Pod2 Pharmacogenetics

Question 1

What is pharmacogenetics?

Answer 1

The science of understanding how different individual genotypes relate to different drugs. This allows physicians to know which drugs will be safe and effective for an individual patient

Question 2

What is pharmacogenomics?

Answer 2

The science of pharmacogenetics applied to the whole genome

Question 3

Give 5 factors which may cause drug toxicity

Answer 3

Age
Other medications
Concurrent illness
Genetic variation 
Smoking
Liver and renal dysfunction 
Alcohol

Question 4

Describe a Type A ADR

Answer 4

Dose dependent
Predictable
Common

Question 5

Describe a Type B ADR

Answer 5

Dose independent
Unpredictable
Rare

Question 6

Give 2 examples of Type A ADRs

Answer 6

Variants in cytochrome P450

Increased expression of CYP2D6

Question 7

Give 2 examples of Type B ADRs

Answer 7

G6PD deficiency results in a loss of protection against oxidation. Sulphonamides can induce oxidative stress causing oxidative anaemia

An enzyme deficiency in the liver leads to a build up of metabolites from sedatives, antipsychotics, analgesics and alcohol which are hepatotoxic.