Cytochrome p450 Part 3: Drug Interactions Essential Concepts and Considerations

The most important considerations related to understanding cytochrome p450 enzymes is the appreciation that all drug effects vary among individuals and, although there are multiple causes of these variations, drug effects are strongly influenced by genes. Nurses who administer and monitor, or prescribe, these medications can only be safe if there is understanding of these processes. The same enzyme may display a variety of functions and alterations, which can range from ultrarapid activity to no activity. Foods given with medications also can affect the metabolism of the medication. Each cytochrome p450 subfamily is instrumental in the metabolism of numerous drugs.