List of contributors vii Preface ix About the companion website xi 1 Introduction to pharmacology and therapeutics – pharmacodynamics 1Alan Nimmo 2 Introduction to pharmacology and therapeutics – pharmacokinetics 7Alan Nimmo 3 Introduction to pharmacology and therapeutics – drug safety 15Alan Nimmo 4 Antimicrobials – antiseptics and disinfectants 23Martina Shepard 5 Antimicrobials – antibiotics 31Esther Hullah 6 Antimicrobials – antifungals 41John Steele and Jenny Taylor 7 Antimicrobials – antivirals 47John Steele and Jenny Taylor 8 Therapeutics of pain management 53Roddy McMillan 9 Corticosteroids 65Jenny Taylor and John Steele 10 Fluoride and toothpaste 69Sabine Jurge 11 Treatments for dry mouth 73Roddy McMillan 12 Therapeutics for medical emergencies in dental practice 77Roddy McMillan 13 Central nervous system 1 – mood disorders 85Alan Nimmo 14 Central nervous system 2 – neurodegenerative and acquired disorders 93 Alan Nimmo 15 Central nervous system 3 – genetic and developmental disorders 101Alan Nimmo 16 Endocrine disorders 1 109Alan Nimmo 17 Endocrine disorders 2 – diabetes mellitus 117Alan Nimmo 18 Cardiovascular therapeutics 125Roddy McMillan 19 The respiratory system 137Martyn Ormond 20 Coagulation 145Martina Shepard 21 Gastrointestinal pharmacology 153Esther Hullah 22 Antineoplastic therapeutics 159Jenny Taylor and John Steele 23 Vitamins and minerals 167Sabine Jurge 24 Musculoskeletal therapeutics 175Martyn Ormond Index 181

The Dentistry Essentials are an international series of textbooks, designed to support lecture series or themes on core topics within dentistry. Essential Dental Therapeutics is a practical guide to drugs and their effects on dental care. Covering both medical and dental prescribing, all major categories of prescription drugs, their possible side effects, and potential drug interactions are discussed. The medical section is succinct and easily understandable, providing busy dentists with the information they need about medical conditions and the drugs used to treat them. The dental section offers practical, straightforward information that is relevant to everyday dental prescribing. All clinical contributing authors are medically and dentally trained, and both strands are fully integrated throughout the text. Readers can test their knowledge by using the key topics and learning objectives at the start of each chapter, and by accessing the companion website featuring self-assessment questions. Essential Dental Therapeutics is a practical reference for dental students and practitioners, ensuring they are safe and informed in everyday practice.