Aqueous pharmaceuticals present an emerging environmental problem for their potent character. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) present efficacious abatement strategy, being, however, unaffordable in mass application. Energy efficient gas-phase pulsed corona discharge was experimentally studied for oxidation of aqueous ibuprofen, diclofenac, metformin and tramadol showing the energy yields of 53, 21, 15 and 89 g kW-1 h-1, respectively, at 10 mg L-1 initial concentrations, surpassing other AOPs. Impacts of alkaline pH and starting concentrations on oxidation energy efficiency are beneficial to various extents to all considered pharmaceuticals. The removal efficiency was found to correlate with molecular structure and hydrophobicity of medications.