Pharmacogenomics in Perioperative Care

Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic differences between individuals affect pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. These differences are apparent to clinicians when taking into account the wide range of responses to medications given in clinical practice. The implementation of preoperative pharmacogenomics will allow us to better care for our patients by delivering personalized, safer medicine. This chapter describes the current state of pharmacogenomics as it relates to perioperative care and how clinicians can use these tools to improve patient outcomes.