Medicines for Children, 2nd Edition, Authors group: Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (UK) & Neonatal and Pediatric Pharmacists Group (UK), B.I. Publications (P) Ltd., New Delhi 2004, PP 777, Price Rs. 695/-.

and

Pocket Medicines for Children, 2nd Edition, Authors Group: Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (UK) & Neonatal and Pediatric Pharmacists Group (UK), B.I. Publications (P) Ltd., New Delhi; 2004, PP 324, Price Rs. 175/-.

The drug prescription in pediatric population is different in contrast to adults as it requires certain basic information like dosage in relation to body weight/body surface area, formulation in various forms and indications/contraindications in a particular age group. Further, emphasis is also required in relation to its use in pregnant and lactating mothers and effect on fetus or breast fed babies.

The book has three sections. First section mentions the normogram for calculation of body surface area in infants and children. The modification of drug dosages in renal and hepatic disorders is also explained briefly. Second section outlines the description of systemic diseases and drugs used in different disorders. There is detail information of infections and choice of drugs used. The management of poisoning is also highlighted.

Third section includes the presentation of drugs in alphabetical order used by generic name shown in tabulated form mentioning indications, contra indications, interactions, adverse effects, pharmacokinetics and license status of each drug. The uses of vaccines and immunoglobulins are also described. Nutritional diet required in different diseases are included in a tabulated form.

The pocket edition of the main book appears to be a useful handy desktop for practicing pediatricians and residents as it provides information regarding dosage and administration of drugs presented in tabulated form in alphabetical order by their generic name.

O.P. Mishra,
Reader,
Department of Pediatrics,
Institute of Medical Sciences,
Banaras Hindu University,
Varanasi 221 005, India.
E-mail: [email protected]