This manual focuses on the process of prescribing. It gives you the tools to think for yourself and not blindly follow what other people think and do. It also enables you to understand why certain national or departmental standard treatment guidelines have been chosen, and teaches you how to make the best use of such guidelines. The manual can be used for self-study, following the systematic approach outlined below, or as part of a formal training course. This overview takes you step by step from problem to solution.
Rational treatment requires a logical approach and common sense.
After reading this chapter you will know that prescribing a drug is part of a process that includes many other components, such as specifying your therapeutic objective, and informing the patient. This section explains the principles of drug selection and how to use them in practice. In this selection process you will have to consult your pharmacology textbook, national formulary, and available national and international treatment guidelines. After you have worked your way through this section you will know how to select a drug for a particular disease or complaint. Treating your patients This part of the book shows you how to treat a patient.