Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) Genotyping

General Use: 

CYP2D6 metabolizes more than 25% of all drugs, including tamoxifen, many antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and opioids. Detecting variants of the CYP2D6 gene that cause altered enzymatic activity can identify patients who may be at increased risk of having adverse drug reactions or therapeutic failure to standard dosages of CYP2D6 substrates. Medications that require activation or inactivation by CYP2D6 should be used with caution in patients with CYP2D6 variants.

Limitations: 

Other variants of the CYP2D6 gene that are not detected in this assay may influence drug metabolism. CYP2D6 metabolic capacity is also influenced by concomitant medications, inhibitors, inducers, diet, and various disease states. All factors should be considered as part of the overall patient management strategy.

Methodology: 

Multiplex polymerase chain reaction and allele-specific primer extension or real-time polymerase chain reaction with fluorescence detection.