Dermatopharmacology Flashcards
MOA: H1 and H2 antihistamines
Inverse agonists (downregulate constitutively activated state of receptor) or antagonists at histamine receptors
T/F: Histamine levels are elevated in the skin of chronic urticaria
True
H1 antihistamines with Pregnancy category A
None
Adverse effects: 1st gen H1 antihistamines
Sedation Impaired cognitive function Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, dysuria, and blurred vision)
T/F: 1st gen H1 antihistamines are not metabolized by cytochrome P-450 system
False
Pregnancy category B 1st gen H1 antihistamines
Diphenhydramine
Chlorpheniramine
Pregnancy category B 2nd gen H1 antihistamines
Loratadine
Cetirizine
Carboxylic acid metabolite of hydroxyzine, mainly excreted unchanged; >10% get drowsiness (most sedating of second-generation antihistamines
Cetirizine
Tricyclic antidepressant with H1 and H2 antihistamine activity; effective in urticaria and depressed patients with neurotic excoriations; available orally and topically
Doxepin
Black box warning: Doxepin
Suicidality
Three interconvertible forms of vitamin A
Retinol (alcohol)
Retinal (aldehyde)
Retinoic acid (acid)
Precursors of vitamin A
Carotenoids
Storage form of Vitamin A
Retinol (in the liver)
MOA: Retinoids
Binds cytosolic retinoid binding protein → transported to the nucleus → binds intracellular nuclear receptors
Vitamin A and related natural and synthetic compounds are known as
Retinoids
Major retinoid receptors in keratinocytes
RXR-α and RAR-γ (most abundant in skin)
Effect of photoaging on retinoid receptors
Decreased RXR-α and RAR-γ
Effects of binding to RAR/RXR
Inhibits AP1 and NF-IL6 - important in proliferation and inflammatory responses
Inhibits TLR2 - important in inflammation
Decrease tumorigenesis and induces apoptosis
Antikeratinization (downregulates K6 and K16)
Inhibits ornithine decarboxylase
Increase TH1 cytokines and Decrease TH2 cytokines (helpful in CTCL)
Earliest and most common SE of systemic retinoids
Cheilitis
Seen in 75%–90% of isotretinoin patients as a result of dryness of the nasal mucosa
Staphylococcus aureus colonization
SE of retinoid used in conjunction w/ tetracyclines
Pseudotumor cerebri
Bone toxicity in retinoids more common in acitretin
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)
Most common laboratory abnormality, highest risk w/ bexarotene
Hyperlipidemia/hypertriglyceridemia
T/F: Discontinue retinoid if fasting TGs >800 mg/dL because of a pancreatitis risk
True
T/F: If LFT elevations are greater than 3× the upper limit of normal, should discontinue retinoid
True
Occurs in 80% on bexarotene
Central hypothyroidism
Decreased TSH and T4
Leukopenia (neutropenia) and agranulocytosis are most common with which retinoid
Bexarotene
Most common adverse results in pregnant patients exposed to isotretinoin
Spontaneous abortion (20%) Retinoid embryopathy (18-28%)
Specific features of Retinoid embryopathy - Craniofacial:
Microtia Cleft palate Microphthalmia Hypertelorism Dysmorphic facies Ear abnormalities
Specific features of Retinoid embryopathy - CNS
Microcephaly
Hydrocephalus
CN7 palsy
Cortical and cerebellar defects
Specific features of Retinoid embryopathy - CV
Cardiac septal defects
Tetralogy of Fallot
Transposition of great vessels
Aortic arch hypoplasia
Specific features of Retinoid embryopathy - Thymus
Thymic aplasia/ectopia
Interaction: Bexarotene + Gemfibrozil
Bexarotene is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4; avoid with gemfibrozil as it inhibits 3A4 → Increased plasma levels of bexarotene → severe hypertriglyceridemia
Basic structure of corticosteroids
3 hexane rings and 1 pentane ring
Exogenous Corticosteroids absorbed in
Upper jejunum
Short-acting Corticosteroids
Hydrocortisone and cortisone: ↓glucocorticoid, ↑mineralocorticoid activity
Half life: 8–12 hours
Intermediate-acting Corticosteroids
Prednisone, prednisolone, methylprednisolone, and triamcinolone: ↑glucocorticoid and ↓mineralocorticoid activity
Half life: 24–36 hours
Long-acting Corticosteroids
Dexamethasone and betamethasone: ↑↑glucocorticoid, no mineralocorticoid activity
Half life: 36–54 hours
T/F Glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) binds to CS in the cytoplasm then translocates to nucleus
True
Increased Cortisol-binding globulin
Estrogen therapy
Pregnancy
Hyperthyroidism
Decreased Cortisol-binding globulin
Hypothyroidism
Liver disease
Renal disease
Obesity
Converts steroids to active forms in the liver
11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
Major downregulator of cell-mediated immunity
IL-10
Physiologic CS therapy dose
5 to 7.5 mg/day day of Prednisone
Risk factors for HPA Axis Suppression
Abrupt cessation of CS (always taper if CS course is >4 weeks) Major stressor (surgery, trauma, or illness) Divided dosing (BID or TID) Daily dose given at any time other than the morning
T/F Alternate day dosing lowers risk of cataracts or osteoporosis
False
Two clinical presentations of exogenous adrenal insufficiency
- Steroid withdrawal syndrome (SWS): most common presentation; presents with (p/w) arthralgias, myalgias, mood changes, headache, fatigue, and anorexia/nausea/vomiting; no change in serum cortisol level, but rather ↓available intracellular CS
- Adrenal (Addisonian) crisis: extremely uncommon; life-threatening; p/w symptoms of SWS + hypotension, ↓↓↓cortisol levels
Glucocorticoid effects: CS
Hyperglycemia
Increased appetite/weight gain
Mineralocorticoid effects: CS
HTN
CHF
Weight gain
Hypokalemia
Lipid effects: CS
Hypertriglyceridemia (may result in acute pancreatitis)
Cushingoid changes
Menstrual irregularity
Lipodystrophy (moon face, buffalo hump, and central obesity)
Cutaneous effects: CS
Decrease wound healing Striae Atrophy Telangiectasias Steroid acne Purpura Infections (staphylococcal, herpes virus) Telogen effluvium Hirsutism Pustular psoriasis flare (upon drug withdrawal) Perioral dermatitis Contact dermatitis Hypopigmentation
Unique adverse effects of Intramuscular CS
Cold abscesses Subcutaneous fat atrophy Crystal deposition Menstrual irregularities Purpura
Most commonly used provocative test for adrenal function
ACTH stimulation
More accurate test for basal adrenal function (advantage); main disadvantage is patient compliance
24 hour urine free cortisol
Primary screening tool to evaluate adrenal insufficiency
AM cortisol
First generation (nonaromatic) topical retinoid 1-2% skin absorption in normal skin Improvement in 8-12 weeks Pregnancy Category C All RAR Nuclear receptors For acne and photoaging SE include irritation, erythema, peeling, pruritus, photosensitivity, and temporary worsening of acne Inactivated by UV (apply at night) Oxidized by benzoyl peroxide
Tretinoin (all-trans-RA)
First generation topical retinoid Improvement in 4-8 weeks Pregnancy Category D All RAR and RXR Nuclear receptors Used for Kaposi sarcoma SE include irritation, erythema, and pruritus
Alitretinoin
Third generation topical retinoid Improvement in 8-12 weeks Pregnancy Category C RAR-β/γ > α Nuclear receptors For acne SE include irritation, erythema, peeling, and pruritus Light stable
Adapalene
Third generation topical retinoid <5% systemic absorption in normal skin Improvement in 8-12 weeks Pregnancy Category X RAR-β/γ > α Nuclear receptors For acne and plaque psoriasis SE include irritation, erythema, peeling, and pruritus
Tazarotene
Third generation topical retinoid Improvement in 20 weeks Pregnancy Category X All RXR Nuclear receptors For CTCL SE include irritation, and erythema
Bexarotene
First generation (nonaromatic) systemic retinoid Half life of 1 hour Metabolism: Hepatic Excretion: Bile, urine Pregnancy Category X All RAR Nuclear receptors For Acute promyelocytic leukemia
Tretinoin (ATRA or all-trans-Retinoic Acid)
First generation systemic retinoid
Half life of 20 hours
Metabolism: Hepatic
Excretion: Bile, urine
Pregnancy Category X (women must have 2 negative pregnancy tests prior to initiating; requires contraception for 1 month before, during, and 1 month after cessation of therapy)
For Severe acne and other follicular disorders
Isotretinoin (13-cis-Retinoic Acid)
Isotretioin dose for acne
Usual daily dose: 0.5–1 mg/kg per day
Goal cumulative dose: 120–150 mg/kg for severe acne
Only retinoid to affect sebum production so P. acnes unable to thrive
Isotretinoin
Second generation (monoaromatic) systemic retinoid
Half life of 120 days
Metabolism: Hepatic (to acitretin)
Excretion: Bile, urine
50 times more lipophilic than acitretin → persists very long
No longer available
Etretinate
Second generation systemic retinoid
Half life of 2 days
Metabolism: Hepatic
Excretion: Bile, urine
Pregnancy Category X (requires contraception for 1 month before, during, and 3 years after cessation of therapy)
For Psoriasis (pustular, erythrodermic, severe and recalcitrant plaque)
Acitretin
Why should concurrent alcohol use avoided in Acitretin intake?
