Polymorphic cytochrome P450 enzymes and post-marketing drug dosage revisions: clinical relevance to dermatologic therapies.

The therapeutic drug resources available to dermatologists have expanded and encompass off-label use of other drugs as well. As these new resources are employed, it is important to remain vigilant of possible drug interactions and toxicities contingent upon inter-individual variability of plasma drug levels. This article reviews the biochemistry of CYP enzymes and the clinical implications of genetic polymorphisms as relating to certain dermatologic drugs. In addition, we discuss the potential clinical function of cutaneous CYP enzymes.