The principles of pharmacology.

The importance of pharmacology to the family physician needs no emphasis. The most decisive act in his approach to the patient is writing a prescription for the most appropriate drug. To achieve this, he must understand the principles underlying the use of the drugs so that by being aware of the pharmacological properties of different classes of drugs, he can make a rational choice with regard to the most appropriate drug and regime. This knowledge is essential to get maximum efficacy and the minimum of side effects.