SS Drugs

Question 1

Patch testing

Answer 1

Used to investigate contact dermatitis
Around 40 substances put on the back, held on by tape
Tape removed on 2nd visit
3rd visit - any reactions recorded

Question 2

UVB and PUVA

Answer 2

Exposure to UVA and UVB light

Treatment for psoriasis, dermatitis, vitiligo

Question 3

Ellipse and punch biopsy

Answer 3

Takes a small disc of full thickness skin for testing

Question 4

Curette and cautery

Answer 4

Curette - tool that can scrape off lesion

Wound surface is cauterised with heat or electrosurgical unit (diathermy) to stop bleeding

Question 5

Cryotherapy

Answer 5

Use liquid nitrogen (-196 C) to freeze lesions and remove them
Used for actinic keratoses, viral warts, seborrhoeic keratoses and benign lesions, and BCC

Question 6

Retinoids

Answer 6

Derived from vitamin A
Regulate epithelial cell growth
Used for acne, psoriasis, rosacea, seborrhea, granuloma annulare, actinic keratoses
Tretinoin can be used for sun damage

Question 7

Keratolytics

Answer 7

Removes warts and lesions where epidermis produces excess skin

Question 8

Dithranol

Answer 8

Hydroxyanthrone

Used for psoriasis - slower onset of action compared to steroids but does not have withdrawal symptoms

Question 9

Calcipotriol

Answer 9

Synthetic derivative of calcitriol, a form of vitamin D

Used for psoriasis

Question 10

Methotrexate

Answer 10

Used for autoimmune diseases such as RA, Crohns and psoriasis
Weekly dose
Side effects: hair loss, nausea, headaches and skin pigmentation

Question 11

Ciclosporin

Answer 11

Immunosuppressant used for autoimmune conditions such as psoriasis
Side effects: HTN, headache, kidney problems, vomiting
Decreases function of lymphocytes

Question 12

Dapsone

Answer 12

Antibiotic used for acne, dermatitis herpetiformis

Side effects: decrease in blood cells, nausea, loss of appetite

Question 13

Azathioprine

Answer 13

Immunosuppressant used for SLE, pemphigus, eczema and atopic dermatitis
Side effects: bone marrow suppression and vomiting

Question 14

Isotretinoin

Answer 14

Retinoid used for treatment for severe acne

Side effects: dry lips, dry skin and increases susceptibility to sun burn, myalgia and headaches

Question 15

Chloramphenicol

Answer 15

Used for conjunctivitis

Side effects: bone marrow suppression, nausea, diarrhea

Question 16

Levofloxacin

Answer 16

Used for cellulitis and eye infections

Common side effects: tendon rupture, nausea, diarrhea, trouble sleeping

Question 17

Aciclovir

Answer 17

Antiviral used against HSV and VZV
Can cause low platelets
Decreases production of virus’s DNA

Question 18

Mydriatics/ cycloplegics

Answer 18

Eg atropine, cyclopentolate, tropicamide, phenylephrine
Antimuscarinic action, dilates the pupil and paralyses the ciliary muscles
Facilitate examination of fundus of eye
Used in treatment of anterior uveitis

Question 19

Miotics

Answer 19

Eg pilocarpine
Stimulate parasympathetic nervous system causing pupil to become smaller
Reduce IOP
Used to reverse angle closure glaucoma

Question 20

Prostaglandin analogues

Answer 20

Eg latanoprost, bimatoprost
Used to treat open angle glaucoma - reduce IOP
Can cause darkening of iris colour

Question 21

Sympathomimetics

Answer 21

Eg brimonidine
Stimulant compounds which mimic effects of endogenous agonists of sympathetic nervous system
Used to treat open angle glaucoma - decreases syntheis of aqueous humour

Question 22

Carbonic anyhdrase inhibitors

Answer 22

Acetazolamide

Used to treat acute angle closure glaucoma and open angle glaucoma