Fact Sheet: Pharmaceuticals

What’s the Issue?

Medicine cabinets in most bathrooms across the country are filled with a variety of drugs. Some of these drugs are prescription drugs, which means they are safe to use only under a doctor’s care. Some drugs, known as non-prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, can be used safely and effectively without the supervision of a doctor. However, one should always talk to a doctor when taking a combination of drugs to rule out possible negative side effects.

Why Should I Care?

Men and women may react differently to certain drugs and it is important to be aware of the differences. Women usually weigh less, have smaller organs and more body fat than men. These factors may have an effect on their reactions.

There are other biological differences between women and men that affect how drugs work in our bodies. For example, certain high blood pressure medications and antibiotics appear to be more effective in women. This may be due to increased activity of specific liver proteins.

Monthly menstrual cycles may have an effect on the way women react to certain antidepressants, which can make treatment a challenge for doctors.

Anesthesia does not work as well in women as it does in men. That is why women wake up from certain kinds of anesthesia faster than men and are three times more likely to complain of being awake during surgery.

Women take more medications than men, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and vitamins, which may put them at higher risk for bad drug reactions. Women are also more likely than men to abuse a prescription drug.

What Can I Do?

You should learn all about the medications that you take and their possible side effects. Certain drugs can interact with each other, so make sure to tell your doctor about all of the medications, over-the-counter, and complementary products you take. Always finish the recommended course of your antibiotics and follow instructions for all prescription medications. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience anything out of the ordinary.

Be aware that certain drugs may affect men and women differently. Discuss these issues with your health care provider. Be sure to ask your doctor if the medications you are taking might have unique risks or side effects for you.

Page Last Updated: Aug. 2004