Dermatology Pharmacology And Prescribing Flashcards
What is topical therapy
Medication applied to the skin (vehicle + active drug)
What is the “vehicle” in topical therapy
Pharmacologically inert, physically and chemically stable substance that carries the active drug
What are some of the factors affecting topical absorption (4)
Concentration
Thickness and hydration of stratum corneum
Skin site (e.g. face is thinner skin)
Occlusion (wrap dressing round topical treatment = increased absorption)
What are some of the vehicles used in topical treatments
Cream
Lotion
Foam
Tape
Paste
Spray powder
Shampoo
What are the properties of topical steroids
Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties (localised to that area of skin)
What are side effects of topical steroids
When used appropriately - VERY safe + effective
Thinning/atrophy (especially if potent steroids used on thin areas of skin)
Bruising
Acne/rosacea/perioral dermatitis
Glaucoma
Systemic absorption
Examples of systemic treatments in dermatology
Retinoids
Traditional immunosuppressants
Biologics (also immunosuppressive)
What are retinoids + what are they used for
Vitamin A analogues (anti inflammatory and anti cancer effects)
Acne (isotretinoin - roaccutaine)
Psoriasis (acitretin)
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (bexarotene)
Hand eczema (alitretinoin)
What are side effects of retinoids
Teratogenic (cause birth defects - very important when prescribing especially in women of childbearing age with acne)
Dry lips + skin
Increased triglycerides
Rarely: psychiatric, eye, bone side effects
What kind of skin conditions would immunosuppressants be used to treat
Treatment of inflammatory skin disorders
Side effects of immunosuppressants
Risk of malignancy and serious infection (regular blood tests for: FBC, renal + liver function)
