Newsgroups: talk.politics.misc
From: [an 194413] at [anon.penet.fi]
Date: Tue, 14 Feb 1995 10:49:09 UTC
Subject: Race and *LEGAL* Drugs


Researchers are uncovering more information about HOW DIFFERENT RACES 
RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO VARIOUS DRUGS.

For example, many Chinese can get by with very low doses of propranolol 
and other beta-blockers (for blood pressure and other conditions) because 
they seem to be more sensitive to the effects.  Many Asians also need 
lower doses of diazepam (Valium) because they metabolize it slowly.

On the other hand, most Japanese are fast metabolizers of isoniazid (for 
tuberculosis), hydralazine (for blood pressure), procainamide (for heart 
arrhythmias), and dapsone (for leprosy).  This means they are less likely 
to get toxic reactions from these drugs.

Many Blacks seem to respond well to diuretics for high blood pressure, 
because Blacks are more prone to sodium and water retention.

In the years ahead, you'll start to see more research in this whole 
area.  And eventually practitioners will take this into account when 
prescribing.

(Diet, body size, ect. were considered when doing this research.  The 
factor involved was found to be race.) 

Original Sources: Clin Pharmacol Ther 1992;52:160
		  Clin Pharmacy 1989;8:852
		  Ann Pharmacolther 1992;26:255
		  Lancet 1994;344:450
		  Pharmacol Ther 1993;54:507

From:	The Pharmacist's Letter		Subscription rate: $85.00 per year
	Therapeutic Research Center
	8834 Hildreth Lane
	Stockton, CA 95212

(Even though our bodies all handle drugs differently,  our brains all 
work the same, Right???  Editorial comment by an194413)

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