Isoniazid Prophylaxis as an Aviation Risk: Preliminary Report

摘要

The question of the advisability of aviation personnel continuing in duties involving the actual control of aircraft while taking prophylactic isoniazid was studied. Specifically, adverse side effects of the drug were looked for both subjectively and objectively while subject personnel continued aviation duties. Fifteen aviation personnel were studied with clinical, laboratory, and psychometric examinations for a total of 862.5 person-months of drug ingestion. No significant adverse side effects which were thought to constitute a hazard to the safe performance of flying duties were detected. Although the expected incidence of adverse drug effects from isoniazid is small and no significant effects were detected for this small sample, it is suggested that a large number of subjects be studied prior to formulating a statement of policy in this regard. Meanwhile, aviation duties for personnel undergoing 300-mgm isoniazid therapy are judged to be allowable provided the flight surgeon maintains close scrutiny over such men. The long duration of the isoniazid therapy makes it economically desirable to continue personnel in a flight status. (Author)