Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion Pharmacogenomics of Drugs of Abuse
Pharmacogenomics – February 01, 2011
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Individual genetics profoundly dictate how drugs, from potent opioids like Alfentanil and Oxycodone to medicines like Hydrocodone, affect the body. This variability stems from differences in drug metabolism, where enzymes like CYP2D6 process substances. Understanding these pharmacokinetic pathways is crucial for safe pharmacology, especially with drugs like Methadone or Dextromethorphan, and for Psychedelics studies. Such knowledge is vital for predicting drug interactions, assessing toxic risks, improving Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis, and understanding how drugs influence behavior via neurotransmitter receptors.
Abstract
Pharmacologic and toxic effects of xenobiotics, such as drugs of abuse, depend on the genotype and phenotype of an individual, and conversely on the isoenzymes involved in their metabolism and transport. The current knowledge of such isoenzymes of frequently abused therapeutics such as opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, tramadol, heroin, morphine and codeine), anesthetics (γ-hydroxybutyric acid, propofol, ketamine and phencyclidine) and cognitive enhancers (methylphenidate and modafinil), and some important plant-derived hallucinogens (lysergide, salvinorin A, psilocybin and psilocin), as well as of nicotine in humans are summarized in this article. The isoenzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450, glucuronyltransferases, esterases and reductases) involved in the metabolism of drugs and some pharmacokinetic data are discussed. The relevance of such data is discussed for predicting possible interactions with other xenobiotics, understanding pharmacokinetic behavior and pharmacogenomic variations, assessing toxic risks, developing suitable toxicological analysis procedures, and finally for interpretating drug testing results.