It is essential that anaesthetists understand the pharmacology of anaesthetic agents as well as the pharmacology of therapeutic drugs and the possibility of drug interactions and side effects. This book outlines the principles of pharmacology as applied to anaesthesia and intensive care in a highly accessible manner. This has been achieved by close collaboration between pharmacologists and clinical anaesthetists contributing to, and editing, the volume. The introductory section looks at the principles affecting the mode of action of the drug and goes on to provide detailed descriptions of anaesthetic agents. The last section looks at the way these drugs affect each body system; relevant physiology is included to make the pharmacology more comprehensible and key points are highlighted throughout the text.