Home Drug Guide Masoprocol

Drug Guide

Generic Name

Masoprocol

Brand Names Actinex

Classification

Therapeutic: Antineoplastic agent, topical

Pharmacological: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) γ inhibitor

FDA Approved Indications

  • Use in topical form for premalignant skin lesions and carcinoma in situ of the penis

Mechanism of Action

Masoprocol inhibits abnormal cell proliferation by activating PPARγ, leading to differentiation and apoptosis of carcinoma cells, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: Apply a thin layer of masoprocol cream to affected skin areas 2-3 times daily.

Pediatric: Not generally recommended due to limited data.

Geriatric: Adjust dosage based on response and tolerability; no specific adjustments recommended.

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment needed.

Hepatic Impairment: No specific adjustment needed.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Minimal systemic absorption when applied topically.

Distribution: Primarily localized; systemic levels are typically low.

Metabolism: Metabolized locally in skin tissues; limited data on systemic metabolism.

Excretion: Excreted via skin and possibly in tiny amounts in urine; systemic excretion minimal.

Half Life: Not well established; topical application results in low systemic half-life.

Contraindications

  • Known hypersensitivity to masoprocol or any component of the formulation.

Precautions

  • Use with caution in patients with impaired skin integrity or existing skin infections.
  • Pregnancy category C; use only if clearly needed.
  • Lactation: No data; consider benefits vs. risks.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Erythema, skin irritation (Common)
  • Itching, burning sensation at application site (Common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Severe allergic contact dermatitis (Uncommon)
  • Systemic hypersensitivity reactions (Rare)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • None well documented; caution with other topical agents that may cause irritation.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • Not applicable.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Limited data; caution with herbal products that cause skin irritation or photosensitivity.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Inspect skin for reactions, signs of irritation or hypersensitivity before and during treatment.

Diagnoses:

  • Impaired skin integrity related to topical irritation

Implementation: Apply as directed, avoid occlusion, and educate patient on proper application.

Evaluation: Monitor for improvements in skin lesions and any adverse reactions.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Apply medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Report any severe skin reactions or allergy symptoms.
  • Avoid covering treated skin areas with occlusive dressings.
  • Protect skin from sunlight, as photosensitivity may occur.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • None reported.

Genetic Factors: Not specifically known to be impacted by genetic factors.

Lab Test Interference: None significant.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Local skin irritation; systemic toxicity is unlikely due to minimal absorption.

Treatment: Wash area with soap and water; symptomatic treatment as needed.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Stability: Stable when stored properly; check expiration date.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.