ABD Dermatologic Pharmacology 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy because it is:
- Hepatotoxic
- A potent teratogen (Correct answer)
- Nephrotoxic
- Ototoxic
Correct answer: A potent teratogen
Isotretinoin is a powerful teratogen requiring iPLEDGE contraception monitoring.
Question 2: Which laboratory value should be monitored during oral isotretinoin therapy?
- Serum triglycerides (Correct answer)
- Serum calcium
- Serum sodium
- Serum amylase only
Correct answer: Serum triglycerides
Isotretinoin commonly elevates triglycerides and liver enzymes, requiring lipid monitoring.
Question 3: The mainstay systemic drug for severe nodulocystic acne is:
- Oral doxycycline
- Oral isotretinoin (Correct answer)
- Topical clindamycin
- Oral spironolactone
Correct answer: Oral isotretinoin
Oral isotretinoin is the most effective therapy for severe recalcitrant nodulocystic acne.
Question 4: Spironolactone benefits acne in women mainly through:
- Anti-androgen activity (Correct answer)
- Bactericidal effect
- Retinoid receptor binding
- Keratolysis
Correct answer: Anti-androgen activity
Spironolactone blocks androgen receptors, reducing sebum production in hormonal acne.
Question 5: Which topical antibiotic is combined with benzoyl peroxide to reduce bacterial resistance in acne?
- Mupirocin
- Clindamycin (Correct answer)
- Bacitracin
- Metronidazole
Correct answer: Clindamycin
Benzoyl peroxide is added to clindamycin to limit C. acnes resistance.
Question 6: Benzoyl peroxide reduces acne primarily by:
- Anti-androgen effect
- Oxidizing and killing C. acnes (Correct answer)
- Blocking sebaceous glands
- Retinoid signaling
Correct answer: Oxidizing and killing C. acnes
Benzoyl peroxide releases free oxygen radicals that are bactericidal to C. acnes.
Question 7: A common early side effect of starting topical tretinoin is:
- Skin lightening
- Irritation and peeling (Correct answer)
- Hair loss
- Photoprotection
Correct answer: Irritation and peeling
Topical tretinoin causes retinoid dermatitis with erythema, dryness, and peeling initially.
ABD Dermatologic Pharmacology 3
Isotretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy because it is: