Asperheim/Favaro: Introduction to Pharmacology, 12th Edition

Chapter 9: Drugs that Affect the Skin and Mucous Membranes

Open-Book Quiz

NAME: _________________

1. What is the optimum strength of ethyl alcohol?

2. What is the difference between an emollient agent and a demulcent agent?

3. What is the difference between an astringent agent and a keratolytic agent? Name a condition
for which each is used.

4. What are the uses of the local anesthetic agents cocaine, procaine, and benzocaine?

5. Where are fungal infections likely to occur?

6. What are some symptoms that would cause discontinuing a course of treatment with
clotrimazole (Lotrimin) lotion?

7. What is the mechanism of action of isotretinoin (Accutane) when used to treat acne?

8. What symptom most often causes the discontinuation of benzoyl peroxide?

9. What does the SPF number on sunscreens indicate?

10. What can occur if aloe is taken internally?

Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Open-Book Quiz 9-2

ANSWERS

1. The optimum strength of ethyl alcohol is 70%. All other strengths reduce the antiseptic
action.

2. An emollient agent soothes the skin and applies an oily layer; a demulcent agent is applied
primarily to relieve irritation.

3. Astringent agents precipitate protein on the surface of the skin. They are used to arrest minor
hemorrhage, check perspiration, and toughen skin. Keratolytic agents cause sloughing of
hardened epithelium. They are used to cauterize ulcers and destroy unwanted tissue such as
calluses or warts.

4. Cocaine is used mainly in intranasal applications. Procaine is used in dentistry, and

benzocaine is used in throat lozenges and topical preparations.

5. Fungal infections are likely to occur in warm, moist areas of the skin, such as feet,
underarms, under breasts, and the perineal area.

6. Erythema, blistering, peeling, pruritus, and skin irritation may cause discontinuation of
clotrimazole (Lotrimin) in a patient.

7. Isotretinoin regulates cell proliferation and has antiinflammatory effects. It reduces the size
of sebaceous glands and inhibits sebum production. It inhibits the adhesion of epithelial cells and
permits them to be sloughed more easily.

8. If irritation or inflammation of the skin is severe, use of benzoyl peroxide should be

discontinued.

9. The sun protection factor (SPF) number is arbitrarily and comparatively assigned. The higher
the SPF number is, the more sun protection exists in the product.

10. Cardiac arrhythmias, edema, neuropathies, and hypokalemia may occur when aloe is taken
internally.

Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2005 Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.