Oxycodone Dosing Methods

Abstract

Over 100 million people suffer from severe pain, in the United States. To treat a patient for severe pain, a physician commonly prescribes opioids such as oxycodone.

Physicians currently prescribe opioids based on the physician's desk reference (PDR) (5-15mg). This method does not take into account a patients weight, sex, genetics or other possible drugs they are taking.

Our Simulation uses a group of virtual patients with unique characteristics.

Each patient is given a dose of oxycodone based on their weight and genetics (based on CYP2D6 genotype).

Oxycodone is a drug metabolized in the stomach and liver by the CYP2D6 enzymes ( CYP3A4 not used for this model). The rate of metabolism of the CYP2D6 enzyme is determined by the CYP2D6 genotype.

In one model we use the CYP2D6 genotype and weight to help determine the dose of oxycodone for a patient.