Refaquin

Uses

This Cream and Ointment are suitable for treating a wide variety of local inflammatory, pruritic and allergic disorders of the skin.

This is particularly suitable for topical application in:

• Eczema and dermatitis: Atopic eczema, seborrhoeic eczema, discoid eczema, otitis externa, contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis.
• Prurigo, Psoriasis, lichen planus.
• Discoid lupus erythematosus.

Hydroquinone is used -

• For the gradual bleaching of hyperpigmented skin conditions such as chloasma, melasma, freckles, senile lentigines and other unwanted areas of melanin hyperpigmentation.
• To reduce hyperpigmentation caused by photosensitization associated with inflammation or with the use of certain cosmetics.

• For the treatment of acne vulgaris in which comedones, papules and pustules predominate.
• For the treatment of hyperpigmentation, roughness and fine wrinkling of photodamaged skin due to chronic sun exposure.
• For the treatment of Acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Refaquin is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Acute Otitis Media, Allergy Skin, Anal Fissures, Atopic Dermatitis (AD), Blisters, Chronic Disease of Skin, Dermatosis, Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), External Hemorrhoid, Friction and Pressure Injuries, Hemorrhoids, Internal, Non-infectious Posterior Uveitis Chronic Uveitis, Otitis Externa, Perianal erythema, Pruritus, Psoriasis of the scalp, Purulent Wounds, Scab, Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, Skin Infections, Bacterial, Skin Inflammation caused by Bacterial Infections, Skin Inflammation of the ear, Uveitis, Wound Infections, Anal eczema, Chronic eczematous otitis externa, Corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, Postoperative Care, Perioperative management therapy, Postoperative treatmentAcne Vulgaris, Melasma, Skin hyperpigmentation, Moderate Melasma, Severe MelasmaAcne Vulgaris, Alopecia, Cornification and dystrophic skin disorders, FAB classification M3 Acute promyelocytic leukemia, Skin hyperpigmentation, Solar Lentigines, Facial fine wrinkling, Keratinization disorders of the feet, Keratinization disorders of the hand, Moderate Melasma, Mottled hyperpigmentation, Severe Melasma, Severe, recalcitrant Cystic acne, Tactile roughness of facial skin

How Refaquin works

Fluocinolone acetonide is a corticosteroid and thus, it can be inferred that it acts by inhibiting the edema, fibrin deposition, capillary dilation, leukocyte migration, capillary proliferation, fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, and scar formation.

Some reports have indicated that fluocinolone acetonide presents a high binding affinity for the glucocorticoid receptor. After binding the receptor, the newly formed receptor-ligand complex translocates itself into the cell nucleus, where it binds to many glucocorticoid response elements in the promoter region of the target genes. This effect promotes the induction of phospholipase A2 inhibitory proteins (lipocortins). Through this mechanism of action, it is thought that fluocinolone induces mainly one of the lipocortins, annexin 1, which will later mediate the synthesis of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes by inhibiting the release of arachidonic acid which is the precursor of all these inflammatory mediators. Hence, the induction of these proteins will prevent the release of arachidonic acid by phospholipase A2.

Hydroquinone reduces melanin pigment production through inhibition of the tyrosinase enzyme, which is involved in the initial step of the melanin pigment biosynthesis pathway. Hydroquinone takes several months to take effect.

Tretinoin binds to alpha, beta, and gamma retinoic acid receptors (RARs). RAR-alpha and RAR-beta have been associated with the development of acute promyelocytic leukemia and squamous cell cancers, respectively. RAR-gamma is associated with retinoid effects on mucocutaneous tissues and bone. Although the exact mechanism of action of tretinoin is unknown, current evidence suggests that the effectiveness of tretinoin in acne is due primarily to its ability to modify abnormal follicular keratinization. Comedones form in follicles with an excess of keratinized epithelial cells. Tretinoin promotes detachment of cornified cells and the enhanced shedding of corneocytes from the follicle. By increasing the mitotic activity of follicular epithelia, tretinoin also increases the turnover rate of thin, loosely-adherent corneocytes. Through these actions, the comedo contents are extruded and the formation of the microcomedo, the precursor lesion of acne vulgaris, is reduced. Tretinoin is not a cytolytic agent but instead induces cytodifferentiation and decreased proliferation of APL cells in culture and in vivo. When Tretinoin is given systemically to APL patients, tretinoin treatment produces an initial maturation of the primitive promyelocytes derived from the leukemic clone, followed by a repopulation of the bone marrow and peripheral blood by normal, polyclonal hematopoietic cells in patients achieving complete remission (CR). The exact mechanism of action of tretinoin in APL is unknown.

