In spite of the increasing dependence on modern drugs, the consumer or the patient remains starved for information. There is little time for a doctor-patient dialogue; doctors usually have little or no time to spend with each patient. Moreover, the patient often holds the doctor in such awe that he thinks twice before questioning his judgement. The resulting information gap often precipitates problems arising from errors in the frequency and duration of dosage, from the interaction of one drug with another, or of certain drugs with food, and many other such misadventures.

This revised and enlarged, eleventh, edition has been designed as a family guide on medicines. It attempts to answer many questions in the mind of the patient and his family, and describes almost all the drugs used for common disorders, their correct use, and the need for medical advice. It will be of particular interest to housewives, chronic patients, and as they say, ‘heads of families’. Doctors, pharmacist, and nurses may also find it very valuable. The book establishes that expensive drugs are not necessarily better drugs. With knowledge, understanding, and discretion, significant economy can also be affected in medical treatment.