Guest Blog by: Peter M.
Gender can have a major influence on the way medications interact with our bodies. On average, men and women metabolize medications at different rates and require different doses. Women also respond differently to the same medications. Drug treatment for women should take into account the different ways that commonly prescribed medications impact the female body. Here is a look at some common treatments that should be modified to accommodate female patients.
Pain Management
During some medical procedures, women experience lower levels of pain than men. Many times, lower amounts of pain medications can be administered to female patients. This makes a crucial difference during dental procedures. While dentists may need to find more effective medications for men, women respond well to commonly prescribed kappa opioids.
Anti-Depressants
The female brain is more responsive to serotonin. Women may have better success using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Paxil and Prozac, to treat their depression.
Anxiety Medications
Women process tranquilizers, such as bendzodiazepines, through their liver at a quicker rate than men. As a result, women may need to take more frequent doses for effective treatment.
Treatment For Asthma
Women should take caution when using prednisolone to treat asthma. Women are likely to absorb the drug faster, increasing their risk of having an asthma attack.
Drug treatment for women should take into account the different reactions that women have to medications. If a drug is not working as expected, adjusting the dose can help to produce a desirable response.