Drug of Choice Challenge: Dermatological Disorders

Dermatological disorders are frequently tested topics in competitive pharmacy exams such as Pharmacist, Drug Inspector, GPAT, NIPER, and other M.Pharm entrance exams, Nursing Exams, Medical Exams like NEETPG, . Knowing the drug of choice (DOC) not only helps in MCQs but also builds strong clinical understanding. In this Drug of Choice Challenge by GPATINDIA, we cover commonly asked skin disorders and their first-line treatments in a simple, exam-oriented manner.

What is a Drug of Choice?

The drug of choice is the preferred medication for treating a particular disease based on:

• Maximum efficacy
• Minimum side effects
• Patient safety
• Cost-effectiveness

In exams, questions are often framed as:

“Drug of choice for ___ is?”

1. Psoriasis

Drug of Choice:

• Topical corticosteroids (Betamethasone, Clobetasol)

Other Treatment Options:

• Vitamin D analogues (Calcipotriol)
• Coal tar preparations
• Methotrexate (severe cases)
• Cyclosporine, Biologics

2. Acne Vulgaris

Drug of Choice:

• Benzoyl peroxide

Other Treatment Options:

• Topical retinoids (Tretinoin, Adapalene)
• Topical antibiotics (Clindamycin)
• Oral isotretinoin (severe acne)

3. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Drug of Choice:

• Topical corticosteroids

Other Treatment Options:

• Emollients and moisturizers
• Antihistamines (for itching)
• Calcineurin inhibitors (Tacrolimus)

4. Fungal Skin Infections (Tinea)

Drug of Choice:

• Topical azoles (Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole)

Other Treatment Options:

• Terbinafine
• Oral antifungals (Itraconazole – severe cases)

5. Scabies

Drug of Choice:

• Permethrin 5% cream

Other Treatment Options:

• Benzyl benzoate
• Oral ivermectin

6. Impetigo

Drug of Choice:

• Topical Mupirocin

Other Treatment Options:

• Oral antibiotics (Cephalexin, Amoxicillin-clavulanate)

7. Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

Drug of Choice:

• Acyclovir

Other Treatment Options:

• Valacyclovir
• Famciclovir
• Analgesics for pain control

8. Vitiligo

Drug of Choice:

• Topical corticosteroids

Other Treatment Options:

• Tacrolimus
• PUVA therapy
• Narrow-band UVB therapy

How to Remember Drugs of Choice Easily?

• Make short DOC flashcards
• Revise repeatedly using MCQs
• Group diseases (fungal, bacterial, inflammatory)
• Use mnemonic-based learning

Exam Tip for  Pharmacist, Drug Inspector, GPAT, NIPER, and other M.Pharm entrance exams, Nursing Exams, Medical Exams like NEETPG Aspirants

Always choose the first-line therapy as the drug of choice unless the question specifies severe, chronic, or resistant conditions.

Conclusion

Mastering the Drug of Choice for Dermatological Disorders is a scoring area in pharmacy entrance exams. Regular revision and challenge-based learning can help you retain these concepts for a long time.

Keep practicing the Drug of Choice Challenge and stay exam-ready!

– Team GPATINDIA