What reference book is commonly used for essential information on medications?

The Physicians' Desk Reference (PDR) is recognized as a valuable resource for essential information on medications. It serves as a comprehensive compilation of information about prescription drugs, including their indications, side effects, dosages, interactions, and contraindications. Healthcare professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, frequently utilize the PDR for quick reference to ensure safe and effective medication management.

The relevance of the PDR stems from its extensive database of FDA-approved medications and the detailed information it provides, making it an essential tool for clinical practice. While other reference books like the Merck Manual and the American Hospital Formulary Service also contain valuable health-related insights, the PDR specifically focuses on medications and their detailed aspects, which is why it stands out as the primary choice for medication information. Clinical Pharmacology, while informative, typically serves more as a resource used by professionals to study pharmacology rather than a straightforward reference book like the PDR.