Abstract

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes play a fundamental role in hepatic drug metabolism, influencing the pharmacokinetics of numerous therapeutic agents. These enzymes, primarily located in the liver, are responsible for the oxidative metabolism of a wide range of drugs, facilitating their biotransformation into active or inactive metabolites. Key CYP450 isoforms, such as CYP3A4, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, and CYP1A2, contribute to phase I metabolism, affecting drug clearance, efficacy, and toxicity. Genetic polymorphisms, drug-drug interactions, and environmental factors significantly modulate CYP450 activity, leading to interindividual variability in drug response. Understanding the role of CYP450 enzymes in hepatic metabolism is critical for optimizing drug dosing, predicting adverse drug reactions, and advancing personalized medicine. This review highlights the mechanistic aspects of CYP450-mediated metabolism, its impact on pharmacokinetics, and its implications in drug development and therapeutic decision-making.