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Pharmacogenomics

Understanding how G6PD deficiency affects drug metabolism, oxidative stress pathways, and medication safety.

The Pentose Phosphate Pathway

G6PD catalyzes the first step in the pathway that protects red blood cells

G6P
Glucose-6-Phosphate
G6PD
Enzyme
NADPH
Reducing Power
GSH
Glutathione
ROS Defense
Cell Protection

NADPH Production

G6PD generates NADPH, the cell's primary reducing agent.

Glutathione Regeneration

NADPH recycles oxidized glutathione back to its active form.

ROS Neutralization

Reduced glutathione neutralizes harmful reactive oxygen species.

Oxidative Stress in G6PD Deficiency

Visualizing how oxidative stress damages red blood cells

Oxidative Stress Level

Normal Mild Stress Moderate Severe Crisis

At baseline, red blood cells maintain normal function with adequate glutathione protection.

Medications & G6PD

Drugs that can trigger hemolytic episodes in G6PD-deficient patients

Primaquine
Antimalarial
High Risk
Mechanism: Generates hydrogen peroxide and superoxide radicals that overwhelm GSH defenses.
Dapsone
Antibiotic
High Risk
Mechanism: Hydroxylamine metabolites cause methemoglobinemia and oxidative hemolysis.
Nitrofurantoin
UTI Antibiotic
High Risk
Mechanism: Redox cycling generates continuous superoxide production.
Rasburicase
Uric Acid Reducer
High Risk
Mechanism: Produces hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of uric acid oxidation.
Sulfamethoxazole
Sulfonamide
Moderate
Mechanism: N-hydroxylated metabolites cause oxidative stress at therapeutic doses.
Aspirin
NSAID
Low Risk
Mechanism: Safe at therapeutic doses; high doses may cause mild oxidative stress.
Important Note

Drug reactions in G6PD deficiency vary by variant type and dose. Always consult healthcare providers before taking new medications. Use G6PD.ai to check medication safety.

Common Hemolysis Triggers

Beyond medications: other substances that can cause oxidative stress

Foods

  • Fava beans (broad beans) High
  • Bitter gourd Moderate
  • Red wine Moderate
  • Tonic water (quinine) Low

Chemicals

  • Naphthalene (mothballs) High
  • Henna (lawsone) High
  • Methylene blue High
  • Menthol Low

Medical Conditions

  • Bacterial infections High
  • Viral infections Moderate
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis Moderate
  • Physical stress Low

Check Medication Safety with G6PD.ai

Use our AI-powered tool to instantly check if medications, foods, and chemicals are safe for G6PD-deficient individuals.

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