Originally Posted by MmacFN
freaky isnt it?
I wonder if they are deficient in this enzyme if the drug dosent take effect as quickly, does it hang around longer? If its isnt being metabolized then isnt there a longer avalibility? Or does it just get metabolized out without effect?
Metabilism of drug via CYP450's is frequetly refered to as a phase I. It inserts a functional group into the drug molecule changing its chemical make up. It may insert. Typicallt it it will take an O from the system and oxidize the drug. an OH group is usually inserted into the drug. This may or may not inactivate it.
Yes the CYP450's can be induced(upregulated) or inhibited (down regulated) by certain drugs, pathology ect that effects the liver.
For instance the H2 antagonist Cimetedine (tagament) is culprit in signifigantly inhibiting the CYP450's. Drugs that are metabilized via this route will hang around. This can potentially be lethal. Its scary that you can buy this drug at your local walmart.Ketoconazole also freq inhibits.
Other hand some drugs such as rifampin, phobarb induce the system (rev in up). SO other drugs metabolized this way will be metabolized faster and have a decreased duration of action.
After phase I the drug may be eliminated but many times it undergoes a phase II. refered to as conjugation reactions. This sysyem which is different that the CYP450's insert possible a glucoronic acid, amino acid, acetate. Its goal is the make the molecue highly polor so it will be carried to the kidneys and eliminated.