Integumentary Pharmacology Flashcards
antihistamines
Action: Inhibit allergic reactions to inflammation, redness, and itching caused by the release of histamine. May be given orally if itching is severe. As a group, these drugs are also known as antipruritics (pruritus means itching)
Generic and Trade Names:
diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Iortadine (Claratin)
antifungals
Action: Alter the cell wall of fungi or disrupt enzyme activity, resulting in cell death.
Used to treat ringworm (tinea corporis), athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), and fungal infection of the nail (onychomychosis). Oral or intravenous may be used if topicals are not effective.
Generic and Trade Names:
nystatin (Mycostatin and Nyston)
itraconazole (Sporanox)
antisceptics
Action: topically applied agents that inhibit growth of bacteria, thus preventing infections in cuts, scratches, and surgical incisions.
Generic and Trade Names:
ethyl or isopropyl alcohol
hydrogen peroxide
corticosteroids
Action: Decrease inflammation and itching by suppressing the immune system’s inflammatory response to tissue damage
Topical corticosteroids are used to treat contact dermatitis, poison ivy, insect bites, psoriasis, seborrhea, and eczema. Oral may be prescribed for systemic treatment of severe or widespread inflammation or itching.
Generic and Trade Names:
hydrocortisone (Certacort, Cortaid)
triamcinolone (Azmacort, Kenalog)
*the suffixes -sone, -olone, and -onide are common to generic corticosteroids.
keratolytics
Destroy and soften the outer layer of skin so that it is sloughed off or shed.
Strong keratolytics remove warts and corns and aid in penetration of antifungal drugs. Milder ones promote shedding of scales and crusts in eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other dry, scaly conditions. Weak keratolytics irritate inflamed skin, acting as a tonic to accelerate healing.
Generic and Trade names:
tretinoin (Retin-A, Vesanoid)
parasiticides
Action: Kill insect parasites, such as mites and lice.
Parasiticides are used to treat scabies (mites) and pediculosis (lice). The drug is applied as a cream or lotion to the body and as a shampoo to treat the scalp.
Generic and Trade Names:
lindane (Kwell, Thione)
permethrin (Nix)
protectives
Action: Cover, cool, dry, or soothe inflamed skin.
Protectives do not penetrate the skin or soften it. Rather they allow the natural healing process to occur by forming a long-lasting film that protects the skin from air, water, and clothing.
Generic and Trade Names:
lotions (Cetaphil moisturizing lotion)
ointments (Vaseline)
topical anesthetics
Block sensation of pain by numbing the skin layers and mucous membranes.
These topical drugs are administered directly by means of sprays, creams, gargles, suppositories, and other preparations. They provide temporary symptomatic relief of minor burns, sunburns, rashes, and insect bites.
Generic and Trade names:
lidocaine (Xylocaine)
procaine (Novocaine)
