistent with FDA labeling.
- PDR Generics
Level 1 Reference RS55.2 .P47 1998
Providing complete prescribing and pricing information on prescription medication covering nearly 40,000 medications. There are also medically recognized off-label uses listed. Color photographs of some of the generic drugs are also included.
- The Merck Index
Level 1 Reference RS51 .M4
Provides information on chemicals, drugs, and biologicals, including chemical, common and generic names, trademarks and associated companies, CAS Registry Numbers, chemical structures, molecular formulae, weights and percentage composition, capsule statements identifying compound classes and scientific significance, scientific and patent literature references, physical and toxicity data, therapeutic and commercial uses, and toxicology information.
- USP DI
Level 1 Reference RM300 .U55 2003 and Simmons Eresource
Written for physicians and medical professionals, this book provides a comprehensive collection of clinically relevant information about each drug. Each entry details the established name, cross-reference by brand name, older non-proprietary names, and categories for use.
Indications and Side Effect Handbooks
- Drugpoints System
- PDR Guide to Drug Interactions, Side effects, and Indications
Level 1 Reference RS75 .P53 2007
This resource features an Interactions Index, Food Interactions Cross Reference, Side Effects Index, Indications Index, Contraindictions Index, International Drug Name Index, Generic Availability, and an Imprint Identification Guide. Cross references are also provided.
- PDR Nurse's Drug Handbook
Level 1 Reference RM125 .P47 2008
This convenient handbook provides the quick reference information for nursing students, and other health care professionals. Chapter 1 provides information about different generic drugs. Each entry contains a pronunciation key, type of drug or class it is listed under, pregnancy category, trade names, controlled substances, and therapeutic uses. Color photographs identify generic drugs alphabetically. Appendices offer information about abbreviations and symbols, medication errors, controlled substances, pregnancy categories and much more!
- Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs: The International Encyclopedia of Adverse Drug Reactions and Interactions
Level 1 Reference RM302.5 .S52 2006
This six volume International Encyclopedia covers prescription drugs, non-prescribed substances (anesthetics, antiseptics, lifestyle compounds), drugs of abuse, herbal medicines, medical devices, and alternative medicine methods. Each entry has information on how the drug effects organs, long term effects, second-generation effects, and other interactions. A list of references helps to locate further information.
- Mosby's Drug Consult
Level 1 Reference RS55.2 .P48 2005
This resource provides unbiased information on "prescription pharmaceuticals available today." A Keyword Index lets the reader find the generic drug name by looking up any words that might relate to the drug. Other sections in the book include an International Brand Names Index, Drug Information, Categories (FDA approved indication, pregnancy category etc., Brand Names, Cost of Therapy and Prescribing Information.
- Nursing Drug Handbook
Level 1 Reference RM301.12 .N87 2007
This convenient and well organized handbook is divided into the following sections: General Information, Anti-infectives, Cardiovascular System Drugs, Central Nervous System Drugs, Autonomic Nervous System Drugs, Respiratory Tract Drugs, Gastrointestinal Tract Drugs, and several other body systems areas. The middle of the book has color photgraphs of different tablets and capsules and there is an English-Spanish drug translator in the back of the book. An idex is also helpful.
- Pocket Guide to Evaluations of Drug Interactions
Level 1 Reference RM302 .P64 2004
This pocket guide is divided into eighteen chapters according to different types of drugs (ex: Analgesic drug interactions, Anesthetic and neuromuscular blocking agents', Antiarrhythmic drug interactions, Anticoagulant drug interactions etc.) Each drug lists Significance, Recommendations, Summary, Related Drugs, Mechinism, and cross references.
Nonprescriptions, Herbals, and Supplements
- Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines
Level 1 Reference RM666.H33 C67 1998
This book provides information on different herbs. One section includes the names of German approved herbs with the drug name, composition, use, risks, and evaluation. Other sections include a therapeutic index of contraindications, side effects, pharmacological actions of approved and unapproved drugs, interactions and more!
- Encyclopedia of Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements
Level 1 Reference QP771 .E53 1996
The first section of the book has entries listed alphabetically on vitamins, minerals and supplements. A food pyramid, glossary, nutrition chronology, drug and nutrient interactions, dietary allowance chart, and more provide helpful information.
- Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements
Level 1 Reference RM258.5 .T354 2003
This book is divided into several chapters including the first chapter which explains what dietary supplements are, why they are popular, and additional resources for further information. Other chapters include evaluations of the supplements, and detailed information on specific supplements for different ailments.
- The Handbook of Clinically Tested Herbal Remedies
Level 1 Reference RM666.H33 H363 2004
This two volume resource provides detailed information on history and the "Regulation of Botanicals in the United States." Chapters include "Clinical Studies of Herbal Medicine" "Characterizing Botanical Products" "Standardization of Botanicals" and much more detailed information about herbal remedies.
- Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis
Level 1 Reference RM666.H33 T43 2004
212 herbal drugs that are used in teas, herbal mixtures or raw for phytopharmaceuticals. The herbs selected for this book came from the German Standard License. Latin and English names of the herbs are provided as well as color photographs of the plant. Plant source, synonyms, origin, constituents, indications, tea preparations (if applicable), and phytomedicines. The molecular structure is also given for each herb.
