Análisis de la unidad digital como medida de referencia para la prescripción tópica en México

introduction: topical prescription unlike other dosage forms is generally considered an inaccurate procedure. the fingertip unit (ftu) is a proposed measure for dosing a topical drug. ftu is the amount of ointment obtained from a tube with a 5 mm diameter nozzle, applied from the distal skin-crease to the tip of the index finger. objective: asses ftu as a reference measure for topical prescription among the mexican population. methods: the length of the ii hand fingertip was recorded in 324 individuals and the weight of 1 ftu and its covering surface was registered. results: average length of index fingertip was 24 mm (ic95 26.7-27.2) in males (n=40), and 24 mm (ic95 24.3-24.8) in females (n=50). one ftu weighed 0.45 g (ic95 0.41-0.48) in males (n=40), and 0.38 g (ic95 0.35-0.41) in females (n=50). one ftu covered 275 cm2 (ic95 255-294) in males (n=15), and 257 cm2 (ic95200-240) in females (n=15). conclusion: ftu may be a helpful measure for dosing and supervising the administration of topical medications for both patients and dermatologists in mexico.