Dermatological Drugs Flashcards
What are the functions of the skin?
- Thermoregulation
- Sensation
- Storage & Synthesis
- Protection
How does the skin thermoregulate?
- Blood flow in the dermis helps the body adjust to cold (BV contract) and heat (BV relax).
- In cold weather, the dermal blood vessels constrict,
warm blood flow bypasses the skin. - Sweat glands- ~500 ml of sweat a day; up to 12 L a day
How does the skin have a sensation function?
Nerve endings for touch, pressure, temperature and
pain
How does the skin have a storage & synthesis function?
- Stores lipids and water
- Vitamin D synthesis
- Collagenases (needed for turnover of collagen)
How does the skin have a protection function?
- Physical barrier
- Chemical barriers:
- Acid secretions and dermcidin in sweat
- Bactericidal substances in sebum
- Melanin preventing ultraviolet damage
Topical vs. Transdermal Medications:
Topical
* Directly treat disorders of the skin
* Ideally the drug will stay in the skin (acting locally)
Transdermal
* Deliver drugs to other tissues
* Drug needs to make it to the blood stream (pen, through all layers of skin & then act systemically)
What is skin absorption?
Drugs have to make it across the stratum corneum
a) Across appendages (ex: hair follicle, sweat duct)
b) Transcellular
c) Intercellular (if small molecule, can squeeze b/t these cells)
What is a reservoir in terms of skin absorption?
Drugs can get stuck in the stratum corneum and can be
released later (causes a slow release b/c trapped in skin)
Chemical penetration enhancers:
- Decrease barrier properties of skin
- Often included in transdermal drug formulations (for systemic levels)
Topical therapies penetration influenced by:
- Concentration of the drug (increase [ ], more able to get into skin layers)
- Content of vehicle or base (ointment/cream)
- Degree of hydration of the skin (if skin is dry, the drugs don’t pen the same way)
- Patient age (thin as age increases)
For topical therapies, why is the area of application imp.?
Absorption is greater at flexural sites (elbows), so less potent drugs should be used
What are Emollients?
- Diverse array of products
- Creams, ointments, bath products, sprays
- Increase skin hydration- soften and soothe rough, dry skin
What could the use of emollients do?
Use of emollients can increase topical drug penetration five fold
What is the topical tx in the elderly?
Substances enter aged skin more easily, but clearance into the circulation is slower because of changes in the dermal matrix and reduced vasculature
What is the drug metabolism in the skin?
- Skin is a biochemical barrier
Dermis contains:
* Metabolizing enzymes
- CYP26A1, Phase I (oxidases, etc.), Phase II (glucuronidation, etc.)
Drug transporters
* Influx and efflux transporters
- P-glycoprotein etc.
What are Topical Corticosteroids?
Anti-inflammatory & Anti-pruritic (Anti-itch)
How do corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory properties in skin?
Anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive action
- REDUCE inflammatory cytokines
– less cytokines means decreased T-cell activation, less inflammatory cell migration, etc. - indirect inhibition of phospholipase A2 & arachidonic acid synthesis which is needed for prostaglandin production
- COX-2 synthesis is reduced
- interferes w/ mast cell histamine release
- vasoconstriction & decreased BV permeability
What are some adverse effects of topical steroid use?
- Skin atrophy (thinning of skin)
- Skin striae (stretch marks)
- Infections may spread
- Local hirsutism (increase hair growth @ that area)
- Depigmentation
- Use on eyelids can cause glaucoma
- Abrupt cessation can cause disease rebound
Topical Corticosteroids for
Dermatologic Use Adverse Effects:
- Higher potency formulations can cause systemic side
effects if used on large areas and/or for prolonged
periods - Vehicle can increase or decrease potency level
- Delicate skin (flexure points at joints, face, etc.) use
mild potency - Thick skin (palms of hands or soles of feet) use higher
potency