Dermatology
23 drugs
Dermatological retinoids
- About this sectionVitamin A derivatives that act on nuclear retinoid receptors to normalise skin cell growth. Used for acne…
- AcitretinRetinoic acid receptors RAR-α, -β and -γ (exact mechanism in psoriasis not established)
- AdapaleneRetinoic acid receptors RAR-β and RAR-γ
- IsotretinoinNuclear retinoic acid receptors (RAR), reached mainly through its active metabolites
- TazaroteneNuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs)
Other dermatological medicines
- About this sectionSkin medicines with their own mechanisms: benzoyl peroxide for acne, vitamin D analogues and tar for…
- Azelaic acidSeveral targets: skin bacteria, keratinisation and tyrosinase (no single receptor)
- Benzoyl peroxideCutibacterium acnes and the keratin plug of the follicle (oxidation)
- CalcipotriolVitamin D receptor (VDR), a nuclear receptor
- CrisaborolePhosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4), mainly PDE4B
- HydroquinoneTyrosinase, the first enzyme of melanin synthesis in melanocytes
- ImiquimodToll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) on immune cells of the skin
- MethoxsalenDNA of skin cells, after activation by ultraviolet A light
- PimecrolimusCalcineurin, through FKBP12
Scabicides and pediculicides
- About this sectionTopical insecticides that kill the scabies mite or lice by poisoning their nervous system. The whole…
- Benzyl benzoateScabies mite and lice (molecular target not established)
- LindaneNervous system of the mite or louse (neuronal overstimulation)
- MalathionAcetylcholinesterase of the louse
- PermethrinVoltage-gated sodium channel in the nerve membrane of the mite or louse
Topical antibacterials
- About this sectionAntibiotics applied to the skin for superficial infections such as impetigo, and to protect burns. Short…
- BacitracinBacterial cell-wall synthesis (the lipid carrier that moves wall building blocks)
- MupirocinBacterial isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleRS)
- RetapamulinBacterial 50S ribosomal subunit (peptidyl transferase centre)
- Silver sulfadiazineBacterial cell membrane, cell wall and DNA (silver ions)
Topical antifungals
- About this sectionCreams, solutions and powders applied to skin or nails for ringworm, athlete's foot, Candida and pityriasis…
- EconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- EfinaconazoleLanosterol 14α-demethylase (CYP51, the fungal ERG11 enzyme)
- TolnaftateDermatophyte fungi and Malassezia in the outer skin layer
A to Z
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Representative model, for educational purposes only.