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CYP3A4

Meaning

CYP3A4 is a critical member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of enzymes, predominantly expressed in the liver and small intestine, serving as the body’s major drug-metabolizing catalyst. This enzyme is responsible for the oxidative metabolism of approximately fifty percent of all clinically used drugs, including many steroid hormones and their precursors. Its activity level dictates the clearance rate of numerous compounds, making it central to pharmacokinetic variability. Understanding its induction or inhibition is crucial for avoiding drug-drug interactions.