Includes bibliographical references and indexes

Unit A. Basic concepts and principles in pharmacology -- Introduction to respiratory care pharmacology -- Principles of drug action -- Administration of aerosolized agents -- Calculating drug doses -- Central and peripheral nervous systems -- Unit B. Drugs used to treat the respiratory system -- Andrenergic (sympathomimetic) bronchodilators -- Anticholinergic (parasympatholytic) bronchodilators -- Xanthines -- Mucus-controlling drug therapy -- Surfactant agents -- Corticosteroids in respiratory care -- Nonsteroidal antiasthma agents -- Aerosolized antiinfective agents -- Antimicrobial agents -- Cold and cough agents -- Selected agents of pulmonary value -- Neonatal and pediatric aerosolized drug therapy -- Unit C. Critical care, cardiovascular, and polysomnography agents -- Skeletal muscle relaxants (neuromuscular blocking agents) -- Diuretic agents -- Drugs affecting the central nervous systems -- Vasopressors, inotropes, and antiarrhythmic agents -- Drugs affecting circulation: antihypertensives, antianginals, antithrombotics -- Sleep and sleep pharmacology

Celebrating its 30th year in publication, the new edition of this classic resource boasts enhanced readability, a full-color design, and a new author who brings a fresh perspective on respiratory care pharmacology. This authoritative book provides essential, need-to-know information about respiratory pharmacology in an easy-to-understand format that simplifies complex concepts and prepares you for practice. Completely updated, this edition includes the most recent FDA approved medications and reflects the current state of respiratory care practice in today's health care environment