Because alcohol → acitretin conversion to etretinate → significantly prolonged effects
Dose of Acitretin
Usual dose: 25–50 mg/day
Can be combined with PUVA (Re-PUVA); acitretin is given 10-14 days prior to starting PUVA, which accelerates the response
Third generation (polyaromatic) systemic retinoid
Half life of 7–9 hours
Metabolism: Hepatic
Excretion: Hepato-biliary
Pregnancy Category X (requires contraception for 1 month before, during, and 1 month after cessation of therapy)
All RXR Nuclear receptors
For CTCL resistant to at least one systemic therapy
Bexarotene
Dose of Bexarotene
Usual starting dose is 75 mg/day up to 300 mg/day
Response to treatment takes up to 6 months
Why should Gemfibrozil be avoided with use of Bexarotene?
Worsens the hypertriglyceridemia
Phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) inhibitor used for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Apremilast
MC SE of Apremilast
Diarrhea and nausea which resolve on their own within 4 weeks usually
JAK 1 and 3 inhibitor FDA approved for moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who have failed MTX
Topical and oral have been tested in psoriasis; reports of oral used in alopecia areata
Tofacitinib
JAK 1 and 2 inhibitor FDA approved for treatment of intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis
Topical version tested in psoriasis; reports of oral used in alopecia areata
Ruxolitinib
MOA: Azathioprine
Azathioprine’s active metabolite, 6-TG (thioguanine), is produced by the hypoxanthine guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HGPRT) pathway and shares similarities with endogenous purines → therefore, it gets incorporated into DNA and RNA → inhibits purine metabolism and cell division (particularly in fast-growing cells that do not have a salvage pathway, like lymphocytes)
Convert azathioprine into inactive metabolites
Xanthine oxidase Thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT)
Diminishes T-cell function and antibody production by B-cells
Azathioprine
Concomitant use with Azathioprine increases risk of myelosuppression
ACE inhibitors
Sulfasalazine
Folate antagonists
Decreases activity of xanthine oxidase which may lead to myelosuppressino with use of Azathioprine
Allopurinol or Febuxostat
FDA approved indications of Azathioprine
Organ transplantation and severe RA
Monitoring: Azathioprine
Baseline pregnancy test
Tuberculin skin test
Annual complete physical examination with particular attention to possible lymphoma and squamous cell carcinoma
CBC with differential and liver function tests every 2 weeks for the first 2 months and every 2 to 3 months thereafter
Increased risk of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma with Azathioprine use
TNF-α inhibitor
MOA: Cyclosporine
Forms a complex with cyclophilin, which inhibits calcineurin – an intracellular enzyme – which in turn reduces the activity of NFAT-1 (transcribes various cytokines, such as IL-2)
↓IL-2 production leads to decreased numbers of CD4 and CD8 cells.
