1. Topical Drugs
Chapter 11

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Sites for Applying Nitroglycerin

10. 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
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11. Application of a Transdermal Patch
Follow rules learned for “Applying Nitroglycerin Ointment”
Do not cover the patch with a dressing unless directed
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