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© 2017, Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers

The views and opinions expressed in this book are solely those of the original contributor(s)/author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of editor(s) of the book.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of the publishers.

All brand names and product names used in this book are trade names, service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. The publisher is not associated with any product or vendor mentioned in this book.

Medical knowledge and practice change constantly. This book is designed to provide accurate, authoritative information about the subject matter in question. However, readers are advised to check the most current information available on procedures included and check information from the manufacturer of each product to be administered, to verify the recommended dose, formula, method and duration of administration, adverse effects and contraindications. It is the responsibility of the practitioner to take all appropriate safety precautions. Neither the publisher nor the author(s)/editor(s) assume any liability for any injury and/or damage to persons or property arising from or related to use of material in this book.

This book is sold on the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in providing professional medical services. If such advice or services are required, the services of a competent medical professional should be sought.

Every effort has been made where necessary to contact holders of copyright to obtain permission to reproduce copyright material. If any have been inadvertently overlooked, the publisher will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements at the first opportunity.

Inquiries for bulk sales may be solicited at: jaypee@jaypeebrothers.com

First Edition: 2004

Second Edition: 2011

Third Edition: 2017

Textbook is the most important companion, tool and light of a learning student to lead him, to shape him, enlighten him to perfect himself in the chosen subject of his studies. So it should be reader-friendly, descriptive and analytical, to reach those goals, to fit into the mind of the learner. It should also be tailored to the needs of the student to pass his examination, which is also one of the primary goals of a student.

Physiotherapy is an essential mode of patient care. Since all patients treated by physiotherapists are likely to be receiving drugs, basic knowledge of drug effects as well as adverse effects is needed for all physiotherapists and also all staff involved in patient care. However, the depth of knowledge needed could be different. Since pharmacology is a rapidly growing subject and requires frequent updation, the third edition has been brought out. The latest prescribed syllabus (updated 2017) has been followed. All topics have been thoroughly revised and unnecessary information has been removed. Many figures and flow charts have been added and the book has been tailored to the needs of physiotherapy students.

Pharmacology is a science that is rapidly growing. Basic knowledge of pharmacology is required for all those who deal with patients. Since there is no standard textbook meant exclusively for physiotherapy students, they are faced with the hardship of having to refer medical pharmacology books. Such volume and depth of pharmacology is unnecessary for physiotherapists and also difficult to comprehend. Hence this book is written to make pharmacology simple for physiotherapy students. The presentation has been simple so that the students easily understand the subject. Guidelines of the University syllabus has been followed. More importance has been given for topics like analgesics, skeletal muscle relaxants and other musculoskeletal disorders which are emphasized for physiotherapy students. Syllabuses of some universities have recommended topics like ‘drugs and exercise’, ‘vasoconstrictors and vasodilators’ for physiotherapy students. They have also been discussed briefly.

I am extremely grateful to Dr M Shantharam Shetty, Pro-Chancellor and Professor of Orthopedics, KS Hegde Medical Academy, Nitte University, Mangaluru, India for writing Foreword to this book.