AHFS Drug Information the American Hospital Formulary Service

PREPARED BY: ABUBAKER, ELMUTASIM A SUPERVISOR: CEDRIX COUADERNO

SHORT HISTORY
First published in 1959, the "Big Red Book," as it's come to be known, has gone the extra mile for pharmacists and healthcare professionals seeking answers to the most detailed questions. It provides more extensive evidence-based data than any other drug reference. AHFS DI (American Hospital Formulary Service) is also free from the influence of manufacturers, insurers, regulators, and other special interests, giving an unbiased source of drug information.

The latest commentary on a wide array of FDA-approved uses and comprehensive coverage of unlabeled uses. Exhaustive analysis of drug interactions, cautions, and toxicity. Detailed information on dosage and methods of administration. Thorough examination of well-established laboratory and test inferences. Rigorous investigation of chemistry and stability. Scientific coverage of pharmacology and pharmacokinetics. Complete lists of commonly available prescription, OTC, ophthalmic, and dermatologic drugs, in addition to vitamins and parenteral nutrition products. Over 1,200 drug monographs covering tens-of-thousands of drug products. Over 70,000 uniquely cited references.

BREIF DISCRIPTION
Written and published by pharmacists and reviewed by over 500 experts, "AHFS DI" is the most comprehensive evidence-based source of drug information complete with therapeutic guidelines and off-label uses. The only print compendium designated by the US Congress, "AHFS DI" is also the only reference published by a non-profit scientific association - ensuring it is the most authoritative and best-selling reference trusted by pharmacists for more than 50 years. "AHFS Drug Information" is a detailed and comprehensive drug monograph delivering valuable information and therapeutic guidelines to even the most complex questions. Don't waste time searching other references when you know you will always find the answer you can trust to be accurate inside - every time.

Originally published to assist the pharmacy and therapeutics committee of each hospital in preparing its hospital formulary, AHFS Drug Information now provides comprehensive evaluative drug information with a focus on assessing the advantages and disadvantages of various therapies, including interpretation of various claims of drug efficacy. AHFS Drug Information contains a monograph on almost all molecular drug entities available in the US. These monographs incorporate information from pertinent references in the literature and from the labeling approved by the FDA, as well as information on uses, dosages, major precautionary information and routes and/or methods of administration that may not be included in the FDA-approved labeling for the drug ("unlabeled/off-label uses").

With the 2012 edition, the American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) marks over 50 years of continuous publication by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Each year, an average of over 60% of AHFS content is revised to help you provide the most accurate recommendations for your patients drug therapy. AHFS references are evidence-based and peer-reviewed, compiled without the influence of manufacturers, insurers, regulators, or other interested parties. No other drug information sources can make this claim. AHFS DI has been designated as an official compendium by the US Congress. AHFS DI contains information from medical literature and expert advice from over 500 medical scientists, physicians, pharmacists, pharmacologists, and other professionally qualified individuals that goes beyond FDA-approved labeling.

INSIDE FIND:
Information on prescription, OTC, ophthalmic, and dermatologic drugs, plus vitamins and immunizing agents Extensive off-label uses and dosing options Expanded and revised content, with many new monographs Therapeutic recommendations supported by evidence from primary research Pharmacology and Pharmacokinetics Preparations, Chemistry and Stability Interactions, Adverse Reactions, Cautions, and Toxicityamong many more!

MONOGRAPHS INCLUDE
drug interactions; adverse reactions; cautions and toxicity; therapeutic perspective; specific dosage and administration information; preparations, chemistry, and stability; pharmacology and pharmacokinetics; contraindications; and more. All 2012 subscribers have electronic access to the latest updates and researchdriven monographs to ensure they will have the most up-to-date drug information that is available. Update Frequency: Annual

REFFERENCES:
www.bookstore.ccbcmd.edu www.textsupplier.com/medbooknow www.skyscape.com/estore/productdetail www.ahfsdruginformation.com/products_services www.firstdatabank.com/Products/ahfs-druginformation-monographs.aspx