Women's Health Case Studies

Antibiotics & antihistamines can have different side effects in women

• Basic physiological differences between women and men may influence their reactions to drugs. Women generally have lower body weight and organ sizes, and a higher percentage of body fat.
• Sex differences in drug reactions may also be caused by differences in the way in which women and men process drugs at the molecular level. The transport of drugs within the body and the enzymes that metabolize drugs may be particularly important in affecting drug reactions.
• Sex hormones appear to influence the effects of many drugs.  Thus, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause can affect how drugs react in women’s bodies. Additionally, drugs such as oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy may alter drug interactions in women.
• Female patients have a 1.5- to 1.7-fold greater risk of developing an adverse drug reaction compared with male patients due to differences in pharmacokinetic, immunological, and hormonal factors. Moreover the use of multiple medications is higher in women.