Drugs and the Liver

Drugs and the Liver is designed to assist practitioners in making pragmatic choices for their patients.

Liver disease is a widespread and increasing problem throughout the world, however little is published on how different types and degrees of liver dysfunction affect the body's ability to handle medicines.

This book aims:

• to enable the practitioner to assess liver function using biochemical markers, other tests, signs, symptoms and disease knowledge
• to identify which pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters of a drug are likely to be affected by different types of liver disease
• to consider the impact of a drug's side effects on a patient with liver disease.

This practical guide covers background information on liver function, the principles of drug use in liver disease and includes a section of worked examples of commonly asked questions. It will be invaluable to clinical pharmacists and anyone making medicine choices in patients with liver impairment.

Part 1 Understanding Liver Function

1. Introduction to the Anatomy of the Liver

2. Functions of the Liver

3. Causes of Liver Disease and Dysfunction

4. Assessing Liver Function

Part 2 Principles of Drug Use in Liver Disease

5. Pharmacokinetics of Drugs in Liver Disease

6. Undesirable Side Effects

Part 3 Putting the Theory Into Practice

7. Applying the Principles-introduction

8. Introducing the Aide Memoire

9. Scenario 1 Choice of Analgesia

10. Scenario 2 Choice of Anti-emetic

11. Scenario 3 Choice of Anti-hyperlipidaemic Agent

12. Scenario 4 Choice of Hormone Relacement Therapy (HRT)

13. Scenario 5 Choice of Contraceptive

Appendix 1 Detailed Description of the Patient Cases

Appendix 2 The Blank Aide Memoire Form

 Sample chapter (87 KB)

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08-Oct-08, Chemist and Druggist
'For those pharmacists involved in medication reviews, interpretation of liver function test results is an essential part of the process. This book provides an excellent explanation of each parameter and the limitations of using the results alone when assessing the degree of liver function.'
Jackie Smith, a pharmaceutical advisor, Chemist and Druggist, published online on October 2008

08-Aug-08, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
'This book combines all pertinent issues relating to liver dysfunction and medication use in one reference. The authors and contributors have done an excellent job to make the book a practical tool that can be used by clinicians when making therapeutic choices rather than merely presenting pharmacokinetic principles and expected alterations in liver disease.'
Sharya Vaughan Bourdet, PharmD BCPS, The Annals of Pharmacotherapy Vol. 42, July/August 2008

01-Apr-08, Doody Enterprises, Inc
'The book is written primarily for pharmacist clinicians, but it serves as a useful review for anyone who has an interest in drug metabolism and liver function...the thorough but easy to understand review of the liver anatomy and function is a highlight. This is a good read for those who need to brush up on these topics.'
Patrick J. McDonnell, Temple University School of Pharmacy. Doody Enterprises, Inc. April 2008