Module 7 - Dermatologic Drugs

What is a concern with topical medications in animals that lick?

Potential systemic side effects, removal of drug, and exacerbation of skin issues (e.g., infection).

What is the spectrum of activity for Bacitracin + Polymyxin + Neomycin (Mycitracin)?

Broad spectrum.

What is the active ingredient in Gentocin spray?

Gentamicin +/- Betamethasone.

What is Nitrofurazone used for?

Topical antibacterial treatment.

What is Neomycin & Thiostrepton (Panalog) commonly combined with?

Other medications.

What are the two primary classes of topical antifungals?

Imidazoles & polyenes.

What is the mechanism of action of topical antifungal medications?

Bind to fungal cell membranes.

What is Clotrimazole (Clotrimazole Sol'n 1%) used for?

Topical antifungal treatment.

What is Miconazole (Conofite) used for?

Treatment of yeasts and fungal infections.

Why should Miconazole not be used on eroded/ulcerated skin?

Risk of systemic effects, including hepatotoxicity and cardiotoxicity.

What is Ketoconazole (Nizoral) used for?

Treatment of yeasts and fungal infections.

What enzymes does Ketoconazole inhibit?

Cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Why should Ketoconazole not be used in horses and pregnant animals?

Potential toxicity.

What is Itraconazole (Sporanox) best used for?

Dermatophytes, Blastomyces, and Malassezia (yeast).

What is Itraconazole (Sporanox) also good for?

Aspergillosis.

How should Itraconazole be administered for best absorption?

With food, unless giving liquid.

What is Nystatin (Panalog) used for?

Yeast infections, often in combination with other medications.

What are two possible causes of pruritus?

Inflammatory response and allergic (eosinophilic) reaction.

What is the function of eosinophils?

White blood cells with strength against fungal and parasitic infections.

What are the two categories of topical antipruritics?

Non-steroidal antipruritics and topical steroidal glucocorticoids.

What suffix is common in topical anesthetics?

"-caine".

How do topical anesthetics work?

Inhibit conduction of nerve impulses from sensory nerves.

What are topical anesthetics used for?

Allergies, insect bites, and burns.

Why must caution be used when applying topical anesthetics to damaged skin?

They are poorly absorbed through intact skin but readily absorbed through damaged skin.

What are examples of topical anesthetics?

Lidocaine (DermaCool, Xylocaine), Benzocaine (Dermoplast), and Tetracaine (Pontocaine).

What is Colloidal Oatmeal used for?

Coating, moisturizing, and protecting the skin.

What shampoos contain Colloidal Oatmeal?

Epi-Soothe and Oatderm Soothing Shampoo.

What is the function of topical antihistamines?

Reduce pain and itching associated with allergic reactions.

What is an example of a topical antihistamine?

Diphenhydramine (AtopiCream, ResiHist Leave-On Lotion).

What is the common brand name for Diphenhydramine?

Benadryl.

What are the functions of topical glucocorticoids?

Anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, and topical relief of redness, itching, and edema.

How do topical glucocorticoids affect wound healing?

They slow the rate of wound healing.

What factors influence the rate and degree of penetration of topical glucocorticoids?

Potency of drug, vehicle used for transport (spray vs. cream), and skin thickness, integrity, and moisture content.

What are examples of short-acting (<12 hours) topical glucocorticoids?

Hydrocortisone (DermaCool HC), Cortisone, and Triamcinolone (Vetalog, Panolog).

What are examples of intermediate-acting (12-36 hours) topical glucocorticoids?

Prednisone and Prednisolone.

What are examples of long-acting (>48 hours) topical glucocorticoids?

Dexamethasone and Betamethasone (Gentocin).

What is Betamethasone (Gentocin) commonly formulated as?

A topical spray.

What is seborrhea?

Abnormal flaking/scaling of the outermost epidermis.

What is seborrhea oleosa?

Increased production of sebum (oil).

What is seborrhea sicca?

No increased sebum production.

What are keratolytics?

Agents that remove excess keratin by breaking down protein structure in the keratin layer.

What is the function of keratolytics?

Promote the release of compacted keratin, usually found in medicated shampoos.

What are the traits of Sulfur?

Keratolytic, antipruritic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic.

What is Sulfur used for?

Seborrhea sicca.

What is an example of a Sulfur-containing product?

ProSeb Shampoo.

What are the traits of Salicylic Acid?

Keratolytic, antipruritic, and antibacterial.

How does Salicylic Acid work?

Lowers skin pH, increasing hydration.

What is Salicylic Acid used for?

Seborrhea sicca and hyperkeratosis.

What are examples of Salicylic Acid-containing products?

ProSeb Shampoo and Canadian Medicated Shampoo.

Why is Coal Tar rarely used in veterinary medicine?

Most veterinary-labeled products are discontinued.

What are the traits of Coal Tar?

Keratolytic and degreasing.

What is Coal Tar used for?

Seborrhea oleosa.

What are cautions associated with Coal Tar?

May be carcinogenic and irritating, especially in cats.

What is an example of a Coal Tar-containing product?

NuSol-T.

What are the traits of Benzoyl Peroxide?

Keratolytic, antipruritic, antibacterial, and degreasing.

How does Benzoyl Peroxide work?

Lowers skin pH and disrupts microbial (bacterial) cell membranes.

What is Benzoyl Peroxide used for?

Seborrhea oleosa and moist dermatitis ("hot spots").

What is an example of a Benzoyl Peroxide-containing product?

Benzoyl Pro 3.

What are the traits of Selenium Sulfide?

Keratolytic, degreasing, and antifungal.

How does Selenium Sulfide work?

Destroys hydrogen bonds in the keratin structure.

What is Selenium Sulfide used for?

Seborrhea disorders and Malassezia.

Why should Selenium Sulfide not be used in cats?

It may irritate mucous membranes and the scrotal region.

What is an example of a Selenium Sulfide-containing product?

Selsun Blue Shampoo (human label).

What is Phytosphingosine?

A ceramide that mimics normal lipid dermal composition.

What is the function of Phytosphingosine?

Maintains moisture balance, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial.

What are examples of Phytosphingosine-containing products?

Douxo products.

What is Oclacitinib (Apoquel) used for?

Control of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis in dogs at least 12 months old.

What is the function of the caninized monoclonal antibody against interleukin-31 (IL-31)?

Targets IL-31, which is associated with pruritus in dogs.