Unlocking Performance: Pharmacogenomic Insights for Athletes

Abstract Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic differences influence drug responses, offering a safer and more effective prescribing model. While pharmacogenomics is well-established in specialties such as oncology and psychiatry, its application in sports medicine remains limited. Athletes frequently use medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, opioids, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and these medications have well-documented gene–drug interactions. This review explores pharmacogenomics considerations for these commonly used substances in athletic populations, emphasizing how genetic variability in drug-metabolizing enzymes, including CYP2C9, CYP2D6, and CYP2C19, can impact medication efficacy and side effect risks. We summarize current evidence, highlight clinical guidelines, and outline how pharmacogenomics-guided prescribing could improve athlete care. By integrating pharmacogenomics into sports medicine, clinicians can tailor medication strategies to each athlete’s genetic profile, supporting both health and performance. Broader adoption will require increased clinician education, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research specific to athletic populations, but pharmacogenomics offers a promising tool for advancing individualized, precision-based athlete healthcare.