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Drug-Gene Interaction

Meaning

A drug-gene interaction describes the clinical phenomenon where an individual’s unique genetic makeup, specifically variations in their DNA sequence, significantly influences their physiological response to an administered pharmacological agent. This interaction critically affects both the drug’s efficacy, determining whether a standard dose is optimally therapeutic or ineffective, and the individual’s susceptibility to experiencing adverse drug reactions. Understanding these interactions is a foundational principle of pharmacogenomics, allowing for precision medicine in clinical practice.