Here's the information students need to know about how drugs work and how theycan affect athletic performance. Through ""real life"" scenarios, studentsgain insights into the application of pharmacology in their clinicalpractice- from assisting an athlete who is taking a new medication torecognizing drug-related side effects when a negative reaction isoccurring to handling instances of drug abuse.

Beginning with an overview of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, the text presents prescriptionand over-the-counter medications in relation to the injuries or healthconditions athletic trainers commonly encounter. Frequently abusedsubstances such as amphetamines, herbals, and anabolicsteroids are also addressed. Legal and ethical issues of drug use arepresented, such as HIPAA- mandated privacy issues, drug testing, andwhich drugs are deemed as acceptable or banned according to NCAAand US Olympic standards