The Role of Cytochrome P450 in the Metabolism of Commonly Used Dental Drugs

Response to drug therapy varies considerably from individual to individual, and their clinical outcomes, ranging from treatment failure to adverse drug reactions, can be largely attributed to drug metabolism. Cytochrome p450 enzymes play a crucial role in the metabolism of a wide variety of medications, including medications used in dentistry. Cytochrome P450 enzymes show variability due to genetic polymorphisms, drug-drug interactions, and certain patient factors, which can significantly impact the efficacy of drugs and their safety range. It is essential to understand the metabolic pathways of these enzymes to optimize drug selection, dosage, and minimize the adverse effects or therapeutic failures of the medications prescribed to patients. This review explores the various isoforms of CYP enzymes, particularly CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP1A2, and their impact on the metabolism of frequently prescribed medications, such as analgesics, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and anesthetics in dentistry. The following article highlights the clinical implications, the knowledge of CYP450-mediated metabolism in dentistry, and areas of future research.