Crash Course Pharmacology
For the MLA and Medical Exams
- 6th Edition - August 8, 2025
- Imprint: Elsevier
- Author: Catrin Page
- Editors: Philip Xiu, Clive P. Page
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 5 0 0 0 - 2
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 4 4 3 - 2 5 0 2 8 - 6
Crash Course – your effective every-day study companion PLUS the perfect antidote for exam stress! Save time and be assured you have the essential information you need in one pla… Read more
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Crash Course – your effective every-day study companion PLUS the perfect antidote for exam stress! Save time and be assured you have the essential information you need in one place to excel on your course and achieve exam success.
A winning formula now for over 25 years, having sold over 1 million copies and translated in over 8 languages, each series volume has been fine-tuned and fully updated to make your life easier. Especially written by senior students or junior doctors/residents – those who understand what is essential for exam success – with all information thoroughly checked and quality assured by expert Faculty Advisers, the result is books that exactly meet your needs and you know you can trust.
Each chapter guides you succinctly through the full range of curriculum topics in the MLA syllabus, integrating clinical considerations with the relevant basic science and avoiding unnecessary or confusing detail. Text boxes help you get to the hints, tips and key points you need fast! A fully revised self-assessment section matching the latest exam formats is included to check your understanding and aid exam preparation. The accompanying enhanced, downloadable eBook completes this invaluable learning package.
Series volumes have been honed to meet the requirements of today’s medical students, although the range of other health students and professionals who need rapid access to the essentials of pharmacology will also love the unique approach of Crash Course. Whether you need to get out of a fix or aim for a distinction Crash Course is for you!
This updated edition provides comprehensive coverage of the latest updated guideline therapies across the full spectrum of clinical management. Featuring the latest treatment guidelines and drug developments, it offers in-depth insights into the basic sciences of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and therapeutic applications.
- Fully aligned to MLA requirements, with key ‘conditions’ and ‘presentations’ highlighted in handy checklists - save valuable revision time and be confident you have the syllabus covered
- Updated self-assessment section matching the latest exam formats – confirm your understanding and improve exam technique fast
Medical students, junior doctors
1: Introduction to pharmacology
- Molecular basis of pharmacology
- Drug–receptor interactions
- Pharmacokinetics
- Drug interactions and adverse effects
- Drug history and drug development
2: Peripheral nervous system
- Basic concepts
- Nerve conduction
- Somatic nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
- Nitrergic nervous system
3: Respiratory system
- Basic concepts
- Obstructive airways diseases
- Antitussives and mucolytics
- Respiratory stimulants and pulmonary surfactants
4: Cardiovascular system
- The heart
- Circulation
- Haemostasis and thrombosis
- Treatment of thrombosis
- Blood and fluid replacement
5: Kidney and urinary system
- Basic concepts
- The kidney
- Diuretics
- The urinary system
6: Gastrointestinal system
- The stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- The intestines
- The pancreas and gall bladder
7: Endocrine and reproductive systems
- The thyroid gland
- The endocrine pancreas and diabetes mellitus
- Adrenal corticosteroids
- The reproductive system
- Bone and calcium
8: Central nervous system
- Basic concepts
- Transient ischaemic attack and stroke
- Parkinson disease and parkinsonism
- Dementia and Alzheimer disease
- Other treatments of dementia
- Anxiety and sleep disorders
- Sleep disorders and hypnotics
- Affective disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Epilepsy
- The eye
9: Inflammation, allergic diseases and immunosuppression
- Inflammation
- Inflammatory diseases
- Allergic disorders and drug therapy
- Immunosuppressants
10: Infectious diseases
- Basic concept
- Antibacterial drugs
- Antifungal drugs
- Antiprotozoal drugs
- Anthelmintic drugs
- Vaccinations
11: Cancer
- Basic concepts
- Concepts of cancer chemotherapy
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Endocrine therapy
- Immunotherapy
- The future and personalized medicine
12: Pain and anaesthesia
- Basic concepts
- Opioid analgesic drugs
- Headache and neuralgic pain
- Local anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
13: Drug misuse
- Basic concepts
- Drugs of misuse
Self-Assessment
MLA Single Best Answer (SBA) questions
MLA SBA answers
Index
- Molecular basis of pharmacology
- Drug–receptor interactions
- Pharmacokinetics
- Drug interactions and adverse effects
- Drug history and drug development
2: Peripheral nervous system
- Basic concepts
- Nerve conduction
- Somatic nervous system
- Autonomic nervous system
- Nitrergic nervous system
3: Respiratory system
- Basic concepts
- Obstructive airways diseases
- Antitussives and mucolytics
- Respiratory stimulants and pulmonary surfactants
4: Cardiovascular system
- The heart
- Circulation
- Haemostasis and thrombosis
- Treatment of thrombosis
- Blood and fluid replacement
5: Kidney and urinary system
- Basic concepts
- The kidney
- Diuretics
- The urinary system
6: Gastrointestinal system
- The stomach
- Nausea and vomiting
- The intestines
- The pancreas and gall bladder
7: Endocrine and reproductive systems
- The thyroid gland
- The endocrine pancreas and diabetes mellitus
- Adrenal corticosteroids
- The reproductive system
- Bone and calcium
8: Central nervous system
- Basic concepts
- Transient ischaemic attack and stroke
- Parkinson disease and parkinsonism
- Dementia and Alzheimer disease
- Other treatments of dementia
- Anxiety and sleep disorders
- Sleep disorders and hypnotics
- Affective disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Epilepsy
- The eye
9: Inflammation, allergic diseases and immunosuppression
- Inflammation
- Inflammatory diseases
- Allergic disorders and drug therapy
- Immunosuppressants
10: Infectious diseases
- Basic concept
- Antibacterial drugs
- Antifungal drugs
- Antiprotozoal drugs
- Anthelmintic drugs
- Vaccinations
11: Cancer
- Basic concepts
- Concepts of cancer chemotherapy
- Cytotoxic chemotherapy
- Endocrine therapy
- Immunotherapy
- The future and personalized medicine
12: Pain and anaesthesia
- Basic concepts
- Opioid analgesic drugs
- Headache and neuralgic pain
- Local anaesthesia
- General anaesthesia
13: Drug misuse
- Basic concepts
- Drugs of misuse
Self-Assessment
MLA Single Best Answer (SBA) questions
MLA SBA answers
Index
- Edition: 6
- Published: August 8, 2025
- Imprint: Elsevier
- Language: English
PX
Philip Xiu
Philip Xiu a GP Registrar, Yorkshire Deanery, Leeds, UK.
Affiliations and expertise
Honorary Senior Lecturer Leeds University School of Medicine PCN Educational Lead Medical Examiner Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust Leeds, UKCP
Clive P. Page
Affiliations and expertise
Director, Sackler Institute of Pulmonary Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, UKCP
Catrin Page
Catrin Page is a Doctor, General Medicine, UK
Affiliations and expertise
Doctor, General Medicine, UK