CC24 – Individual variation

CC24. Individual variation in drug response refers to differences in response between individuals to the same dose of a drug.

24.1. Individual variation can arise from intrinsic factors such as genetics, age, sex, disease status or physiological conditions such as pregnancy.

24.2. Individual variation can arise from extrinsic factors such as concomitant medications, diet and exposure to chemicals and other environmental causes.

24.3. Individual variation in drug response can be due to changes in the biological consequence of drug–target interactions.

24.4. Differences in concentrations of a drug reaching its target site can be a major source of individual variation in drug response.

24.5. Individual variation in drug response may lead to treatment failures and/or toxicity that could require dose adjustment or substitution with another drug.