Pharmacogenetics

Genetic diagnostics make it possible to assess effect and tolerability of various medications in the individual patient.

Genetic factors have an influence on drug metabolism, i.e.

• Drug degradation
• Activation of prodrugs into their therapeutically effective form
• Enteric absorption by transmembrane transport proteins
• Transport of a drug in blood/across the blood-brain barrier
• Function of receptors or ion channels at the site of action

Genetic testing is recommended especially before therapy with certain cytostatic drugs. In the case of therapy with immunosuppressants, antidepressants, neuroleptics, opioids, antiarrhythmics as well as proton pump inhibitors, genetic tests may also be useful.