Gender differences in drug responses.
This review summarizes gender differences (GDs) in drug response. Although GDs have been described both in pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, their role in clinical practice is not yet completely elucidated. The evidence that women have been less enrolled in clinical trials and that a gender-specific analysis usually is not included in the evaluation of results, contributes largely to this uncertainty. Consequently, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are still higher in females than in males. Since sex is a fundamental biological variable that cannot be discounted, GDs in pharmacology have to be considered in order to improve drug safety efficacy and to optimize medical therapy both in men and women.
Franconi
Flavia
F
Centre of Excellence for Biotechnology Development and Biodiversity Research and Department of Drug Science, University of Sassari, Via Muroni 23a, Sassari 07100, Italy.
Brunelleschi
Sandra
S
Steardo
Luca
L
Cuomo
Vincenzo
V
D002319:Cardiovascular System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D010599:Pharmacokinetics; D010600:Pharmacology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012727:Sex Characteristics
D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations