In support of the preparatory programme for the European manned space infrastructure, the Long-Term Programme Office (LTPO) within ESA's Space Station and Microgravity Directorate initiated a series of studies aimed at a better understanding of the physiological and psychological aspects of living in space. In this context, in 1991 MEDES (Institut de medecine et physiologie spatiale) was contracted by the Agency to investigate the type and efficacy of drugs available for use by astronauts during space missions to counteract the effects of weightlessness or for medical treatments. This paper summarises the main outcome of this research, in the context of the so-called 'Pharmemsi Study'. The first part is dedicated to the content of the medical kits used by astronauts in flight, while the second describes how weightlessness can modify the action of drugs (i.e. pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics parameters) on the human body. Recommendations are given on 'Space Pharmacopoeia' as well as the areas of research needed to adapt medication to the weightless environment.