Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion Pharmacogenomics of Drugs of Abuse
Markus R. Meyer, Hans H. Maurer
Pharmacogenomics February 1, 2011 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.10.171 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe effects of drugs of abuse and other foreign substances depend on an individual's genetic makeup and the specific enzymes that break down those substances. This article summarizes current knowledge about the enzymes—such as cytochrome P450, glucuronyltransferases, esterases, and reductases—involved in metabolizing frequently abused opioids (oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone, fentanyl, buprenorphine, tramadol, heroin, morphine, codeine), anesthetics (GHB, propofol, ketamine, phencyclidine), cognitive enhancers (methylphenidate, modafinil), plant-derived hallucinogens (LSD, salvinorin A, psilocybin, psilocin), and nicotine. Understanding these metabolic pathways helps predict drug interactions, explain individual differences in drug response, assess toxicity, and improve drug testing interpretation.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Pharmacology Alfentanil Hydrocodone Oxycodone Pharmacokinetics |
| Citations | 107 |
| Key finding | The metabolism of frequently abused drugs and other xenobiotics depends on specific isoenzymes, and understanding these pathways is crucial for predicting interactions, assessing toxicity, and interpreting drug tests. |
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.