Dosage

Refaquin dosage

A small quantity of Fluocinolone Acetonide is applied lightly up to 2 or 3 times a day, and massaged gently and thoroughly into the skin. These recommendations apply to both children and adults, including the elderly.

Apply a thin film of Hydroquinone Cream to the effected area once daily, at least 30 minutes before bedtime. Gently wash the face and neck with a mild cleanser. Rinse and pat the skin dry. Apply Hydroquinone Cream to the hyperpigmented areas of melasma including about ½ inch of normal appearing skin surrounding eachlesion. Rub lightly and uniformly into the skin.

Therapy should be discontinued when control is achieved. During the day, use asunscreenof SPF 30, and wear protective clothing. Avoid sunlight exposure. Patients may use moisturizers and/or cosmetics during the day. Hydroquinone Cream is for topical use only. It is not for oral,ophthalmic, or intravaginal use.

Tretinoin cream: Tretinoin cream should be applied sparingly to the whole affected area once or twice daily. The skin should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before application. Patient should be advised that 6 to 8 weeks of treatment may be required before a therapeutic effect is observed. Moisturisers and cosmetics may be used during treatment with Cosmotrin cream but should not be applied to the skin at the same time. Astringent toiletries should be avoided.

Tretinoin gel: Tretinoin gel should be applied once or twice a day, before retiring, to the skin where lesions appear, using enough to cover the entire affected area lightly. The frequency of application can be adjusted to obtain maximum clinical efficacy with minimal erythema and scaling.

If Tretinoin gel is applied excessively, no more rapid or better results will be obtained and marked redness, peeling or discomfort may occur. Should this occur accidentally or through over-enthusiastic use, application should be discontinued for few days.

Patience is needed in this treatment, since the therapeutic effects will not usually be observed until after 6-8 weeks of treatment. During the early weeks of treatment, an apparent exacerbation of inflammatory lesions may occur. This is due to the action of the medication on deep, previously unseen comedones and papules. Once the acne lesions have responded satisfactorily, it should be possible to maintain the improvement with less frequent applications.

Moisturizers and cosmetics may be used during treatment with Tretinoin gel but should not be applied to the skin at the same time. The skin should be thoroughly washed before application of Tretinoin gel. Astringent toiletries should be avoided.

Capsule: The recommended dose is 45 mg/m2/day administered as two evenly divided doses until complete remission is documented. Therapy should be discontinued 30 days after achievement of complete remission or after 90 days of treatment, whichever occurs first.

If after initiation of treatment of Tretinoin the presence of the translocation is not confirmed by cytogenetics and/or by polymerase chain reaction studies and the patient has not responded to Tretinoin, alternative therapy appropriate for acute myelogenous leukemia should be considered.

Side Effects

Side-effects are extremely rare, but as with all topical corticosteroids, patient may show hypersensitivity reaction.

No systemic adverse reactions have been reported. Occasional hypersensitivity (localized contact dermatitis) may occur in which case the medication should be discontinued.

True allergic contact dermatitis is rare but a primary irritant dermatitis, manifesting itself as irritation, erythema, peeling and sensation of warmth, is common. Slight stinging is common as a mild reaction in many people but usually settles with continuous use and/or reduction in the frequency of application of the drug.

Toxicity

Studies to determine the carcinogenic and its effect in fertility have not been performed. It is important to consider that several corticosteroids have been shown to present genotoxic potential but fluocinolone acetonide was shown to not be genotoxic in the Ames test and mouse lymphoma TK assay.

Precaution

Appropriate anti-infective cover should be given if there is an associated infection. Long term continuous topical steroid therapy can produce atrophic skin changes. Do not apply to the face for prolonged periods. Prolonged use or treatment of extensive areas can produce adrenal suppression, especially in infants and children.

