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Representative Drugs for the Skin

Category, Namea, and Route

Uses and Diseases

Actions

Usual Doseb and Special Instructions

Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

Keratolytics

Salicylic acid Topical

Seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, warts, corns, calluses

Swells and softens excess keratin for easy removal or shedding

Dosage depends on form and strength of preparation. Soaking skin before use assists drug action. Apply dressing as ordered. Do not put drug in contact with eyes, mucous membranes, or normal skin.

Irritation, burning

Astringents

Calamine and diphenhydramine (Caladryl) lotion Topical

Itching from poison ivy or poison oak, insect bites, or other skin irritations; mild sunburn

Relief of itching; soothes mild sunburns; drying action

Apply topically 3 or 4 times daily. Clean and dry area before applying.

Burning or itching

Antipruritics

Trimeprazine tartrate

(Temaril)

Oral

Urticaria, contact dermatitis, drug rash

Relief of itching; both antihistamine and antipruritic; has drying effect and sedative effect

2.5 mg qid

Short-term therapy: drowsiness, hypotension, bradycardia, faintness, and very rarely, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting, dry mouth

Long-term therapy: skin pigmentation, extrapyramidal reactions (dyskinesia)

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (Topical Corticosteroids)

Betamethasone valerate (Valisone) Topical

Contact dermatitis, psoriasis

Suppresses inflammation, relieves itching and swelling

Dosage depends on form and strength of preparation. Apply sparingly. Massage gently into affected area. Do not apply in or near eyes. Available as aerosol; do not inhale spray. Check skin regularly for signs of irritation. Use occlusive dressing as ordered.

Irritation, burning, itching, dryness, redness

Triamcinolone (Aristocort) Topical

Contact dermatitis, oral lesions

Suppresses inflammation, relieves itching and swelling

Apply tid and bedtime

Irritation, burning, itching, dryness, redness

Hydrocortisone OTC: Hytone 0.5% ointment Delacort 0.5% lotion Bactine 0.5% cream Aeroseb HC 0.5% spray Cortef Rectal Itch 0.5% ointment Topical

OTC: Temporary relief of minor skin, genital, and anal itching and rashes; anorectal products for severe inflammation and swelling have other ingredients such as belladonna, benzocaine

Anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and vasoconstrictive actions

Use sparingly and rub in lightly. Cover only as directed with occlusive dressing. Protect patient’s face from aerosols; avoid inhalation.

Burning and itching sensations, irritation, dryness, skin maceration, especially with occlusive dressings. Systemic effects may occur with excessive or prolonged use.

Hydrocortisone Prescription: Dermacort 1.0% lotion Synacort 2.5% cream Sensacort 0.5% spray Nutracort 1.0% gel Cort-Dome 15 mg suppositories Proctofoam 1.0% aerosol Topical

Prescription: Relief of inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatosis

Anti-inflammatory

Apply sparingly to affected area. Apply suppository as directed.

Burning, itching, irritation

Anti-Infectives, Antibacterials, Antifungals

Mafenide acetate (Sulfamylon) Topical

Second- and third-degree burns

Broad-spectrum sulfonamide, bactericidal for many organisms

Cleanse area of debris before application. Apply with sterile tongue blade or gloved hand to a thickness of   inch. Keep area covered with medication at all times. Apply dressing as ordered.

Pain, burning, stinging, allergic reactions, fungal superinfection

1% silver sulfadiazine (Silvadene) cream Topical

Adjunct for prevention and treatment of wound sepsis (poisoning) in second- and third-degree burns

Bactericidal and antimicrobial activity

Cleanse and debride; cover with drug at all times. Reapply 1 or 2 times daily using sterile technique to a thickness of  inch.

Itching, burning, or rash; pain

Vasoconstrictors/Venous Insufficiency Treatments

Debrisan paste and beads Topical

Adjunct treatment

of wet ulcer

(e.g., decubitus ulcers)

Reduces swelling and edema; increases venous flow

Dosage depends on strength of beads or paste. Packets are 25 g to 60 g each; paste available in 10-g foil packets

Pain, transitory bleeding, blistering, erythema

Vasoconstrictors/Venous Insufficiency Treatments

DuoDERM Hydroactive granules/beads and paste Topical

Dermal exudating ulcers, dermal ulcers

Local management of ulcer by forming gel-like substance of moisture in ulcers or wounds

Sterile 30-g tube; avoid use when muscle, bone, or tendon is involved; do not use on pressure sores, ulcers from tuberculosis, or deep fungal infection

Infection; odor or change in color due to infection; fever, cellulitis

Antiseptics

Povidone-iodine (Betadine) Topical

Surface infections, burns, minor wounds, vaginitis

Kills germs

Apply as ordered; avoid contact with eyes

Irritation, redness, swelling

Anesthetics

Benzocaine (Solarcaine) Topical

Pruritus, minor burns; oral, nasal, and gingival mucous membranes

Inhibits conduction of nerve impulses from sensory nerves

Give smallest effective dose according to age

Sensitizaion