Toxicology of topical therapy

Abstract Clinical toxicity can result from accidental exposure to therapeutic agents designed for topical use. Each year, poison centers in the United States and Canada report more than 45,000 cases of exposure to topical pharmaceutical products. Although the vast majority of these patients are exposed accidentally to products available in the home, a few patients experience serious poisoning from therapeutic products found in the physician's office. It is imperative that the physician be aware of the potential chemical hazards in the office, how to store them safely, how to recognize clinical toxicity, and where to obtain expert advice on treating a potential poisoning. This chapter discusses the toxicity of selected products commonly found in the offices of physicians who practice dermatology.