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CYP2B6 and OPRM1 gene variations predict methadone‐related deaths
Author(s) -
Bunten Hannah,
Liang WeiJun,
Pounder Derrick,
Seneviratne Collin,
Osselton Michael David
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
addiction biology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.445
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1369-1600
pISSN - 1355-6215
DOI - 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2010.00274.x
Subject(s) - methadone , cyp2b6 , medicine , allele , pharmacology , benzodiazepine , drug , genotype , gene , genetics , biology , cytochrome p450 , cyp3a4 , receptor , metabolism
The largest proportion of methadone‐associated deaths occurs during the drug induction phase. We analysed methadone‐related fatalities for gene variations linked with methadone action. A significant association between high methadone concentrations and the CYP2B6*6 allele characteristic of the slow metabolizer phenotype was identified. We suggest that the risk of methadone fatality may be predetermined in part by the CYP2B6*6 allele. A significant correlation was also observed between post‐mortem benzodiazepine concentrations and the OPRM1 A118G allele GA in methadone‐related fatalities. Screening for these susceptibility variations prior to methadone prescription could assist in reducing the potential for serious adverse effects.