Pharmacology of the Skin

Question 1

Brief explanation of topical treatment

Answer 1

Largely for local treatment but also treats underlying tissues

Question 2

What is the most important layer when it comes to drug penetration

Answer 2

The keratin layer

Question 3

What holds together adjacent corneocytes

Answer 3

Corneodesmosomes

Question 4

Treatment for itching

Answer 4

Antihistamins

Question 5

Treatment for warts

Answer 5

Keratolytic agents

Question 6

Three modes of action with glucocorticoids

Answer 6

Anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant and vasoconstrcting

Question 7

Is 1% hydrocortisone acetate a mild or potent corticosteroid

Answer 7

Mild

Question 8

Is 0.1% hydrocortisone butyrate a mild or potent corticosteroid

Answer 8

Potent

Question 9

6 side effects of high potency steroid

Answer 9

Skin atrophy, systemic effect, spread of infection, steroid rosacea, stretch marks and small superficial dilated blood vessels

Question 10

Explain the procedure of subcutaneous route of administration

Answer 10

Needle is inserted into fatty adipose tissue just beneath the skin surface

Question 11

Do high or low molecular weight compounds tend to enter systemically via the lymphatics

Answer 11

High molecular weight compounds

Question 12

List 4 criteria(ish) for transdermal drug delivery

Answer 12

Low molecular weight
Moderately lipophilic
Potent
Relatively brief half life