Miscellaneous Drugs Flashcards
What is Minodixidal (Rogaine)?
A topical agent for hair loss (same drug as the PO vasodilator, Loniten) that may activate hair follicles directly or alter local androgen metabolism to prevent hair loss
This drug has poor cutaneous absorption and systemic effects are unlikely with intact skin
What is Finasteride (Propecia)?
An oral drug that works by reducing scalp levels of dihydrotestosterone (blocks 5a-reductase) similar to Saw palmetto for increased hair growth (or BPH)
AEs of Finasteride?
loss of libido and sexual dysfunction
What is Elfonithine?
Topical drug used to reduce unwanted female facial fair that works by inhibitng ornithine decarboxylase, which is needed for nucleic acid syntheis and cell growth (by a hair follicle in this sense). Takes 6-8 weeks for effect.
Other uses of Eflornithine?
produces trypanostatic action for use in sleeping sickness
Notes on Elfornithine
This drug is for use in facial and chin areas only and is not be applied arround the eyes or mucous membranes (although poorly absorbed)
What are the uses of the 3-drug combo Fluocinolone, tretinoin, and Hydroquinone?
Provides temporary relife of facial skin darkening by combining a corticosteroid (fluocinolone), a retinoid, and a melanocyte inhibitor (Hydroquinone)
How does Hydroquinone block melanin formation?
it blocks melanocyte enzymatic oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxyphenylanine (DOPA)
AEs of Tri-Luma?
increased sensitivity to UV
What does Methoxsalen do?
Drug activated by exposure to UVA1 light that causes DNA cross-linking and cell death that is used for many drugs including vitligo, psoriasis, cutanoue T-cell lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) and eczema.
How is hair regenerated following chemo?
Regrowth of the hair shaft can occur from stem cells in the ‘bulge’ of the hair follicle
Chemo typically cause apoptotic cell death due to decreased Bcl-2 and icnreased Bax and p53