Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry is an introduction to pharmaceutical chemistry for undergraduate pharmacy, chemistry and medicinal chemistry students. It covers all of the core material necessary to provide an understanding of the basic chemistry of drug molecules. Now a core text on many university courses, the book contains numerous worked examples and problems.

The 4th edition includes new chapters on Chromatographic Methods of Analysis, and Medicinal Chemistry - The Science of Drug Design.

Read an interview with author Donald Cairns talking about his interest in the chemistry of drugs and poisons, the new edition of his book, and his desert island essentials.

Essentials of Pharmaceutical Chemistry is also available as an ebook.

May-2012, Doody's Notes

"...Donald Cairns is a well-known educator, mentor, and researcher...this is an excellent resource for pharmacy students taking pharmaceutical chemistry and for individuals who intend to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry...Readers will find this as a useful reference.”

Rahmat M Talukder, Ph.D., Doody's Notes, May 2012

Jan-2012, Compounding Today

"NOT 'Medicinal Chemistry,' but 'Pharmaceutical Chemistry.' This is a great book detailing the basic chemistry of drugs...Throughout the book there are problems that can be worked, and it includes the answers at the end of the book. It is very easy-to-read and has very good graphics to support the discussions. In addition to being a good text, it is a good refresher for those that would like to review this topic."

Compounding Today, 27 Jan 2012.