[Influence of smoking on pharmacokinetics of medication]

Abstract

- In a previous issue, a case report was presented in the Dutch Journal of Medicine (NTvG) of a patient who had variable clozapine levels after switching from regular cigarettes to an e-cigarette and vice versa.- Besides clozapine there are a number of other agents with a narrow therapeutic range where pharmacokinetics can be influenced by smoking.- This review describes the mechanisms of smoking-induced influence on the pharmacokinetics of medicines, and guidance will be provided regarding which medicines must be monitored more closely when patients change their smoking habits.- Finally, an overview is given on package insert information concerning dose adjustments for smokers and non-smokers.