Tramadol and CYP2D6 drugs

Tramadol is used to relieve moderate to moderately severe pain. Tramadol extended-release tablets and capsules are only used by people who are expected to need medication to relieve pain around-the-clock . Tramadol is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

The CYP2D6 Gene encodes a member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes. The cytochrome P450 proteins are which catalyze many reactions involved in drug metabolism and synthesis of cholesterol, steroids and other lipids. This protein is known to metabolize as many as 25% of commonly prescribed drugs - including Tramadol. Its substrates include antidepressants, antipsychotics, analgesics and antitussives, beta adrenergic blocking agents, antiarrythmics and antiemetics. The gene is highly polymorphic in the human population; certain alleles result in the poor metabolizer phenotype, characterized by a decreased ability to metabolize the enzyme's substrates. Some individuals with the poor metabolizer phenotype have no functional protein since they carry 2 null alleles whereas in other individuals the gene is absent. This gene can vary in copy number and individuals with the ultrarapid metabolizer phenotype can have 3 or more active copies of the gene.²

Related to:
ConZip, Ryzolt, Ultram, Maxitram, Marol, Zydol, Zamadol, Tramulief, Tramquel