Dermatological Vehicles and Delivery Systems — MCQs
Transdermal patch is not used for the following drug?
Pompholyx affects:
Choose the correct options regarding the route of administration and bioavailability. A- Intravenous =1 B- 0.75< Oral <1 C-0.75 <IM ≤ 1 D- 0.75<SC ≤ 1 IM - Intramuscular SC- Subcutaneous
Which of the following is an example of topical administration producing only local effects (not systemic)?
Which of the following does not penetrate intact skin?
Topical antiviral drugs are not indicated in:
What is the eponymous term for a full-thickness skin graft?
Which of the following is false about the selection of essential drugs?
Varicella-Zoster Immunoglobulin (VZIG) is NOT recommended for which of the exposed susceptible individuals?
The burrow in scabies is in
Dermatological Vehicles and Delivery Systems Indian Medical PG Practice Questions and MCQs
Question 1: Transdermal patch is not used for the following drug?
- A. GTN
- B. Naloxone (Correct Answer)
- C. Fentanyl
- D. Nicotine
Explanation: Naloxone - **Naloxone** is an **opioid antagonist** primarily used for the emergency reversal of opioid overdose, requiring a rapid onset of action [3]. - Its therapeutic goal is immediate, high systemic concentrations, which is not suitable for the slow, sustained release characteristic of a transdermal patch. *GTN* - **Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)** is used in a transdermal patch for the **prophylaxis of angina**, providing a sustained release [1]. - This allows for consistent vasodilation and reduction of cardiac workload over an extended period [1]. *Fentanyl* - **Fentanyl** transdermal patches are commonly used for the management of **chronic severe pain**, particularly in opioid-tolerant patients [2]. - The patch provides continuous systemic delivery of the potent opioid, offering long-lasting pain relief [2]. *Nicotine* - **Nicotine** patches are widely used as **nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)** to aid in smoking cessation. - They deliver a steady dose of nicotine transdermally, reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Question 2: Pompholyx affects:
- A. Groin
- B. Scalp
- C. Trunk
- D. Palms and soles (Correct Answer)
Explanation: ***Palms and soles*** - **Pompholyx**, also known as **dyshidrotic eczema**, is characterized by recurrent outbreaks of **vesicles and bullae** predominantly on the palms and soles. - These lesions are typically very **itchy** and can cause significant discomfort. *Groin* - Conditions like **tinea cruris** (jock itch) or **intertrigo** commonly affect the groin, presenting with erythema and scaling rather than vesicles. - While eczema can occur in the groin, classical pompholyx has a predilection for the acral regions. *Scalp* - The scalp is more commonly affected by conditions such as **seborrheic dermatitis** or **psoriasis**, which manifest as scaling, redness, and flaking. - Vesicular eruptions are rare on the scalp unless due to specific conditions like herpes zoster. *Trunk* - The trunk is a common site for various dermatoses, including **atopic dermatitis**, **psoriasis**, or **pityriasis rosea**, but these typically present with different morphologic features (e.g., plaques, patches). - Pompholyx is specific to palms and soles and does not usually involve the trunk.
Question 3: Choose the correct options regarding the route of administration and bioavailability. A- Intravenous =1 B- 0.75< Oral <1 C-0.75 <IM ≤ 1 D- 0.75<SC ≤ 1 IM - Intramuscular SC- Subcutaneous
- A. A and D
- B. A and C
- C. A, C, D (Correct Answer)
- D. A, B, D
Explanation: ***A, C, D*** - Intravenous (IV) administration has **100% bioavailability** because the drug enters the systemic circulation directly, bypassing any absorption barriers. - Intramuscular (IM) and subcutaneous (SC) routes generally have **high bioavailability**, often between 75% and 100%, as drugs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream without first-pass metabolism. *A and D* - While options A and D are correct, this choice is incomplete as option C is also a correct statement regarding bioavailability. - IM administration typically results in high systemic bioavailability, similar to SC, making its exclusion here incorrect. *A and C* - While options A and C are correct, this choice is incomplete as option D is also a correct statement regarding bioavailability. - Subcutaneous administration also generally results in high bioavailability, as absorption tends to be complete. *A, B, D* - While options A and D are correct, option B is typically incorrect for oral bioavailability. - Oral bioavailability of many drugs is often less than 0.75 (75%) due to factors like **first-pass metabolism** and incomplete absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of topical administration producing only local effects (not systemic)?