Dermatologic dose of Cyclosporine
5 mg/kg daily and can be used continuously for up to 1 year according to the FDA (2 years for worldwide consensus data)
Cyclosporine lipid nanoparticles formulation maximum dermatolyte dose = 4 mg/kg
Obese patients - ideal body weight should be used
FDA approved dermatologic indications of Cyclosporine
Psoriasis
Two most notable SEs of Cyclosporine, which are dose- and duration-dependent
Nephrotoxicity (Irreversible kidney damage is avoided if patients receive dermatologic doses (2.5–5 mg/kg daily), have dose adjusted when creatinine increases by 30% from baseline, and use cyclosporine for no longer than 1 year)
Hypertension (occurs in 27% of psoriasis patients and is thought to be secondary to renal vasoconstriction; Prescription of choice = CCBs, because they do not alter cyclosporine serum levels)
T/F: There is risk of NMSC in psoriasis patients taking Cyclosporine treated for >2 years
True
Other SE of Cyclosporine
Hypertrichosis Gingival hyperplasia Myalgia, paresthesia, tremors Malaise Hyperuricemia (can precipitate gout), hypomagnesemia, and hyperkalemia
Monitoring of Creatinine in Cyclosporine
Recheck creatinine level if ↑ by >30% from baseline → if remains elevated above 30%, ↓dose by at least 1 mg/kg for 4 weeks, then:
- If the creatinine level drops back down to <30% above baseline, can continue therapy
- If it does not drop, then discontinue therapy; if it returns to within 10% of baseline, cyclosporine can be resumed at lower dose
If at any time creatinine increases by ≥50% above baseline, discontinue therapy until level returns to baseline
Monitoring: Cyclosporine
Two baseline blood pressures at least 1 day apart and two baseline creatinine values at least 1 day apart
Baseline BUN, CBC, LFTs, fasting lipid profile, magnesium, potassium, and uric acid
Reevaluation of labs and blood pressure every 2 weeks for the first 1 to 2 months, then every 4 to 6 weeks with blood pressure checked at every visit
MOA: Methotrexate
Binds dihydrofolate reductase with greater affinity than folic acid → prevents conversion of dihydrofolate to tetrahydrofolate (a necessary cofactor of purine synthesis) → inhibition of cell division
The inhibition of dihydrofolate reductase may be bypassed by
Leucovorin (folinic acid) or Thymidine
An active, naturally occurring version of folate (vitamin B9); most commonly used medication for rescue of high-dose MTX adverse effects/overdose
Leucovorin (folinic acid)
↓MTX-induced adverse effects
↓GI adverse effects by 26% (nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain)
↓risk of LFT abnormalities by 76%
↓risk of pancytopenia
↑ability to tolerate MTX (↓MTX discontinuation rate for any reason)
FDA approved dermatologic indications of Methotrexate
For extensive, severe, debilitating, or recalcitrant psoriasis and Sezary syndrome
Absolute contraindications to Methotrexate use
Pregnancy (category X)
Lactation
Testing indicated for high cumulative doses (≥ 1.5–4 g) of Methotrexate
Liver biopsy (gold standard)
Monitoring: Methotrexate
CBC w/ differential, LFTs, creatinine, BUN, and viral hepatitis panel at baseline, then repeat weekly for first month (excluding the viral hepatitis panel), and gradually decrease frequency to every 3 to 4 months (e.g., every 2 weeks × 2 months, every month × 2 months, every 3 months thereafter)
Causes UV and radiation recall (toxic cutaneous reactions reappear on previously irradiated skin)
Methotrexate
MOA: Mycophenolate mofetil
Binds and inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase - a key enzyme for the de novo synthesis of purines, which is essential in activated lymphocytes
Dermatologic doses of Mycophenolate mofetil
From 2 to 3 g divided in twice daily doses
Antacids and proton pump inhibitors decreases its serum levels
Mycophenolate mofetil
Requires gastric acidity for cleavage into its active state
Most common SEs of Mycophenolate mofetil
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
Mycophenolate mofetil is associated with a form of neutrophil dysplasia which is characterized by nuclear hypolobulation with a left shift (may predict the development of neutropenia) called
Pseudo-Pelger-Huet anomaly
MOA: Hydroxyurea
Impairs DNA synthesis through inhibition of ribonucleotide diphosphate reductase; hypomethylates DNA resulting in altered gene expression
Most common adverse effect of Hydroxyurea
