Mosby's 2005 Drug Consult for Nurses (MDCN) is a new annual drug handbook organized by therapeutic drug class. This portable handbook includes the most up-to-date and clinically relevant information nurses need for administering nearly 1,300 generic drugs and more than 4,500 trade names. This essential and practical clinical reference is written by the well-respected pharmacist and nurse authors of the Saunders Nursing Drug Handbook and delivers accurate and reliable drug information. Identifies expected and serious side effects by frequency and percentage of occurrence. Includes exceptional 2-color illustrations showing how and where drugs work at the cellular and tissue level. Includes an overview for each drug class. To allow for ease of use and ready access to information, drug monographs are organized alphabetically within each therapeutic drug class, and each monograph follows a consistent format. For each drug, the handbook covers: Generic and trade names, including Canadian and Australian trade names Generic pronunciation Do not confuse with feature helps prevent medication errors with similar sounding generic and trade names Pregnancy risk category, controlled substance schedule, and over-the-counter status Mechanism of action Pharmacokinetics, including half-life, excretion, protein binding, onset, peak, and duration Drug availability Indications, route, and dosages Unlabeled uses Contraindications Drug, herb, and food interactions Diagnostic test effects IV incompatibilities and compatibilities Side effects and serious reactions organized by frequency and percentage of occurrence Nursing considerations Organizes drugs by therapeutic drug class to help nurses identify drugs by their clinical use and to allow for comparison of information about alternate drugs used for the same purpose. Presents key details on more than 1,300 generic drugs, over 4,500 trade names, and includes 400 combination drugs. Includes more than 20 exceptional two-color illustrations designed to further enhance a nurse's understanding of the mechanism and site of action of selected drug classes or drugs. Provides practical, relevant nursing care information presented in a concise, practice-oriented framework. Includes thorough coverage of geriatric, pediatric, and pregnancy considerations. Alert feature draws immediate attention to the most important and critical nursing considerations. Covers the actions and uses for each drug class, and in specific instances, includes an illustration of the mechanism or site of action. Offers nurses an opportunity to earn continuing education contact hours for a nominal fee. Provides an IV Compatibility Chart. Offers free updates on a companion website.