This book is considered to be the gold standard for information on injectable drugs and it is widely used by pharmacists and other healthcare professionals across the world.
The 18th edition brings together, in 338 monographs, information on injectable drugs available commercially in the United States and in other countries. The aim of this book has remained unchanged over four decades. About half of the monographs have been revised and updated for this edition. The sources of this information are accumulated from 2,910 references, including 80 new to the edition. Although primary peer-reviewed literature remains the major source of information on stability and compatibility, beginning with this edition, references from pharmaceutics research carried out by the pharmaceutical industry have been incorporated.
Drug monographs are organised alphabetically by non-proprietary name. The names of the drugs follow the style of the USP Dictionary of Drug Names. American Hospital Formulary Service Drug Information reference codes are conveniently located at the top of each monograph to refer the reader to more detailed information. The monographs are divided into the following subheadings: products, administration, stability, compatibility and other information. The tables of compatibility for the subject drug in infusion solutions and with other drugs in admixtures, syringes and during simultaneous administration through manifolds and Y-sites are arranged by category. The section on “products” lists the sizes, strengths, volumes and pharmaceutical forms along with the other components of the formulation and instructions for reconstitution. The pH and the osmotic value of the resultant solutions are also presented along with miscellaneous information such as sodium content.
The book is available in print form, online or via a tablet or smartphone. The interactive versions (price US$400) have also been enhanced and now include regular electronic updates, US Food and Drug Administration Medwatch notices and drug shortages information.
Pharmacists have long complained that the expiry times for reconstituted injections supplied by the manufacturers are conservative and, in many cases, research shows that longer expiry times are feasible. A particularly useful feature of the digital version is that it has gathered together much of this information for parenteral drugs and nutritional solutions.
It is an essential reference source for those professionals involved in the preparation or clinical use of injectable drugs. This edition does not bear the name of Lawrence Trissel. He spent tens of thousands of hours preparing the first 17 editions. His time was well spent as his efforts have made a major contribution to improving patient safety. Pharmacists across the world owe him a huge debt of gratitude. The 18th edition follows in the footsteps of all that has gone before.
References
‘Handbook on injectable drugs, 18th edition’, editor-in-chief Gerald K McEvoy. Pp xiii +1266. Price $380. Maryland: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists; 2015. ISBN 978 1 58528 419 1
