The new edition of this popular, well-established textbook addresses the expanding role of the pharmacist in treating patients. It covers treatment of common diseases as well as other medical, therapeutic and patient related issues. Written by both pharmacists and clinicians to reflect a team approach, it offers an in-depth analysis of drug therapy in the treatment of disease, relying on input from the pharmacist as a member of the "team" in hospital and community settings. Information is easy to locate in a logical format organized primarily by systems and disorders. A logical organization and format for each chapter provides consistent features including key points, epidemiology, aetiology, disease, clinical manifestations, investigations and treatment, drugs used in treatment. Convenient tables and boxes highlight supplementary information in the text such as risk factors and dietary guidelines. All chapters close with an "evidence-based practice" box and case studies that solidify applications of chapter content. More up-to-date information is provided on: "rational" antibiotic prescribing and the institution of policies; advances in therapy for chronic renal failure and transplants; changes in asthma treatment; and new drugs for epilepsy and Parkinson's. The neurology section has been expanded to include a new chapter on multiple sclerosis, dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and treatment. More information has been added related to infertility treatment and menopause. New two-color illustrations make the text more readable and accessible. A greater emphasis on treatment of the patient rather than the diagnosis reflects a shift in focus toward patient-centered care.