Includes Index

With phenomenal growth of information on mechanism of action and clinical application of drugs
as well as rapid introduction of new drugs, pharmacology, the science of drugs (medicines), has
become increasingly important to all health professionals who prescribe/administer drugs. Practice
of dentistry utilizes drugs as primary treatment modality as well as facilitator of dental procedures.
Dentists may have to manage a medical emergency arising in their clinic. Moreover, many dental
patients could be receiving other medication that may have orodental implications, or may interact
with drugs prescribed by the dentist. As such, a broad knowledge of pharmacology with emphasis
on certain aspects is needed by the dentist.
This book is divided into three sections. The first describes the general pharmacological principles
with which all professionals involved in drug therapy must be conversant. The second on systemic
pharmacology presents a brief account of drugs acting on various organ systems and used in the
treatment of common disorders. Each chapter is systematically organised. The opening sentence
defines the class of drugs, followed by their classification. The ‘prototype’ approach is followed
by describing the representative drug of the class. Wherever applicable, the implications in dentistry
are highlighted, such as drugs and diseases affecting postextraction haemostasis, dental procedures
in patients on corticosteroid therapy or in diabetics, oral complications of cancer chemotherapy,
conscious sedation in dentistry, etc. Management of medical emergencies like anaphylactic shock,
seizures, angina, or asthmatic attack during dental treatment is outlined.
The third section mainly elaborates drugs which the dentists prescribe or administer themselves;
but for the sake of continuity also includes other antimicrobials that they are unlikely to prescribe.
The allocation of topics in sections two and three does not indicate water-tight distinction, which
is impossible, but has been done with a view to focus attention on drugs that have greater relevance
in dentistry. To mention a few, the application of analgesics and NSAIDs in dental pain, dental
anaesthesia, role of each class of antimicrobials in orodental infections, prophylaxis of postextraction
infection and endocarditis in patients at special risk, choice of antiseptics and antibiotics for control
of dental plaque and periodontal disease are emphasized. A chapter on drug interactions has been
included, highlighting those that may be encountered in dentistry. Leading trade names and dosage
forms of drugs generally prescribed by dentists are mentioned distinctively. Thus, the book is oriented
to provide essential pharmacological knowledge and understanding, and cater to the specific needs
of dental students and practitioners.
I am indebted to my colleagues in pharmacology and dentistry for conceptual and clinical inputs
that helped in orienting the book. The motivational influence of Shri J.P. Vij, CEO, Jaypee Brothers,
was the main impetus for this book. The meticulous preparation of the manuscript and illustrations
by Ms Sunita Katla, Mr Manoj Pahuja and Mr KK Raman is highly appreciated. The editorial support
and cooperation of my wife is sincerely acknowledged.