Week 9 Topical - Acne Medications Flashcards
What classes of medications are used in the treatment of acne?
Retinoids and antibiotics
The retinoids are a natural derivative of _______
Vitamin A
What is the mechanism of action of tretinoin?
reduces keratinocyte cohesion in pores, leads to expulsion of clog
Acne is caused by a combination of _______
- increased sebum (oil) production
- abnormal cohesion of keratinocytes clogs pores
- inflammation caused by P. acnes bacteria
- Genetic components
- Eating too much pizza (pizza face syndrome)
What is the mechanism of action of adaptalene (differin)
- “Retinoid like”
- Modulates epithelial cell differentiation
- Some anti-inflammatory component
What medications are topical antibiotics used for acne?
Benzoyl Peroxide
Clindamycin
What is the rationale for the use of topical antibiotics in acne?
P. acnes bacteria may play some role in the development/worsening of acne
What is the mechanism of action of benzoyl peroxide?
oxidizes bacterial proteins
sebostatic effect (decreases oil)
mild desquamation
What is the mechanism of action of clindamycin?
Protein synthesis inhibitor (50S ribosome subunit)
What are the contraindications for topical clindamycin use?
- Hypersensitivity
- Hx of colitis, especially antibiotic related
What are the contraindications to the retinoids?
Any of the following at the site of application:
* Eczema
* sunburns
* abrasions
What are the ADR related to the topical acne medications
Skin irritation
Photosensitivity
True or false:
Acne may initially worsen when started on a topical medication
True - it appears to be a part of the therapeutic process of the medications.
Despite minimal systemic absorption, the retinoids are contraindicated in pregnant patients due to the risk of _________
birth defects