Megaloblastic anemia (myelosuppression)
Can cause dermatomyositis-like eruption, lichenoid drug eruption resembling graft-versus-host disease, leg ulcers, alopecia, photosensitivity, radiation recall, and hyperpigmentation of the skin and nails
Hydroxyurea
MOA: Cyclophosphamide
An alkylating agent (exerts its effect by directly damaging DNA via cross-linking)
Metabolite of Cyclophosphamide which is cleaved intracellularly into acrolein and enhances cellular damage by depleting glutathione store
Aldophosphamide
Occurs in 5% to 41% as a result of acrolein (prevented by adequate hydration as well as mesna, which binds acrolein in the bladder and reduces irritation) associated with increased risk of transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder
Hemorrhagic cystitis
Cutaneous SE of Cyclophosphamide
Permanent pigmented band on the teeth
Anagen effluvium
Hyperpigmentation of skin and nails
MOA: Chlorambucil
Alkylating agent that directly damages DNA via cross-linking
MOA: Antimalarial agents
Inhibit ultraviolet-induced cutaneous reactions by binding to DNA and inhibiting superoxide production
Raise intracytoplasmic pH and stabilize the microsomal membrane → ↓ability of macrophages to express MHC complex antigens on cell surface
Reduce lysosomal size and impair chemotaxis
Inhibit platelet aggregation and adhesion
Steady-state concentration of antimalarial agents is attained at
3 to 4 months, which explains the long treatment duration required to achieve clinical benefit
FDA approved dermatologic indications of antimalarial agents
SLE
Malaria
RA
Contraindicated in patients who have myasthenia gravis
Chloroquine
T/F: Continued use of CQ and HCQ is contraindicated in patients who develop retinopathy
True
Mucocutaneous drug reactions of antimalarial agents
Yellow pigmentation of the skin (quinacrine)
Drug-induced LP
Morbilliform hypersensitivity eruption; may also present as erythroderma or SJS - Risk is much greater in dermatomyositis (31%) than lupus (3%)
Psoriasis exacerbation (CQ in particular)
Bluish-gray to black hyperpigmentation in 10-30% of patients treated for ≥4 months typically affecting the shins (clinically indistinguishable from type II minocycline hyperpigmentation), face, and palate
Nail hyperpigmentation
Ophthalmologic toxicity with CQ and HCQ
Corneal deposits (keratopathy) Neuromuscular eye toxicity (ciliary body dysfunction) Retinopathy (maculopathy) - Irreversible
Eye monitoring recommendations with CQ and HCQ
Baseline examination including visual field testing
Dilated examination and visual acuity testing within first year of starting therapy
Dilated examination and visual acuity testing yearly after 5 years of treatment
MOA: Dapsone
Inhibits myeloperoxidase → ↓oxidative damage to normal tissue in various neutrophilic dermatoses (affects eosinophils and monocytes to a lesser extent)
Decreases hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radical levels
Inhibits chemotaxis of neutrophils, although this has not been demonstrated in therapeutic doses
Dapsone undergoes significant enterohepatic recirculation, thus remaining in the circulation for how many days
30 days
FDA approved indications for Dapsone
Dermatitis herpetiformis
Leprosy
Dose-related AE and occurs in ALL individuals to some degree (related to oxidative stress from N-hydroxy metabolites of Dapsone)
Hemolytic anemia
Methemoglobinemia
Most serious idiosyncratic reaction to dapsone, usually occurs at 7 weeks (3–12 weeks) and may manifest as fever, pharyngitis, and occasionally sepsis
Agranulocytosis
Most recover quickly after cessation of dapsone; may consider giving G-CSF
Peripheral neuropathy with Dapsone is seen predominantly in
Distal motor
Decreases risk of methemoglobinemia without affecting dapsone’s plasma level
Cimetidine
Vitamin E - may also provide small amount of protection
Monitoring: Dapsone
Baseline G6PD level, CBC w/ differential, LFTs, renal function tests, and UA
Monitor CBC very closely during “high-risk window” for agranulocytosis: CBC weekly for 4 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 3 months into treatment (agranulocytosis is most common in first 12 weeks of treatment)
After 3 months, continue checking renal function, LFTs, and UA every 3 to 4 months
Methemoglobin levels - needed if there is clinical suspicion of decreased oxygen circulation or anemia