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Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions, 10th Edition

Bruce Colbert, Adam James, Elizabeth Katrancha

Copyright 2026
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Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions 10th Edition by Bruce Colbert/Adam James/Elizabeth Katrancha

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Overview
Meet the Authors
What's New
Features
Table of Contents
Pricing

Overview

The ideal resource for licensed practical nursing, medical assisting and other allied health careers, Colbert/James/Katrancha’s “Essentials of Pharmacology for Health Professions,” 10th Edition, delivers “need to know” drug information in a reader-friendly format. Clinical application is emphasized, ensuring readers understand the relevancy and importance of material. Part I offers a comprehensive review of pharmacologic principles, while Part II covers specific drug classifications and their medical uses. Chapters organize drugs by classifications and include the purpose, side effects, interactions and cautions or contraindications. Medication preparation, supplies and route of administration are thoroughly covered as well. Cengage’s online learning Platform, MindTap, offers updated resources and enhanced study tools and assessments to support student learning and engagement.

Meet the Authors

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Bruce Colbert

Bruce Colbert is faculty emeritus and retired director of the Allied Health Care Department at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. The author of 12 traditional books, he also developed an interactive worktext and DVD program on student success. Focusing on such topics as stress and time management, he has presented more than 300 regional and national lectures and workshops devoted to professional skills, enhancing critical and creative thinking and effective decision-making. In addition, he consults with educational programs to improve teaching effectiveness as well as presents active teaching workshops.

Adam James

Adam James is the manager for Immunization and Clinical Programs for Rite Aid Pharmacy, focusing on immunization planning, implementation and organization for almost 2,500 Rite Aid locations. He is the co-author of two textbooks as well as a contributor to electronic works for Cengage Publishing. Continuing as a preceptor for Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, Dr. James was named Duquesne University Preceptor of the Year in 2020. In addition, he is a published CPE author, certified through ACPE.

Elizabeth Katrancha

Elizabeth Katrancha is a quality consultant accreditation specialist for the Veteran’s Health Administration. She has a background as a professor of nursing and is acutely aware of the soft skills that are needed in the next generation of healthcare professionals. She has published numerous clinical articles and her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Trauma Nurse, Orthopedic Nurse and Western Journal of Nursing Research.

What's New

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This text reflects the newest developments and current practices in pharmacology field. Each drug classification is up to date with the latest, most frequently prescribed drugs available.
The updated MindTap online learning platform includes revisions throughout this edition's digital resource that reflect functionality enhancements, customization improvements and assessment updates.

Features

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The text provides comprehensive coverage of drug classifications, including characteristics of typical drugs and their purposes, side effects, cautions, contraindications and interactions.
The reader-friendly approach simplifies learning by organizing material into engaging and manageable chapters. Simplified dosage calculations provide basic yet relevant math review.
All drug classifications are placed in easy-to-use, quick-reference tables. Statistics have been updated along with related website links.
Clinical Application Boxes demonstrate relevancy of learning material. Patient Education Boxes aid health care professionals in instructing patients about medications.
Presenting drug usage scenarios in a variety of settings, reality-based case studies stimulate critical thinking by providing practical application of drug information.
Easy-to-use reference tables in each classification list commonly prescribed drugs by generic and trade names, dosages, forms and special considerations.

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Part I: INTRODUCTION.
1. Consumer Safety and Drug Regulations.
2. Drug Names and References.
3. Sources and Bodily Effects of Drugs.
4. Medication Preparations and Supplies.
5. Abbreviations and Systems of Measurement.
6. Safe Dosage Preparation.
7. Responsibilities and Principles of Drug Administration.
8. Administration by the Gastrointestinal Route.
9. Administration by Parenteral and Other Routes.
10. Poison Control.
Part II: DRUG CLASSIFICATIONS.
11. Nutritional Concepts of Pharmacology.
12. Integumentary System Medications.
13. Autonomic Nervous System Drugs.
14. Cardiovascular Drugs.
15. Urinary System Drugs.
16. Gastrointestinal Drugs.
17. Respiratory System Drugs and Antihistamines.
18. Eye and Ear Medications.
19. Central Nervous System Drugs: Analgesics, Sedatives, and Hypnotics.
20. Psychotropic Medications, Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Withdrawal Agents.
21. Musculoskeletal and Anti-inflammatory Drugs.
22. Anticonvulsants, Antiparkinsonian Drugs, and Agents for Alzheimer's Disease.
23. Endocrine System Drugs.
24. Reproductive System Drugs.
25. Anti-infective Drugs and Vaccines.
26. Antineoplastic Drugs.
27. Age Related Medication Issues.
Comprehensive Review Exam for Part I.
Comprehensive Review Exam for Part II.