Topical Drugs Chapter 11

Topical Medications Topical Medications: Drugs applied to the skin Absorption is affected by: Strength of drug How long drug is in contact to the skin Size of the area of application Skin thickness Hydration Amount of skin breakdown or irritation

Topical Medications (continued) Drugs are applied topically to: Clean and debride a wound Hydrate the skin Reduce inflammation Relieve itching or rash Provide a protective barrier Reduce thickening of the skin

Dose Forms Cream: Lotion: Ointment: Powder: Semi-solid emulsion containing a drug Non greasy & easily removed with water Lotion: Watery preparation containing suspended particles Shake prior to application Pat lotion onto skin….do not rub Used to soothe & protect skin, relieve itching and cleanse the skin Ointment: Semi-solid preparation containing a drug in an oily base Not easily removed with water Powder: Finely ground drug in talc base Used to absorb moisture, cool and protest the skin

Applying Topical Medications Hand hygiene Follow standard precautions Wear gloves Provide privacy Position to expose application site Clean & dry skin Observe skin Apply dose form to clean dry skin Use a sterile tongue blade or cotton-tipped applicator to remove dose from container Cover site with gauze or other covering AS DIRECTED

Observations to Report Color of skin Location & description of rashes Dry skin Bruises or open skin areas Pale or reddened areas, particularly over boney parts Blisters Drainage or bleeding from wounds or body openings Skin temperature Complaints of pain or discomfort

Applying Nitroglycerin Used to prevent angina (chest pain) Relaxes the heart blood vessels and increase the blood & oxygen supply to the heart DOSAGE MUST BE ACCURATE

Applying Nitroglycerin Apply to clean dry skin that has little hair Do not shave an area Do not apply to irritated, scarred, open, broken, or calloused skin areas Wear gloves Check for old applications Check MAR Ask patient Remove old application Rotate application site Do not rub or massage the ointment into the skin Document date, time, location and sign your name/title to the tape securing the new application

Sites for Applying Nitroglycerin

Transdermal Drug Delivery Transdermal Patches: Provides continuous, gradual absorption of a drug through the skin and into the blood stream Provides controlled release of a drug over several hours or days Insert Photo

Application of a Transdermal Patch Follow rules learned for “Applying Nitroglycerin Ointment” Do not cover the patch with a dressing unless directed Insert photo