Cytocrome P450 and its interaction with drugs

Abstract

Cytocrome P450 is a family of enzymes involved in the metabolism of several drugs. Their role in drug metabolism may cause interactions that may result in either drug toxicity or lack of efficacy. Antiepileptic drugs, like carbamazepine, activate the expression of the cytocrome P450 CYP24A1, which may cause vitamin D deficiency by accelerating the catabolism of its active metabolites. Other drugs may modify the activity of different enzymes of the cytocrome P450 family; among these drugs, omeprazole inhibits CYP3A4 and increases the activity of calcium channel blockers, statin, cyclosporine, and tacrolimus. By contrast, carbamazepin increases CYP3A4 activity. Therefore, nephrologists, who often need to prescribe complex therapies, have to take into account these drug interactions.