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Influence of cigarette smoking on drugs' metabolism and effects: a systematic review

Zanni S, Del Prete J, Capogrossi A, Papapietro G, Del Cimmuto A, Gazzanelli S, Caronna A, Protano C

European journal of clinical pharmacology, 2025

20 participants · 19 citations

Abstract

Purpose: Cigarette smoke continues to be widely used around the world and it contains several substances that can affect the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of medications, altering their safety and effectiveness. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the scientific evidence regarding possible changes in the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of drugs induced by cigarette smoking, possible mechanisms of action and related effects.

Methods: The systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA Statement and the protocol was registered on the PROSPERO platform (CRD42023477784). Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science databases were used. We considered observational, semi-experimental or experimental studies written in English and published between January 1, 2000, and November 13, 2024, focused on smoking subjects (healthy volunteers or patients) receiving any kind of medication. Data regarding possible modifications in drugs' pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics induced by cigarette smoking were assessed. The quality of observational studies and experimental studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the Jadad Scale, respectively.

Results: In total, 37 studies were included, and 31 of them showed relevant modifications in the pharmacokinetics or effects of the drugs in smokers compared to non-smokers. Most of the included studies (n = 20) investigated drugs for psychiatric or neurological disorders, showing a…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a systematic review, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 20 participants or records.

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