Dermatology Pharmacology and Prescribing Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is ‘off labels’ medicine?
Licensed medication that is being used for n unlicensed indication
What is a ‘specials’ medicine?
Long history of use, no strong evidence base nut clinically effective
What are some of the causes of prescribing errors?
Lack of knowledge
Mistake writing/generating prescription
Poor communication
No local or national guidelines
What is pharmacokinetics?
The effect of the body on the drug
What is pharmacodynamics?
The effect of the dug on the body
What must be considered with pharmacodynamics?
Age of patient
Pregnancy risk
Drug interactions
Pharmacogenetics
What are some influences in adherence to medication?
Female Married Employed Not paying for their prescription Increasing age
What are some factors associated with poor adherence?
Psychiatric co-morbidites Slower acting agents Multiple applications per day Lack of patient education Cosmetic acceptability of treatment
What is a vehicle?
Pharmacologically inert, physically and chemically stable substance that carries the active drug
What are the factors that effect absorption?
Concentration Temperature Skin site Chemical properties of the drug Vehicle Thickness and hydration of stream corneum Occlusion
What are the different types of vehicles?
Solution Cream Paste Lotion Gel Foam Ointment Spray Shampoo
What are some examples of drugs which are used topically?
Corticosteroid Salicylic acid Coal tar Chemotherapy Antibiotic Antiviral Dithranol Vitamin analogues Anti inflammatory
What effect will anti inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs have?
Vasoconstriction
Inhibit vascular permeability
Suppress fibroblast, endothelial and leukocyte function
How much should a finger tip unit treat?
Area double the size of one hand
What are the side effects of topical steroids?
Thinning/atrophy Striae Bruising Hirsutism Telangictasia Acne/rosacea/ perioral dermatitis Glaucoma Cataracts Systemic absorption
What are retinoids?
Vitamin A analogues
What are the 4 common oral retinoids used in dermatology?
Isotretinoin
Acitretin
Betarotene
Alitretinoin
What are the contraindications of retinoids?
Teratogenic (cardiac and neural birth defects)
What are the side effects of retinoids?
Chelitis and xerosis
Increases transaminases, increases triglycerides
What are some examples of immunosuppressants used in dermatology?
Oral steroids Azathiprine Ciclosporin Methotrexate Mycophenolate mofetil
What are the contraindications of immunosuppressants?
Risk of malignancy and serious infection
What are biologics?
Genetically engineered proteins derived from human genes
What biologics are licensed for psoriasis treatment?
Etanercept Inflixamab Ustekinumab Secukinumab Adalimumab
What biologic is licensed for chronic spontaneous urticaria?
Omalizumab