- A. Topical corticosteroid cream (Correct Answer)
- B. Sublingual nitroglycerin
- C. Transdermal patch
- D. Rectal diazepam
Explanation: ***Topical corticosteroid cream*** - When applied to the skin for conditions like dermatitis, topical corticosteroids primarily exert their effects at the site of application, reducing **local inflammation** and itching. - While systemic absorption can occur with potent steroids over large areas, typical use aims for **localized action** without significant systemic effects. *Sublingual nitroglycerin* - This route is designed for **rapid systemic absorption** through the oral mucosa, bypassing first-pass metabolism to quickly treat angina. - The goal is a **widespread vasodilatory effect** throughout the body, not a local one within the mouth. *Transdermal patch* - Transdermal patches, such as those for nicotine or fentanyl, are specifically designed to deliver medication **systemically** through the skin into the bloodstream over a prolonged period. - They provide a **sustained release** and systemic therapeutic effect throughout the body. *Rectal diazepam* - Administered rectally, diazepam is absorbed into the systemic circulation to produce **CNS effects** such as sedation, anxiolysis, or anticonvulsant activity. - Although the administration is local, the intended clinical effect is **systemic** and widespread throughout the body.
Question 5: Which of the following does not penetrate intact skin?
- A. Nitroglycerine
- B. Clonidine
- C. Dexmedetomidine (Correct Answer)
- D. Scopolamine
Explanation: ***Dexmedetomidine*** - **Dexmedetomidine** is primarily administered intravenously as a continuous infusion for sedation and analgesia, as its molecular structure and properties do not allow for significant transdermal absorption. - While some research explores its transdermal delivery, it is **not considered to penetrate intact skin effectively** for therapeutic use through this route in current clinical practice. *Nitroglycerin* - **Nitroglycerin** patches and ointments are commonly used for the transdermal delivery of the drug to treat anginal symptoms. - Its **lipophilic nature** and small molecular size allow it to readily penetrate the skin barrier and enter systemic circulation. *Clonidine* - **Clonidine** is available in transdermal patch formulations for the treatment of hypertension. - Its ability to penetrate intact skin allows for **sustained release** and systemic absorption, providing continuous blood pressure control. *Scopolamine* - **Scopolamine** is widely used in transdermal patches to prevent motion sickness. - Its **small molecular weight** and lipophilicity enable effective penetration through the skin.
Question 6: Topical antiviral drugs are not indicated in:
- A. Metaherpetic ulcer (Correct Answer)
- B. Dendritic ulcer
- C. Stromal necrotizing keratitis
- D. All of the options
Explanation: ***Metaherpetic ulcer*** - Metaherpetic ulcers are **neurotrophic ulcers** that develop as a result of chronic epithelial damage and impaired healing after a herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, but they are not an active viral replication process. - Topical antivirals are ineffective because there is **no replicating virus** to target; management focuses on promoting corneal healing and preventing secondary infections. *Dendritic ulcer* - A dendritic ulcer is a classic sign of **active HSV keratitis** with replicating virus in the epithelial cells. - Topical antiviral drugs (e.g., acyclovir, ganciclovir) are the **first-line treatment** to inhibit viral replication and promote epithelial healing. *Stromal necrotizing keratitis* - This condition involves **inflammation and necrosis** in the corneal stroma, often due to an immune reaction to HSV antigens rather than direct viral invasion. - While topical antivirals may be used to suppress any residual replicating virus, **topical corticosteroids are often necessary** to control the inflammation, and close monitoring is crucial due to the risk of steroid-induced complications. *All of the options* - This option is incorrect because topical antiviral drugs *are* indicated for **dendritic ulcers** and sometimes as adjunctive therapy for **stromal necrotizing keratitis** where active viral replication might be contributing.
Question 7: What is the eponymous term for a full-thickness skin graft?
- A. Wolfe's graft (Correct Answer)
- B. Thiersch graft
- C. Fernandez graft
- D. Reverdin graft
Explanation: ***Wolfe's graft*** - A **Wolfe's graft** is the eponymous term for a **full-thickness skin graft**, which includes the epidermis and entire dermis. - This type of graft provides superior cosmetic results and contracts less than split-thickness grafts, making it ideal for facial reconstruction. *Thiersch graft* - A **Thiersch graft** refers to a **split-thickness skin graft**, which only includes the epidermis and a portion of the dermis. - These grafts are easier to harvest and take better in less vascularized beds but are prone to greater contraction and can have a less aesthetic outcome. *Fernandez graft* - **Fernandez graft** is not a recognized eponymous term for a type of skin graft in common medical literature. - This term does not correspond to a standard full-thickness or split-thickness skin grafting technique. *Reverdin graft* - A **Reverdin graft** refers to very small, partial-thickness pieces of skin, essentially tiny bits of epithelium transplanted to promote epithelialization. - This is a **split-thickness** technique, not a full-thickness graft, and is used primarily for small granulating wounds.
