What is the primary purpose of the Handbook of Injectable Drugs?

The Handbook of Injectable Drugs is primarily designed to provide comprehensive information on the compatibility of medications, particularly in the context of intravenous (IV) therapy. Healthcare professionals, including pharmacists and clinicians, utilize this resource to ensure that various injectable drugs can be safely mixed or administered together, which is critical in preventing adverse reactions and ensuring effective treatment.

The compatibility data helps practitioners make informed decisions about drug administration, thus guarding against potential complications that could arise from drug interactions or incompatibilities when preparing IV bags. This is especially important in hospital settings where multiple medications may be administered simultaneously to a patient.

The other options, while related to pharmacy practice, do not capture the primary focus of this specific handbook. For instance, while it may contain some information about dosages, that is not its main intent. Similarly, guidelines for drug advertisements and listing drug manufacturers are outside the scope of the handbook's purpose. The primary aim is to ensure the safety and efficacy of drug administration in injectable forms, making the choice that highlights compatibility the correct answer.