1 - pharmacology

Question 1

what is important layer in epidermis to know for absorption of topical drugs?

Answer 1

stratum corneum = has brick & mortar structure of dead keratinocytes (corneocytes)

Question 2

what are some factors affecting absorption of topical medication?

Answer 2

• hydrophilic drugs = diffuse along aqueous domains so absorb better if more water in skin
• molecular weight important element = small drugs pass more efficiently

Question 3

what are some effects of glucocorticoids?

Answer 3

they’re basically anti-inflammatory and prevent scarring = act by either stimulate proteins that are anti-inflammatory or block proteins that make inflammation

Question 4

what are some different formulations of topical medication? (in order of least water to most water content)

Answer 4

ointment, pastes, creams, solutions & suspensions, lotions

(less watery better for dry or less hairy areas as more greasy and difficult to wash off)

Question 5

what is transdermal drug delivery?

Answer 5

it’s when patch applied to skin & drug absorbed through epidermis, dermis & gets to subcutaneous tissue & taken into systemic circulation via blood vessels

Question 6

what are ways to enhance transdermal drug delivery?

Answer 6

• water = if accumulate in stratum corneum then makes selling disrupting lipid bilayer allowing drug to get through quicker
• alcohols also disrupt lipid bilayer making gaps so easier for drug to get through
• prodrugs = add chemical groups to make more lipophilic