Content

The content of Pharmaceutical Substances has been carefully structured to provide fast and effective retrieval of all the information that it contains. Each substance is listed alphabetically by its 'International Nonproprietary Name' (INN). Alternative generic names that are still in use are given together with trivial names in the field Synonyms, full details of medical applications, and therapeutic category, in the field Use. In addition, the molecular formula, molecular weight, CAS registry number and, where available, the ATC Code numbers and the EINECS Number are also provided, as well as data for acute toxicology and galenical formulations. A detailed description of the preparation of each substance is provided, including synthesis of intermediates. In many cases, different synthetic routes are described, especially for the most economically important drugs and also when there is some doubt as to which route is applied technically.

In the last section of each entry, the trade names in the six most important markets are listed, along with the company responsible for marketing the substance under that name and the year of introduction. The trade names given generally refer to preparations made solely from the relevant pharmaceutical substance, combinations are not normally included.

Each entry contains full bibliographic information covering alternative syntheses and applications. Patents are described by their patent number, origin, holder, application and priority dates. CASSI codes are given for literature references.

Since publication of the fourth edition in print, many changes have been made. Companies disappeared or were purchased and the trade names of many products were changed. Some products were withdrawn from the market. In cases where the substance is of continued interest, or still known to some by its former trade name, an entry is included and the trade name appears with wfm next to it, indicating that it has been withdrawn from the market.