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On Tue, 24 Sep 96 13:46:42 BST, you wrote: > More relevant is the mode of action of the prophylactic in >question, for which we need the advice not of a geneticist, nor a >doctor, but a phamacologist. > > Jason Jason,if we're still on the Larium thread; the mechanism of action for Larium as an anti-malarial is unknown.Empirically however,it does work. If there's some concern here,I did some further checking & found that Doxycycline (a tetracycline) may also be used for malaria prophylaxis.Its mechanism of action is well known (inhibits protein synthesis) and as an antibiotic is probably not highly interactive with the CNS. HOWEVER,tetracyclines can cause sensitization to UV rays,so this may not be a good choice as an anti malarial drug in the tropics unless you keep covered up. Actually,as far as i can find,you have three choices for anti-malarial drugs;those that cause photosensitivity,those with CNS side efffects,or those whose mechanisms of action are unknown (and sometimes more than one of these caveats apply). So,basically,you pays your money and you takes your choice. I have some further info if you want it,but it really doesnt help in making a decision as to which of these agents is preferred for use in diving. BTW,I'm not a pharmacologist,but I am in my last year of pharmacy school.Hope this is close enough. John L. Dunk Tallahassee,Fl. screwloose@ne*.co*
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