Pharmacokinetic pharmacogenomics

Pharmacokinetics (PK) is the branch of pharmacology that deals with the absorption, distribution, and elimination of drugs. Since the 1950s there have been major advances in understanding the genetic basis of the interindividual variability observed in the pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and toxicity of some drugs. Pharmacokinetic pharmacogenetics feature in an increasing number of drug labels approved by the FDA. The main aim of this chapter is to provide a basic introduction to pharmakinetic principles and to summarize the progress in the pharmacogenomics of key pharmacokinetic systems