Pharma Flashcards
What is a vehicle (topical therapies)
A substance without therapeutic action that is combined with a drug to aid administration
Examples of vehicles (topical therapy)
Cream
Ointment
Gel
Lotion
Paste
Cream definition
A semisolid émulsion of oil and water
Pros of creams
- moisturising
- cooling
- contain emulsifier + preservatives
- non greasy
- easy to apply
- cosmetically acceptable
- high water content
What are ointments
A semisolid of grease/oil
Features of ointments
- don’t contain preservatives
- occlusive/restrict transepidermal water loss
- greasy (less cosmetically acceptable)
What are gels
Thickened aqueous lotion
Semi solids containing high molecular weight polymers (eg. Methyl cellulose)
Features of gels
- liquify when they touch the skin leaving a thin layer of the drug
- cosmetically acceptable
- useful for areas with lots of hair (eg. Scalp and face)
What are lotions
Suspensions or solutions of a drug in water, alcohol or another liquid
Features of lotions
- useful for areas with lots of hair (eg. Scalp and face)
- may sting and/or dry skin if containing alcohol
What are pastes
A semisolid containing finely powdered material (eg. Zinc)
Features of pastes
- protective, occlusive and hydrating
- often used for skin conditions needing soothing, cooking and or drying
-greasy - stiff and difficult to apply
ANTIVIRAL DRUGS
- Used to treat?
- What form they come in
- What about extensive/aggressive problems
- Herpes simplex/ Zoster viruses
- cream (for face) or ointment (for genital lesions)
- oral antivirals may be needed (eg shingles)
ANTISEPTICS
- What group of substances do they belong to?
- What are they used for
- biocides
- infection control - to prevent antimicrobials from entering skin through wounds and/microabrasions(eg.surgery)
TOPICAL ANTIFUNGALS
- used for?
- what is used in extreme cases (eg. Immunosuppresseurs or extensive infection)
- which drugs are better for Yeats and which for dermatophytes
- fungal infections
- oral anti-fungal agents
- yeasts = imidazoles, dermatophytes = terbinafine
TOPICAL ANTI-PRURITICS
- What used for?
Conditions that are acutely or chronically itchy
KERATINOLYTICS
- what used for
- side effects
- example
- to soften keratin + aid exfoliation of cells in epidermis of skin
- skin irritation + burning
- salicylic acid
KERATINOLYTICS
- examples of conditions they are used to treat
- warts/verrucas
- psoriasis (esp. of scalp and feet)
- hyperkeratotic skin conditions
- others
VITAMIN D ANALOGUES
- what used for?
- what type of drugs are they!
- chronic plaque psoriasis
- topical drugs that are immune-modulating drugs
VITAMIN D ANALOGUES
- pros
- cons
Pros
- easy to apply
- clean + no smell
- no long term side effects like seen with topical steroids
Cons:
- can be irritant
- only 100g a week (could effect calcium metabolism)
COAL TAR
- used for
- description/appearance
- chronic plaque psoriasis, severe dermatitis
- thick, viscous topical agent
COAL TAR
- Pros
- cons
Pros
- cheap
- limited systemic side effects
Cons
- messy + smelly (thick preparations use only on on-patients)
- can stain hair (pic used on scalp
- can be irritant
TOPICAL ANTIBIOTICS M.O.A
bactericidal or bacteriostatic
TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS
Finger tip application guide - 1 fingertip
-how many grams
- what is treated
1/2g
Enough to treat 2 adult palms of hands
