McKenna's Pharmacology for Nursing, 2e

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A P P E N D I X C Topical agents

■■ TABLE C Topical agents (continued) Drug Brand name

Dosage

Usual indications/special considerations

Acne products adapalene

Differin

Apply a thin film to affected area after washing

Do not use near cuts or open wounds; avoid sunburned areas; do not combine with other products; limit exposure to the sun; less drying than most acne products Wash hands thoroughly after application; improvement usually seen within 4 weeks; initial irritation usually passes with time Do not use occlusive dressings; may cause transient burning Wash and pat dry area before application once daily in the evening Avoid contact with eyes, mouth and mucous membranes. Should not be applied to nose angles Treatment of acne vulgaris Avoid use in pregnancy; drying, causes photosensitivity; do not use with products containing alcohol Discomfort, peeling, redness and worsening of acne may occur for first 2–4 weeks Use for acne vulgaris, the removal of fine wrinkles Exacerbation of inflammation may occur at first; therapeutic effects usually seen in first 2 weeks Treatment of rosacea

azelaic acid

Azclear, Finacea

Wash and dry skin; massage thin layer into skin b.d. Wash and dry area; massage into area morning and evening Apply to affected area Apply thin film b.d. Apply thin layer to affected area once daily at night Apply cream to affected area b.d. Apply thin film daily in the evening

clindamycin

ClindaTech, Dalacin, Zindaclin

clindamycin with benzoyl peroxide

Duac Once Daily

erythromycin isotretanoin

Eryacne Isotrex

metronidazole

Rozex

tazarotene

Zorac

tretinoin, 0.025% cream

Stieva-A

Apply thin layer daily

tretinoin, 0.05% cream Retin-A, ReTrieve, Stieva-A

Apply thin coat in evening Apply to cover daily, after cleansing

tretinoin, gel

Retin-A Gel

Antihistamine

azelastine HCl

Azep

One spray per nostril b.d.

Avoid use of alcohol and over-the- counter (OTC) antihistamines; dizziness and sedation may occur

Hair removal

eflornithine

Vaniqa

Apply to unwanted facial hair b.d. for up to 24 weeks

For use in women only

Topical corticosteroids

These drugs enter cells and bind to cytoplasmic receptors, initiating complex reactions that are responsible for the anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and antiproliferative effects of these drugs.They are used to relieve the inflammation and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-sensitive dermatoses and for temporary relief of minor skin irritations and rashes.These agents should always be applied sparingly because of the risk of systemic corticosteroid effects if absorbed systemically. Occlusive dressings and tight coverings should be avoided. Prolonged use should also be avoided because of the risk of systemic effects and local irritation and breakdown.These agents are applied topically two to three times daily. betamethasone dipropionate Diprosone, Eleuphrat Ointment, cream, lotion, aerosol: 0.05% concentration betamethasone valerate Antroquoril, Betnovate, Celestone M, Cortival Ointment, cream, lotion: 0.01–0.05% concentration

ciclesonide

Alvesco

Inhalation: 80 mcg, 160 mcg per actuation

clobetasone butyrate

Eumovate Desowen

Cream: 0.05% concentration Lotion: 0.05% concentration

desonide

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