Physician Speaks about Different Medications for Different Sexes at American Osteopathic Association Annual Convention

10/20/2003

From: Catherine Schneider of the American Osteopathic Association, 800-621-1773 ext. 8039, 312-202-8039, cschneider@aoa-net.org

NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 20 -- When administering medication, moms across America typically tailor the dosage to the age of their child. But this may not be all the doctor ordered. Tyler Cymet, D.O., an assistant professor of internal medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, would like an additional guideline listed on the label: sex. "Males and females respond differently to different types of medication," he says.

Dr. Cymet, a board certified internal medicine physician, spoke about the difference in treatment according to sex and gender this past week at the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) Annual Convention and Scientific Seminar in New Orleans.

"Females have more protein in their body and therefore breakdown medication differently," says Dr. Cymet.

As an example, Dr. Cymet explained that aspirin is more effective for males because males absorb items much quicker. Females have a slower gastrointestinal transit, slowing the gastric emptying of solids or liquids. Accordingly, food remains in a female's stomach five to 10 minutes longer than a male's. The slow gastric emptying decreases the level of absorption, and therefore slows the effectiveness of aspirin.

Specific factors that effect female's health more than males can include:

-- Nutrition

-- Energy expenditure

-- The reproductive experience

"Each person's body is unique," concludes Dr. Cymet. "Therefore, it's important to discuss with your physician what medications may be more effective for you or others in your household."

The AOA represents approximately 52,000 D.O.s, promotes public health, encourages scientific research, serves as the primary certifying body for D.O.s, and is the accrediting agency for all osteopathic medical schools and health care facilities.