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Published in: Advances in Therapy 2/2020

01-02-2020 | Metoprolol | Review

Sex-Related Differences in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Frequently Prescribed Drugs: A Review of the Literature

Authors: André Farkouh, Thomas Riedl, Roman Gottardi, Martin Czejka, Alexandra Kautzky-Willer

Published in: Advances in Therapy | Issue 2/2020

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Abstract

While there is considerable evidence about sex-related differences between men and women in drug metabolism, efficacy and safety of frequently prescribed drugs such as analgesics, tranquillizers, statins and beta-blockers, clinicians’ awareness of the implications on dosing and adverse event monitoring in routine practice is inadequate. Some drugs are more effective in men than women (e.g. ibuprofen) or vice versa (e.g. opioids, benzodiazepine), typically owing to pharmacodynamic causes. The 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor 3 antagonist alosetron is approved for women only since it largely lacks efficacy in men. For statins, equal efficacy was demonstrated in secondary prevention of cardiovascular events, but primary prevention is still under debate. For some drugs (e.g. paracetamol, metoprolol), women are at significantly higher risk of adverse effects. Therefore, considering sex-specific features in clinical trials and therapeutic guidelines is warranted to ensure efficacy and safety of medicines.
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Metadata
Title
Sex-Related Differences in Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Frequently Prescribed Drugs: A Review of the Literature
Authors
André Farkouh
Thomas Riedl
Roman Gottardi
Martin Czejka
Alexandra Kautzky-Willer
Publication date
01-02-2020
Publisher
Springer Healthcare
Published in
Advances in Therapy / Issue 2/2020
Print ISSN: 0741-238X
Electronic ISSN: 1865-8652
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12325-019-01201-3

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