Abstract

Genetic Variation in Drugs

Mesut Muyan

Differences in genetic (inherited) makeup among individuals affect what the body does to a drug and what the drug does to the body. The study of genetic differences within the response to drugs is named pharmacogenetics. Because of their genetic makeup, some people process drugs slowly. As a result, a drug may accumulate within the body, causing toxicity. Other people metabolize drugs so quickly that after they take a usual dose, drug levels within the blood never become high enough for the drug to be effective. Genetic polymorphisms are identified for several drugmetabolizing enzymes, including the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. This gives rise to distinct population phenotypes of persons who have metabolism capabilities starting from extremely poor to extremely fast.

Published Date: 2021-10-19;