EFFECT OF THE MİCROBİOME ON THE PHARMACOLOGY OF CERTAİN DRUGS

The human microbiome comprises diverse and dynamic microbial communities inhabiting various body sites, including the skin, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract. These microbial populations play a fundamental role in maintaining host homeostasis by modulating immune responses, metabolic processes, and neurophysiological functions. In recent years, growing evidence has highlighted the microbiome as an important factor influencing the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of many drugs. The microbiome can alter drug absorption, bioavailability, metabolism, and toxicity through direct biotransformation or indirect host-mediated mechanisms. The emerging field of pharmacomicrobiomics investigates how interindividual differences in microbiome composition contribute to variability in drug response, therapeutic outcomes, and adverse effects. In particular, the gut microbiome has been shown to affect the efficacy of antibiotics, anticancer agents, cardiovascular drugs, and psychotropic medications. Dysbiosis, or disruption of the normal microbial balance, is associated with numerous pathological conditions and may further modify drug response. This review article summarizes current knowledge on the role of the human microbiome in physiology, disease development, and drug–microbiome interactions, emphasizing its potential implications for personalized medicine and optimized pharmacotherapy.