Other substances and pharmacogenetics
Also known as: Recreational substances, Non-prescription substances
Why pharmacogenetics matter for other substances
Pharmacogenetic effects on caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, and several psychedelic compounds. The genes here (CYP1A2, ADH1B, ALDH2, CYP2A6, CYP2D6, COMT, FAAH) shape how strongly someone feels these substances and, in some cases, the addiction or adverse-event risk associated with them.[1]
These are broad lifestyle and harm-reduction insights more than dose-adjustment recommendations.
Key genes in this class
- CYP2D6Cytochrome P450 2D6CYP2D6 is the most clinically important pharmacogene. It metabolizes around a quarter of all prescription drugs, including many antidepressants, opioids, and stimulants. The gene is unusually variable: roughly 7 percent …
- CYP1A2Cytochrome P450 1A2CYP1A2 is the liver enzyme that clears caffeine, clozapine, and a handful of other drugs. Its activity is shaped by both genetics and lifestyle (smoking speeds it up, certain foods …
- ALDH2Aldehyde Dehydrogenase 2ALDH2 clears acetaldehyde, the toxic metabolite produced when your body breaks down alcohol. The ALDH2*2 variant (rs671) produces an almost completely inactive enzyme, and is present in about 30 to …
Medications in this class covered by Gene2Rx
Explore each medication's genetic findings, supporting sources, and report information.
Brand products in the Other substances class
Combined products and brand names for the medications above. Each links to a pharmacogenetic breakdown.
- Acetaminophen and caffeineacetaminophen, caffeine
- Acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine and codeineacetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, codeine
- Acetaminophen, caffeine and pyrilamineacetaminophen, caffeine, pyrilamine
- Aspirin and caffeineaspirin, caffeine
- Aspirin, butalbital, caffeine and codeineaspirin, butalbital, caffeine, codeine
- Excedrinacetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine
- Fioricetbutalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine
- Fiorinalbutalbital, aspirin, caffeine
References
- PharmGKB / Stanford University. PharmGKB: The Pharmacogenomics Knowledge Base. pharmgkb.org
Which other substances is right for your genetics?
Informational only, not medical advice. Pharmacogenetic guidelines describe population-level patterns that inform prescribing decisions. Never start, stop, or change a medication without talking to your prescribing clinician.