Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat pain, fever and inflammation. The main therapeutic effect of NSAIDs occurs via blocking the production of prostaglandin that cause inflammation. Hepatic metabolism by cytochrome P450 isoforms CYP2C9, 1A2, and 3A4, and renal excretion are the principal routes of clearance of the majority of NSAIDs. Genetic variants in CYP2C9 (e.g., CYP2C9*2 and *3), along with other genetics and clinical factors, have been shown to affect systemic plasma concentrations of NSAIDs and potentially safety. Patients with CYP2C9 decreased or no function alleles may have elevated exposure and at increased risk for adverse effects. Guidelines regarding the use of pharmacogenomic tests in dosing for NSAIDs have been published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics by the Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC) and are available on the CPIC and PharmGKB websites. The CPIC guideline provides specific therapeutic recommendations for a number of NSAIDs (celecoxib, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, lornoxicam, meloxicam, piroxicam and tenoxicam) based on CYP2C9 genotype. [from
PharmGKB]