Principles of Pharmacology: A Tropical Approach

This is a practical and informative introduction to basic pharmacological principles and practice, in general and in the context of tropical medicine and diseases. The author presents a concise treatment of systematic pharmacology, discussing the cultural and environmental factors that affect the use of drugs in the tropics. The book highlights the potential inconsistencies and incompatibilities that arise from the use of traditional and orthodox medicine, which can account for the extensive misuse of modern drugs among populations where the two systems are practiced. While emphasis is primarily given to the treatment of a wide range of tropical diseases including malaria, bilharzia and sickle-cell disease, the underlying principles are also fully explained; these provide a conceptual framework for the academic exploration of cultural, genetic, environmental and nutritional factors affecting drug use in the tropics. This will be a useful text for pharmacologists, specialists in tropical medicine and chemotherapy, as well as students and practioners in tropical environments.