Dermatology Pharmacology and Prescribing Flashcards

1
Q

What is an unlicensed medicine?

A

Not approved for use in the UK

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2
Q

What is an off label medicine?

A

Licensed medication used for unlicensed indication

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3
Q

What are medicine ‘specials’?

A

Unlicensed dermatological preparations

Long history of use, no strong evidence base

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4
Q

What are pharmacokinetics?

A

Effect of the body on the drug

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5
Q

What are pharmacodynamics?

A

Effect of the drug on the body

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6
Q

Why is a the method of drug excretion important information?

A

Renal disease

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7
Q

Why is a the method of drug metabolism important information?

A

Liver disease

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8
Q

Which factors are associated with poor medicine adherence?

A
Psychiatric issues
Slower acting agents
Multiple applications/day
Lack of patient education
Forgetting
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9
Q

What is a medication vehicle?

A

Pharmacologically inert, stable substance that carries the active drug

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10
Q

What factors affect skin absorption?

A
Concentration
Vehicle
Chemical properties
Thickness and hydration of stratum corneum
Temperature
Occlusion
Skin site
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11
Q

How do topical steroids work?

A

Suppress fibroblast, endothelial, leukocyte function
Vasoconstriction
Inhibit vascular permeability
Regulate proinflammatory cytokines

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12
Q

What is a fingertip unit?

A

0.5g
Treat area 2x size of hand
Useful for children

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13
Q

What side effects are associated with topical steroids?

A
Thinning/atrophy
Striae
Bruising
Hirsutism
Telangiectasia 
Acne/rosacea 
Perioral dermatitis
Glaucoma
Systemic absorption
Cataracts
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14
Q

What are retinoids?

A

Vitamin A analogues

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15
Q

Which retinoid is used in acne?

A

isotretinoin

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16
Q

Which retinoid is used in psoriasis?

A

Acitretin

17
Q

Which retinoid is used in cutaneous T cell lymphoma?

A

Bexarotene

18
Q

Which retinoid is used in hand eczema?

A

alitretinoin

19
Q

How do retinoids work?

A

Normalise keratinocyte function

Anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer effects

20
Q

What side effects are associated with Retinoids?

A
Teratogenic
Cheilitis (dry lips)
Xerosis (dry skin)
↑transaminases, TAGs
Psych, eye, bone
21
Q

When are immunosuppressants used in dermatology?

A

Inflammatory skin diseases

22
Q

What risks are associated with immunosuppressants?

A

Malignancy

Serious infection

23
Q

What must also be done for patients on immunosuppressants?

A

Blood test monitoring:
FBC (methotrexate, azithioprine)
Renal function (ciclosporin)
Liver function (methotexate)

24
Q

What does the suffix ‘-cept’ indicate for drugs?

A

Biologic - receptor fusion

25
Q

What does the suffix ‘-mab’ indicate for drugs?

A

Monoclonal antibodies

26
Q

What risks are associated with biologics?

A

Infection and malignancy

TNF inhibitors - risk of demyelination