Since the first edition there has been a great demand for this book. It has been revised to include up-to-date and new entries covering recent additions to the availa ble drugs. As well there are now sections on clinical situations, or types of patient, presenting especial problems. The authors hope this new material will enhance the effectiveness of the book as a guide to this rapidly advancing and changing therapeutic situation. A.P.B. J.A.G. J.McC.M. July, 1978 v Contents I. Antibacterial Drugs 1.1 Mechanisms of Action I .2 Side Effects and Toxicity 2 2. The Sulphonamides .............................. . 2 2.1 Antibacterial Activity .... 2 2.2 Mode of Antibacterial Action 2.3 Pharmacology 3 2.4 Therapeutic Indications ... 4 2.5 Dosage ....................... . 4 2.5.1 Short Acting Sulphonamides ..................... . 4 2.5.2 Long Acting Sulphonamides 5 2.5.3 Non-absorbable Sulphonamides 5 2.6 Side Effects and Toxicity 5 2.6.1 Nephrotoxicity ............................... . 5 2.6.2 Haematological Abnormalities 5 2.6.3 Pulmonary Disease .. . 5 2.6.4 Hypersensitivity .................................................. . 6 2.7 Drug Interactions ... 6 3. The Natural Penicillins - Benzylpenicillin (Penicillin G) and Phenoxymetbylpe- cillin (Penicillin V) .......................... . ..................... .