Tag: Poor metabolizers

Approximately 7% of the population has a reduced-activity CYP2D6 isoenzyme, a key liver enzyme responsible for converting many medications into their active forms. This genetic variability directly answers the question, **can some people not metabolize tramadol?**, and explains why the drug may be ineffective for some patients.

In 2010, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated a black box warning on clopidogrel (Plavix) to highlight the risk of diminished antiplatelet effects in patients who are "poor metabolizers" of the drug. This warning is a critical component of informed prescribing and patient care for individuals with cardiovascular risk.