Prescribing in General Medical Practice : Manual for Practitioners

Prescribing in General Medical Practice: Manual for Practitioners is a comprehensive clinical guide designed to empower primary care physicians and medical students with the skills required for safe, rational, and effective drug therapy. Authored by seasoned experts Dr. Alka Ganesh and Dr. Alice Kuruvilla, the manual addresses the dual challenge of managing common illnesses across all age groups—from pediatric to geriatric—while navigating the complexities of modern pharmacology. It is estimated that nearly 80 percent of clinical cases can be successfully managed by a family physician, provided they possess the diagnostic acumen to identify the remaining 20 percent requiring specialist intervention. The text emphasizes the importance of evidence-based recommendations, synthesizing guidelines from both global and Indian professional medical organizations. It provides in-depth coverage of drug limitations, including potent side effects, significant drug-drug interactions, and contraindications for patients with comorbidities or vital organ failure (such as renal or hepatic impairment). Beyond mere dosage instructions, the manual advocates for the principles of rational prescribing: keeping treatments simple and inexpensive, selecting the appropriate initial and maintenance doses, and changing only one drug at a time to monitor effects accurately. Special attention is given to patient education, highlighting the need to discuss expected benefits, potential adverse effects, and the importance of follow-up visits. With its practical, easy-to-read style and inclusion of clinical case scenarios, this manual serves as an essential resource for enhancing healthcare delivery, particularly in primary care settings where cost-effectiveness and safety are paramount.