- Herbal Medicines: a Guide for Healthcare Professionals
Level 1 Reference RM666.H33 B36 2002
This resource lists herbs and various information such as species (family), synonyms, part of the plant used, other resources the herb is listed in, legal category, constituents, food Use, herbal use, dosage, and pharmacological Actions. References at the end of each entry and an index are helpful tools.
- Nonprescription Drug Therapy: Guiding Patient Self-Care
Level 1 Reference RM671.A1 N66 2003
Aimed at pharmacists, physicians, health care providers and consumers, this guide exclusively focuses on nonprescription drug therapy. It offers advice on nonprescription drugs for commonly occurring self-treatable conditions.
- Nursing Nonprescription Drug Handbook
Level 1 Reference RM671.A1 N87 2001
- Physician's Desk Reference (PDR) for Nonprescription Drugs and Dietary Supplements
Level 1 Reference RM671.A1 P48 2007
- Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology of Herbal Products
Simmons Eresource
Pharmacology for Nurses
- Drug Therapy in Nursing
Level G Books RM125 .N83
- Mosby's Pharmacology in Nursing
Level G Books RM301 .M39 2001
- Pharmacologic Basis of Nursing Practice
Level G Books RC300 .F72
- Pharmacological Aspects of Nursing Care
Simmons Eresource
- Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
Level G Books RM301 .L466
- Pharmacology for Nursing Practice
Level G Books RM301 .G88 2003
- Pharmacotherapeutics: Clinical Decision Making in Nursing
Level G Books RM262 .P467 1999
- Pharmacotherapeutics: A Nursing Process Approach
Level G Books RM262 .M373 1998
- Trounce's Clinical Pharmacology for Nurses
Level G Books RM301.28 .T76 2004
Finding Articles
Below are suggested databases and indexes for articles on the topic that you have chosen to research. These databases include articles from newspapers, magazines and scholarly journals. Articles are shorter and more narrowly focused than books or reference materials so you should use them after you have narrowed your topic.
- CINAHL
Simmons Eresource
Provides authoritative coverage of the literature in nursing and allied health. Over 1200 English-language nursing and allied health journals are indexed along with virtually all publications from the American Nurses' Association and the National League for Nursing. Selected journals in biomedicine, consumer health, health sciences librarianship, behavioral sciences, and education are also included. CINAHL also provides references to healthcare books, book chapters, pamphlets, audiovisuals, nursing dissertations, educational software, selected conference proceedings, standards of professional practice, nurse practice acts, critical paths, and research instruments.
Note: while CINAHL is primarily a citation database, Simmons subscribes to a special enhanced version that includes the full text for articles from about 250 publications.
- Medline
Simmons Eresource
Created by the National Library of Medicine, Medline provides access to articles about biomedical, health, and biological. It is the "authoritative medical information on medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the health care system, pre-clinical sciences, and much more." Approximately 5,000 of the world's leading biomedical journals are indexed in Medline.
- Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) Reviews
Simmons Eresource
This database includes four resources - the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, the ACP Journal Club and Definitive Controlled Trials. These provide a "systematic reviews of topics; article reviews; and access to definitive controlled trials" to help clinicians practice Evidence Based Medicine.
- Health Reference Center
Simmons Eresource
Use this database to find articles on: fitness, pregnancy, medicine, nutrition, diseases, public health, occupational health & safety, alcohol and drug abuse, HMOs, prescription drugs, etc.
- Alt-Health Watch
Simmons Eresource
This database provides coverage on the many "perspectives of complementary, holistic and integrated approaches to health care and wellness." The journals are often peer-reviewed; the database also includes international journals. This database focuses on the subject areas included in alternative and complementary medicine.
Searching the Web
Tips for Searching the Internet:
- Use the advanced search function, which is available from most search engines:
- Google - See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Ask - Click "Advanced." See also "Advanced Search Tips"
- Live (MSN) - See also "Options"
- Exalead - See also "Exalead FAQ"
- Yahoo! Search
- Limit your search to .edu and .gov sites. These often provide quality research, statistics, and commentary. Sites ending in .org often have good information, too, but are likely to espouse a strong stance or bias on the issues they cover and may not be objective.
- Try Scandoo, which presents search results from Google, Yahoo! Search, or Live (MSN) with an evaluation about the objectivity, credibility, and overall reliability of the site.
- Consider using a directory of pre-screened, annotated sites:
Writing Style and Citation
For more information on style and citation for this discipline, please contact the Simmons College Writing Center
You may also consider consulting these resources:
- Writing Resources
Free Online
The Writing Center provides online resources for citing your research. If you are unsure of which citation style to use, consult your professor and consider the following:- Use APA (American Psychological Association) when your topic is in the Social Sciences
- Use ASA (American Sociological Association) when your topic is in Sociology
- Use MLA (Modern Language Association) when your topic is in the Humanities
- Use Chicago/Turabian when your topic is in Literature, History or the Arts
- Use CSE (Council of Science Editors) when your topic is in the Sciences
- RefWorks
Simmons Eresource
RefWorks is a great program for organizing articles, books, and other materials you need for research. You can also use RefWorks to create bibliographies, create in text citations in your paper (Write-N-Cite), and share your research with others. Access RefWorks from the A-Z list of resources on the library's web page, and then follow the instructions to create your own username and password. We hold RefWorks Clinics throughout the semester. For more information, ask a reference librarian
