Antipruritic
Antipruritic
Antipruritic (pronounced: an-ti-proo-rit-ik) is a term used in the medical field to describe substances or treatments that relieve or prevent itching. The term is derived from the Latin word "anti" meaning against, and the Greek word "pruritus" meaning itching.
Usage
Antipruritics are commonly used in the treatment of conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, chickenpox, allergic reactions, and insect bites. They can be administered in various forms including creams, ointments, lotions, oral medications, and injections.
Types of Antipruritics
There are several types of antipruritics, each with a different mechanism of action. These include:
- Topical antipruritics: These are applied directly to the skin and include substances such as menthol, camphor, phenol, and pramoxine.
- Systemic antipruritics: These are taken orally or injected and include medications such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and opioid antagonists.
- Immunomodulators: These are drugs that modify the immune response and are used in conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Examples include tacrolimus and pimecrolimus.
Side Effects
Like all medications, antipruritics can have side effects. These can include skin irritation, dryness, and allergic reactions. Systemic antipruritics can also have more serious side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antipruritic
- Wikipedia's article - Antipruritic
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