The Pharmacist's Prescription: Your Complete Guide to Over-The-Counter Remedies That Work Best

Grogan, director of pharmacy services at St. Louis State Hospital and assistant professor of clinical pharmacy at St. Louis College of Pharmacy, has written an excellent household guide to nonprescription medicines and products. Categories covered are illnesses and problems commonly treated by over-the-counter pharmacy remedies, with such chapter titles as ""Coughs, Colds, and Hay Fever,'' ``Taking Care of Your Skin'' and ``What Can You Believe About Vitamins and Minerals?'' Grogan explains in detail how to discern the need for a drugstore product and how to use specific remedies, and the indications for calling a doctor instead of treating oneself. He discusses products by brand name and lists those he recommends as well as those he doesn't and why. The book also contains sensible and thorough advice on how best to treat common problems, such as muscle ache, sunburn, dandruff and diaper rash, all in an authoritative, engaging style. (June)