title: Variable cytochrome P450 2D6 expression and metabolism of codeine and other opioid prodrugs: implications for the Australian anaesthetist.
abstract: Codeine is a popular opioid prodrug dependent on the activity of the specific cytochrome P450 enzyme 2D6 (CYP2D6). This enzyme catalyses the production of the potent analgesic metabolite morphine, but genetic studies have demonstrated that individuals from different ethnic groups exhibit considerable variability in the functional capacities of their expressed CYP2D6 enzymes, and pharmacological studies have shown many commonly prescribed drugs can reduce the action of CYP2D6 enzymes. These findings have significant clinical implications for the rational prescription of effective analgesia, especially in a multicultural country like Australia.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Flinders University, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Wilcox
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Owen
mesh_terms: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000378:metabolism*; D000758:Anesthesia; D001315:Australia; D003061:Codeine / Q000378:metabolism*; D019389:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D011355:Prodrugs; D019389:Cytochrome P-450 CYP2D6; D003061:Codeine