title: Topical use of systemic drugs in dermatology: a comprehensive review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Topical use of systemic agents to treat cutaneous disorders is widely applied. However, there is a lack of articles summarizing the relevant literature in a systematic way.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We sought to review the published literature regarding topical use of systemic drugs that were categorized according to their mode of actions. Only drugs that are not yet commercially available in a topical preparation are included.
  
  
  METHODS
  A PubMed search was performed, using as key words "topical," "extemporaneous," "compounding," and names of each generic drug, to identify all clinical reports (1966-2009).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although many systemic drugs are used topically, randomized controlled trials were limited to a few agents.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Many of the reports consist only of small case series or are anecdotal in nature. As the level of evidence is limited, larger prospective trials are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Extemporaneous compounding helps physicians to individualize treatment to the patient's specific needs and to create topical preparations that are not otherwise commercially available. However, comparative effectiveness studies are needed to determine whether or not topical use of systemic therapeutics is more beneficial than existing therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hsien-Yi
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Tsen-Fang
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000287:Administration, Topical; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000145:classification / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004339:Drug Compounding; D006801:Humans; D056687:Off-Label Use; D057285:Precision Medicine; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents