Pharmacogenetic Testing for Effective Dosing

Pharmacogenetics is the study of how genes influence the way drugs are metabolized in the body. Applying this knowledge is a two-step process. First, genetic variants must be identified. Then the ways those variants affect the metabolization and effectiveness of different individual drugs must be determined through clinical study.

To help clinicians use pharmacogenetic testing to their patients' best advantage, PGXL Laboratories helps with both steps. We test and identify variants in critical genes - CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 in the Cytochrome P-450 system - that influence the effectiveness of medications. Then we keep you up-to-date on the latest research about how those variants influence specific drugs.

The table below lists many commonly prescribed drugs that are metabolized through these pathways in the Cytochrome P-450 system. By conducting pharmacogenetic tests before prescribing these medications, it is possible to more precisely pinpoint the correct drug dosage, significantly decreasing the chances that the drug will be either ineffective or harmful to your patient.

We expect our clients to seek professional advice concerning any medical or legal actions that might be suggested by the information we offer. Patients should never alter their dosage without consulting with the prescribing physician. Physicians seeking additional information about pharmacogenetic testing are advised to consult package inserts for specific medications or to consult with a pharmacist.

For interpretive guidelines about how genetic variants influence some commonly prescribed drugs, click here.

Download PGXL Reference Guide in Adobe PDF Format

Anti-Coagulation
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
WARFARIN COUMADIN CYP2C9* and VKORC1*
Tricyclic Anti-Depressants
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
AMITRIPTYLINE VARIOUS BRAND NAMES CYP2D6
CLOMIPRAMINE ANAFRANIL CYP2D6
DESIPRAMINE NORPRAMIN CYP2D6
DOXEPIN SINEQUAN CYP2D6*
IMIPRAMINE TOFRANIL CYP2D6
NORTRIPTYLINE PAMELOR CYP2D6
NORTRIPTYLINE AVENTYL CYP2D6
Anti-Psychotics and SSRI's
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
ARIPIPRAZOLE ABILIFY CYP2D6*
FLUOXETINE PROZAC CYP2D6*
FLUOXETINE SARAFEM CYP2D6*
Maprotoline Ludiomil CYP2D6
PAROXETINE PAXIL CYP2D6
RISPERIDONE RISPERDAL CYP2D6*
Beta Blockers
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
Carvedilol Coreg CYP2D6
METOPROLOL TOPROL-XL CYP2D6*
METOPROLOL LOPRESSOR CYP2D6*
PROPANOL0L VARIOUS BRAND NAMES CYP2D6
Anti-Hyperglycemics
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
GLIMEPIRIDE AMARYL CYP2C9
GLIPIZIDE GLUCOTROL CYP2C9
GLYBURIDE DIABETA CYP2C9
Proton Pump Inhibitors
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
LANSOPRAZOLE PREVACID CYP2C19
OMEPRAZOLE PRILOSEC CYP2C19*
PANTOPROZOLE PROTONIX CYP2C19
RABEPRAZOLE ACIPHEX CYP2C19
NSAID's
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
CELECOXIB CELEBREX CYP2C9*
Ibuprofen Advil CYP2C9
Ibuprofen Motrin CYP2C9
Naproxen Aleve CYP2C9
Oploids
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
Codeine Codeine Phosphate CYP2D6
Dextromethorphan Various Brand Names CYP2D6
Anti-Epileptics
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
PHENYTOIN DILANTIN CYP2C9
SNRI's
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
ATOMOXETINE STRATTERA CYP2D6*
VENLAFAXINE EFFEXOR CYP2D6*
OTHER DRUGs TO NOTE
Generic Name Brand Name Metabolizing Enzyme
DIAZEPAM VALIUM CYP2C19
Donepezil Aricept CYP2D6
Flecanide Tambocor CYP2D6
Fluvastatin Lescol CYP2C9
Hydrocodone Various Brand Names CYP2D6
Loratadine Claritin CYP2D6
Losartan Cozaar CYP2C9
Oxycodone Oxycontin CYP2D6
PROPANFENONE RYTHMOL CYP2D6*
Tamoxifen Various Brand Names CYP2D6
THEOPHYLLINE VARIOUS BRAND NAMES CYP1A2 *
Tramadol Ultram CYP2D6
* Information regarding importance of genetic cariability contained in manufacturer's product labeling.

Lower case - potential for less severe complication sor potential complicatoins associated with drug-drug interaction.

ALL CAPS w/ BOLD - indicates potential for significantly increased risk of adverse events.

Important Message: Pharmacogenetic (PG) testing identifies patients who may have increased risk of side effects from drug accumulation (Poor and Intermediate Metabolizers, PM and IM) or lack of efficacy due to rapid drug elimination (Ultrarapid Metabolizers, UM). This knowledge can be used to minimize the chance of adverse reactions or therapeutic failure by guiding optimal selection and dosage of medicaions. Please contact the experts at PGXL for specific consultation.