ABD Dermatologic Pharmacology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which topical corticosteroid potency class is superpotent (Class I)?
- Hydrocortisone 1%
- Triamcinolone 0.1%
- Clobetasol propionate 0.05% (Correct answer)
- Desonide 0.05%
Correct answer: Clobetasol propionate 0.05%
Clobetasol propionate 0.05% is a Class I superpotent topical corticosteroid.
Question 2: What is the most common cutaneous adverse effect of prolonged high-potency topical corticosteroid use?
- Hypertrichosis
- Skin atrophy and striae (Correct answer)
- Hyperpigmentation
- Photosensitivity
Correct answer: Skin atrophy and striae
Chronic potent topical steroids cause dermal atrophy, telangiectasia, and striae.
Question 3: Tazarotene belongs to which class of dermatologic agents?
- Topical retinoid (Correct answer)
- Vitamin D analog
- Calcineurin inhibitor
- Keratolytic
Correct answer: Topical retinoid
Tazarotene is a topical retinoid used for psoriasis and acne.
Question 4: Which topical agent is a calcineurin inhibitor useful in atopic dermatitis of the face?
- Calcipotriene
- Tacrolimus (Correct answer)
- Anthralin
- Coal tar
Correct answer: Tacrolimus
Tacrolimus is a topical calcineurin inhibitor that avoids steroid-induced facial atrophy.
Question 5: Calcipotriene works in psoriasis primarily by acting as a:
- Vitamin A analog
- Vitamin D3 analog (Correct answer)
- Vitamin E derivative
- Retinoid X agonist
Correct answer: Vitamin D3 analog
Calcipotriene is a vitamin D3 analog that normalizes keratinocyte proliferation.
Question 6: Which vehicle generally provides the greatest corticosteroid potency and occlusion?
- Lotion
- Gel
- Ointment (Correct answer)
- Solution
Correct answer: Ointment
Ointments occlude the skin and enhance penetration, increasing potency.
Question 7: Tachyphylaxis in topical steroid therapy refers to:
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Decreasing response with continued use (Correct answer)
- Rebound flare after stopping
- Systemic absorption
Correct answer: Decreasing response with continued use
Tachyphylaxis is diminishing effectiveness of a steroid over continued application.
ABD Dermatologic Pharmacology 2
Which topical corticosteroid potency class is superpotent (Class I)?