Dermatology Pharmacology and Prescribing Flashcards
What is pharmacokinetics?
The effect of body on the drug
What is pharmacodynamics?
The effect of the drug on the body
What is distribution?
Where the drug goes
What is metabolism?
How is the drug processed
What factors can affect pharmacodynamics?
Age
Pregnancy
Drug interactions
Pharmacogenetics
What is topical therapy?
Medication that is applied to the skin
What is the vehicle of a drug?
pharmacologically inert, physically and chemically stable substance that carries the active drug
What vehicles can be used?
- Solution
- Cream
- Lotion
- Gel
- Foam
- Tape
- Paste
- Spray powder
- Shampoo
- Ointment
- Paint
What is the most important factor in topical steroids?
Potencies
Are topical steroids safe?
Yes
If used appropriately
How many g is a fingertip unit?
0.5g
What are the uncommon side effects of topical steroids?
Thinning/atrophy Striae Bruising Hirsutism Glaucoma Systemic absorption Cataracts
What are the 3 classes of drugs in dermatology?
Retinoids
Traditional immunosuppressants
Biologics
Why should child baring age women be careful with retinoids?
Because they are teratogenic
What factors are associated with poor medication adherence from patients?
Psychiatric co-morbidities Slower acting agents Multiple applications per day Lack of patient education Cosmetic acceptability of treatments Unintentional non-adherence
What type of analogues are retinoids?
Vitamin A analogues
What conditions are retinoids used in?
Acne
Psoriasis
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma
Hand eczema
What are some side effects of retinoids?
Dry lips
Dry skin
What do immunosuppressants treat?
Inflammatory skin conditions
What is there increased risk of with immunosuppressants?
Malignancy
Serious infection risk
What needs constantly monitored when on immunosuppressants?
Bloods
What do biologic do?
Designed to inhibit specific components of the immune system
What is the main drawback to biologics?
Money
Expense
What is there a risk of with biologics?
Infection
Malignancy
