Table 1 Common medication of psoriasis
From: Psoriasis therapy by Chinese medicine and modern agents
Psoriasis degree | Suitable formulation | Common drugs | Drug action | Formulation features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Mild Moderate | Topical drugs | Corticosteroids Retinoids Calcineurin inhibitors Vitamin D analogues | Regulate genes transcription Inhibit the proliferation of cells Boost the differentiation of keratinocytes, etc. | Avoidance of first pass metabolism Avoidance of extreme condition in GI Reduction of systemic toxicity Direct access to target of skin High patient compliance Limitation in molecular weight/Log P of drugs |
Severe | Systemic chemical drugs (oral) | Methotrexate Acitretin Cyclosporine | Immunosuppressive effect Anti-inflammatory Inhibit PDE-4, etc. | Convenient, Safe Slow absorbing velocity Unfit to unconscious patients |
Biologics (injection) | Ustekinumab Secukinumab Etanercept Stelara | Target IL-17, IL-23, TNF-α | High targeting specificity Few adverse reactions Safe Extremely expensive |