pharmacology

Charles Ciccone who wrote this text was my teacher in physical therapy school at Ithaca College. Throughout college, everyone knew that if the class was taught by him we would all have an easy time understanding all of the concepts. He was a great teacher who really knew how to explain even the more difficult topics and pharmacology was no exception. This textbook was extrememly useful as it not only explains what types of drugs have specific effects on the body and it's systems, but it is particularly detailed in describing the impact that the drugs may have on rehab. Even in class, this was one aspect that he reinforced. He explained that the reason for talking about certain classes of drugs and then giving a few examples is because the drug world is always changing and so are the names. This way he has provided a wealth of knowledge and in a very easy to understand manner.

I have been out of school for about 3 years and I still occassionally refer to this book when encountering some classes of drugs and this is a great reference to have. I would highly recommend this text to anyone, that is especially if you can't be in one of his classes.

Pharmacology in Rehabilitation by C.D. Ciccone is an all inclusive text and post-graduate reference on drugs, pharmakokinetics, action/side effects/interactions. Of paramount interest and use is the section within each class of drugs entitled "special considerations in rehabilitation."

Section I is a self contained unit in pharmacokinetics with enough detail for any non-prescribing rehab professional. I am sure prescribing clinicians would also find these explanations clear and helpful in deciphering the more involved pharmacology texts.

Section II: CNS, deals with not only the pharmacology but offers an excellent review of the CNS organization and neurotransmitters. I very much enjoyed the section explaining the blood-brain barrier which is clear and removes all mystery. The clinical case studies offered for each specific class of drugs are very realistic and offer a fine teaching tool for the case based academician.

Every section not only teach! ! es the pharmacology involved but reviews all normal and abnormal physiology content involved. Sections cover pain medications, antibiotics, cardiopulmonary classes including antihypertensives, endocrinology and oncology.

This reference text is far more extensive than is reflected in this brief review.

I highly recommend this text as a stand alone text in the classroom and as a post-graduate reference for the clinician's bookshelf. A copy alongside of the PDR in the clinic would be a well used reference.