Question 8: Which of the following is false about the selection of essential drugs?
- A. Cost to benefit has to be considered
- B. Fixed drug combination is preferred over single drugs (Correct Answer)
- C. An adequate safety profile needs to be established
- D. Disease prevalence is considered
Explanation: ***Fixed drug combination is preferred over single drugs*** - The statement that **fixed-drug combinations (FDCs)** are preferred over single drugs for essential drug selection is false. Generally, **single drugs are preferred** to allow for individual dose adjustments and minimize potential adverse effects from unnecessary components. - FDCs are only considered essential when they offer specific advantages, such as **improved adherence** (e.g., in tuberculosis treatment) or a **synergistic effect** not achievable with individual drugs. *Cost to benefit has to be considered* - This statement is true; the **cost-effectiveness** and **cost-benefit ratio** are crucial factors in selecting essential drugs. - Essential drugs aim to provide the most public health benefit at an **affordable cost**, ensuring access for a broad population. *An adequate safety profile needs to be established* - This statement is true; essential drugs must have a **well-established safety profile** with acceptable risks. - The benefits of the drug must significantly outweigh its potential harms, with minimal serious **adverse reactions**. *Disease prevalence is considered* - This statement is true; essential drugs are selected based on their ability to address the **most prevalent diseases** and health needs of a population. - Prioritizing drugs for common conditions ensures that public health resources are effectively allocated to where they are most needed.
Question 9: Varicella-Zoster Immunoglobulin (VZIG) is NOT recommended for which of the exposed susceptible individuals?
- A. HIV/AIDS positive
- B. Newborn
- C. Healthy sibling (Correct Answer)
- D. Pregnant women
Explanation: ***Correct: Healthy sibling*** - VZIG is administered to **susceptible individuals** upon exposure to **Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)** to prevent or attenuate the infection - A **healthy sibling** with a **competent immune system** would typically mount an adequate immune response to the virus - VZIG is therefore **NOT indicated** for immunocompetent individuals as they can handle the infection naturally - VZIG is reserved for **high-risk populations** where varicella could cause severe complications *Incorrect: HIV/AIDS positive* - Individuals with **HIV/AIDS** are considered **immunocompromised** and are at **higher risk** for severe varicella infection and complications - VZIG **IS recommended** for these patients after exposure to VZV to provide **passive immunity** and reduce disease severity - This is particularly important in patients with CD4 counts <200 cells/μL *Incorrect: Newborn* - **Newborns** whose mothers developed varicella **5 days before to 2 days after delivery** are at high risk for severe, disseminated neonatal varicella - **VZIG IS recommended** for these neonates to offer immediate protection against the virus - Also indicated for premature infants <28 weeks or <1000g who are exposed, regardless of maternal immunity *Incorrect: Pregnant women* - **Pregnant women** who are **non-immune to varicella** and exposed to VZV are at risk for both **maternal complications** (varicella pneumonia) and **fetal abnormalities** (congenital varicella syndrome) - **VZIG IS recommended** for susceptible pregnant women exposed to varicella to reduce the risk of severe maternal disease - Should be administered within **10 days** of exposure, preferably within 96 hours
Question 10: The burrow in scabies is in
- A. S. corneum (Correct Answer)
- B. Malpighian layer
- C. S. germinatum
- D. S. granulosum
Explanation: ***S. corneum*** - The **burrow** created by the *Sarcoptes scabiei* mite is specifically found within the **stratum corneum** of the epidermis. - This superficial location allows the mite to feed on **keratinocytes** and deposit eggs, leading to the characteristic rash and intense itching. - The burrow appears as a **serpiginous tract** and is a pathognomonic finding in scabies. *Malpighian layer* - The **Malpighian layer** encompasses the **stratum basale** and **stratum spinosum**, which are deeper layers of the epidermis. - The scabies mite does not burrow into these deeper, metabolically active layers. *S. germinatum* - **Stratum germinativum** is another term for the **stratum basale**, the deepest epidermal layer responsible for cell division. - The scabies mite creates burrows at a much more superficial level in the stratum corneum. *S. granulosum* - The **stratum granulosum** lies between the stratum spinosum and stratum corneum. - While closer to the surface than the Malpighian layer, scabies burrows are specifically located in the more superficial **stratum corneum**, not the granulosum layer.
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