Interactions Between the Gut Microbiota and Common Cardiovascular Drugs

The human microbiome consists of diverse bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that can influence or be influenced by orally ingested medications. Microorganisms within the gastrointestinal tract, in particular, can activate, inactivate, or modify oral medications into toxic metabolites, leading to alterations in drug bioavailability, which could impact patient care. Pharmacomicrobiomics, a relatively new science involving interactions between the microbiota and medications for disease treatment, could be crucial for understanding the variability in patient responses to these drugs. Certain gut microbes specifically affect the pharmacokinetics of a number of common cardiovascular drugs. An exploration of the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and cardiovascular drugs will promote a path toward greater personalization of medication therapy to achieve positive health outcomes for all patients.