Hydroquinone is a skin bleaching agent which may produce unwanted cosmetic effects if not used as directed. The physician should be familiar with the contents of this insert before prescribing or dispensing this medication.

Test for skin sensitivity before using by applying a small amount to an unbroken patch of skin to check in 24 hours. Minor redness is not a contraindication, but where there is itching or vesicle formation or excessive inflammatory response, further treatment is not advised. If no bleaching or lightening effect is noted after 2 months of treatment, the medication should be discontinued.

Contact with the eyes and lips should be avoided. Hydroquinone should not be applied to cut or abraded skin.

Interaction

Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing peeling agents (i.e. sulfur, resorcinol, benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid). Use of topical preparations with high concentrations of alcohol, menthol, spices or lime- such as shaving lotions, astringents and perfume- should be avoided, especially during initial therapy.

Volume of Distribution

This pharmacokinetic parameter is not relevant as the systemic absorption of fluocinolone acetonide is very minimal.

Elimination Route

When administered as an eye implant, fluocinolone acetonide presents a sustained delivery for even 12 months in which there can be observed a sustained release. The concentration of fluocinolone acetonide are generally higher in the vitreous and retina with a little dispersion to the aqueous humor.

There are reports indicating that topical administration of fluocinolone acetonide produces a percutaneous absorption which is determined by the vehicle, integrity of the epidermal barrier and the use of occlusive dressing.

Independently of the route of administration, the systemic absorption of fluocinolone acetonide is below 0.1 ng/ml which indicates that the systemic distribution is very minimal and the effect of fluocinolone is mainly local.

1-31% (topical)

Half Life

The reported half-life of fluocinolone acetonide ranges between 1.3-1.7 hours.

0.5-2 hours

Clearance

This pharmacokinetic parameter is not relevant as the systemic absorption of fluocinolone acetonide is very minimal and the concentration in urine is lower than the minimum quantitation limit.

Elimination Route

Fluocinolone acetonide is mainly excreted by the kidneys. It is important to mention that the systemically absorbed dose is very minimal.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding use

Pregnancy: Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of fetal development, including cleft palate intrauterine growth retardation. There may be a small risk of such effects on the human fetus.

Lactation: When topical steroid treatment is necessary, minimize amount and length of treatment.

Pregnancy Category C. Either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryocidal or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.

Lactation: It is not known whether topical hydroquinone is absorbed or excreted in human milk. Caution is advised when topical hydroquinone is used by a nursing mother.

Tretinoin is contraindicated in pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. The drug should be avoided by breast feeding mothers.

Contraindication

Primary infections of the skin and in rosacea, acne, perioral dermatitis, anogenital pruritis and napkin eruption. Also known hypersensitivity to neomycin

Hydroquinone is contraindicated to patients with prior history of hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to hydroquinone or other ingredients in the preparation.

Tretinoin is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to this drug. It is contraindicated in pregnancy or suspected pregnancy. It is also contraindicated in personal or familial history of cutaneous epithelioma.

Local irritation: The presence of cutaneous irritative signs (e.g. erythema, peeling, pruritus, sunburn, etc.) should prohibit initiation or recommencement of treatment with Tretinoin until the symptoms resolve. Tretinoin has been reported to cause severe irritation on eczematous skin and should be used with caution in patients with this condition.

Exposure to sunlight: Exposure to sunlight, including ultraviolet sun-lamps, should be avoided or minimised during the use of Tretinoin.

General precaution: Before application of Tretinoin, areas to be treated should be cleansed thoroughly. Abstain from washing the treated area frequently; twice daily is sufficient. Use of mild soap is recommended. Dry the skin without rubbing.

Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, nostrils, mouth and mucous membranes. If contact in these areas occurs, careful washing with water is recommended.

Acute Overdose

There have been no systemic reactions from the use of topical hydroquinone. Some patients may experience a transient reddening of skin and mild burning sensation which does not preclude treatment.

Storage Condition

Store at temperature below 30° C.

Store between 20-25° C. Protect from light.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.

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