Pharmacogenomics of Analgesic Agents

The treatment of pain is a priority in the practice of medicine today. A comprehensive understanding of the pharmacogenomic determinants of analgesic efficacy can help clinicians optimize pain treatment to improve quality of care provided and patient satisfaction. A number of studies have increased our knowledge of genetic influences on analgesic response and pain relief. Few but consistent studies of opioid medications have revealed the shortcomings of analgesia provided by codeine and the advantages to the use of hydrocodone and oxycodone. Ongoing studies investigating the effect of genotypes on other commonly used analgesics should contribute to our knowledge of the effect of genes on clinical outcomes. This review of the contribution of pharmacogenomics to the interindividual variability in response to opioid analgesics will offer insight into the success and failure of commonly used medications in the emergency department.