Katzung's pharmacology - eighth or ninth edition?

[Purifyer]

I'm debating whether to buy the eighth edition at a cheaper price or get the ninth.

I'm in holiday in China at the moment and I can buy a copy of the 8th edition for ~150-200 chinese dollars (~$25-30 US)

On looking on the internet though it seems Katzung just released the ninth edition. Usually I would just buy the slightly older edition at half price - but;

- The paper in China is crappy and thin
- Pharm is a field that evolves quite quickly - the last edition of Katzung was published in 2001.
- Is it worth the added baggage (for travel)

So, what's the verdict guys? Has anyone had experience with the ninth edition?

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[Doctortobee]

Buy the Katzung Review Book...much better

 

[peptidoglycan]

The USMLE is always a year or two behind, so even the most rapidly changing field won't be represented with questions that are totally up to date. Good luck.

 

[Winged Scapula]

The difference in editions is not likely to be significant.

As noted, if you're taking the USMLEs, they will always be a couple of years behind so the different editions won't make a difference.

Textbooks are always a couple of years behind current clinical practice as well.

If the crappy thin paper doesn't bother you too much and the cost difference is substantial then get the older edition.