Idiosyncratic

An overview of the term "idiosyncratic" in medical and general contexts

 This article is about the term "idiosyncratic" in medicine and general use.
   For other uses, see Idiosyncrasy (disambiguation).

Idiosyncratic refers to a characteristic, habit, or mannerism that is peculiar to an individual. In a medical context, it often describes an unusual or unexpected reaction to a drug or treatment that is not explained by the known pharmacological properties of the substance.

Medical Context

In medicine, an idiosyncratic reaction is an abnormal response to a drug that occurs in a small percentage of the population. These reactions are not dose-dependent and are not related to the pharmacological action of the drug. Instead, they are often unpredictable and can be severe or even life-threatening.

Causes

Idiosyncratic reactions can be caused by genetic differences in individuals that affect drug metabolism, immune responses, or other biological processes. For example, certain genetic polymorphisms in enzymes responsible for drug metabolism can lead to the accumulation of toxic metabolites, resulting in an idiosyncratic reaction.

Examples

- Drug-induced liver injury (DILI)]]: Some individuals may experience liver damage from drugs like acetaminophen, even at therapeutic doses, due to idiosyncratic reactions. - Stevens-Johnson syndrome: This severe skin reaction can be triggered by medications such as antibiotics or anticonvulsants in susceptible individuals.

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosing an idiosyncratic reaction involves ruling out other causes of the symptoms and identifying a temporal relationship between drug exposure and the onset of symptoms. Management typically involves discontinuing the offending drug and providing supportive care.

General Context

Outside of medicine, "idiosyncratic" is used more broadly to describe any behavior or trait that is unique to an individual. This can include personal preferences, habits, or quirks that distinguish one person from another.

Also see

• Adverse drug reaction
• Pharmacogenomics
• Hypersensitivity
• Toxicology

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