Ch. 110- Drugs for the Skin Flashcards
What are the primary uses of topical glucocorticoids?
To relieve inflammation and itching, and as a drying agent
Topical glucocorticoids are commonly used in dermatological treatments.
What are common adverse effects of topical glucocorticoids?
- Thinning of the skin
- Striae
- Purpura
- Telangiectasis
- Hypertrichosis
- Growth delay in children
- Adrenal suppression in all age groups
These effects can vary based on the potency and duration of use.
How should topical glucocorticoids be administered?
Apply in a thin film and gently rub into the skin; do not use occlusive bandages or tight-fitting diapers
Systemic toxicity is more likely under extreme conditions.
What do keratolytic agents promote?
Shedding of the horny layer of the skin
Salicylic acid and sulfur are common keratolytic agents.
What are the primary agents used for acne treatment?
- Benzoyl peroxide
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin
- Retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene, Tazarotene)
- Azelaic acid
These agents can be topical or oral.
Which antibiotics are preferred for moderate to severe acne?
- Doxycycline
- Minocycline
- Tetracycline (alternatives)
- Erythromycin (alternatives)
Benefits of these antibiotics may take 3 to 6 months to reach maximum efficacy.
What is isotretinoin used for?
Treatment of severe nodulocystic acne vulgaris
It is a derivative of vitamin A and teratogenic.
What must patients using isotretinoin adhere to?
Two forms of birth control must be used
This is part of the iPLEDGE program to prevent pregnancy.
What are the effects of UVA radiation?
Penetrates the epidermis and deep into the dermis; causes immunosuppression, photosensitive drug reactions, and photoaging
UVA can also lead to DNA damage.
What is the primary effect of UVB radiation?
Causes tanning and sunburn
UVB penetrates only into the epidermis.
What does SPF stand for, and what does it measure?
Sun Protection Factor; it is an index of protection against UVB radiation
SPF does not address UVA protection.
What are the common treatments for psoriasis?
- Topical drugs (Glucocorticoids, Vitamin D analogues, Tazarotene, Anthralin, Tars)
- Systemic drugs (Methotrexate, Acitretin, Glucocorticoids, Cyclosporine, Biologics)
Treatments aim to suppress inflammatory cell activity.
What is actinic keratosis (AK)?
Rough, scaly, red or brown papules caused by chronic exposure to sunlight
Half of all skin cancers in the U.S. begin as AKs.
Which medication is used to treat actinic keratoses?
- Fluorouracil
- Diclofenac sodium
- Imiquimod
- Aminolevulinic acid plus blue light
Fluorouracil causes tissue disintegration as part of its therapeutic effect.
What is the first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis (eczema)?
Glucocorticoids
Topical immunosuppressants are considered second-line therapy due to potential risks.
What are common treatments for impetigo?
- Topical agents (Mupirocin, Retapamulin)
- Oral agents (Amoxicillin/clavulanate, Dicloxacillin, Cephalexin, Clindamycin)
Impetigo is highly contagious and primarily affects children.
What is mupirocin used for?
Treatment of impetigo caused by Staph. aureus, Strep. pyogenes, or beta-hemolytic streptococci
It can also eliminate nasal colonization by MRSA.
What is the mechanism of action of clindamycin?
Inhibits protein synthesis
It is effective against most anaerobic bacteria and some gram-positive aerobes.
Which statement is true regarding sunscreens?
The intensity of UVB radiation is greatest between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm
This is important for effective sun protection.
True or False: SPF 30 provides twice the protection of SPF 15.
False
The relationship between SPF values and protection is not linear.
