Unit 12 Sensory System Agents PHARM

Skin Functions

Protection, temp regulation, sensation, vitamin D synthesis, excretion

Antibacterial Skin Agents

Treat strep/staph infections (e.g., bacitracin, mupirocin for MRSA)

Antifungal Skin Agents

Treat candida/ringworm (e.g., clotrimazole; weeks-months therapy)

Antiviral Skin Agents

Acyclovir for herpes/HPV (reduces symptoms, not cure)

Benzoyl Peroxide

Kills acne bacteria + dries skin; may cause peeling/redness

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

SEVERE cystic acne treatment; HIGH teratogen risk (strict pregnancy prevention)

Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Stimulates skin cell turnover for acne/sun damage; causes irritation

Topical Anesthetics

Numb skin (e.g., lidocaine for sunburn/insect bites)

Minoxidil

Stimulates hair growth (watch for tachycardia/weight gain)

Finasteride

Oral hair growth drug; TERATOGENIC (pregnant women can’t handle tablets)

Wound Care Agents

Antimicrobials (silver sulfadiazine), vitamin C/zinc for healing

Glaucoma

High eye pressure damaging optic nerve → blindness

Miotics (e.g., pilocarpine)

CONSTRICT pupil + increase fluid drainage (for glaucoma)

Mydriatics (e.g., atropine)

DILATE pupil (for exams/surgery)

Prostaglandin Agonists (e.g., latanoprost)

Once-daily glaucoma drops; may PERMANENTLY change eye color to brown

Beta-Blocker Eye Drops (e.g., timolol)

Reduce fluid production (glaucoma); caution in asthma/heart issues

Ocular NSAIDs

Reduce inflammation/pain after eye surgery (e.g., ketorolac)

Artificial Tears

Moisturize dry eyes (e.g., Refresh, Systane)

Cyclosporine Drops (Restasis)

Treats chronic dry eye (use 15min apart from artificial tears)

Otitis Externa

"Swimmer's ear" infection (topical antibiotics + steroids)

Otitis Media

Middle ear infection (requires ORAL antibiotics)

Cerumen Emulsifiers

Loosen earwax (e.g., carbamide peroxide)

Skin Prep

Clean area + wear gloves; avoid sulfa drugs if allergic (silver sulfadiazine)

Documentation

Record site, drainage, pain, response

Eye Drop Technique

Look up → drop in sac → press inner canthus 1min (prevents systemic absorption)

Order of Eye Meds

Wait 5min between drops; clarify sequence

Contact Lenses

Remove before most eye meds

Ear Drop Technique

Adults: Pinna UP & BACK // Kids <3: Pinna DOWN & BACK

Warm Drops

Prevent dizziness/nausea (cold drops = vomiting risk)