Drugs that have been implicated in causing photosensitive eruptions are reviewed. Tetracycline, doxycycline, nalidixic acid, voriconazole, amiodarone, hydrochlorothiazide, naproxen, piroxicam, chlorpromazine and thioridazine are among the most commonly implicated medications.

What are photosensitive drugs?

Sun-sensitive or photosensitive drugs are drugs that cause a moderate to severe skin reaction that is similar to a bad sunburn when exposed to the sun (UV rays), usually the forehead, nose, hands, arms, and lips. Many common medications cause this reaction in some people.

Why do some drugs cause photosensitivity?

How Do Drugs Cause Photosensitivity? Photosensitivity occurs when chemicals in certain drugs absorb ultraviolet light, leading to a buildup of damaging compounds in the skin. Pharmacists call drugs that trigger these reactions “photosensitizers.” Ultraviolet-A (UVA) exposure causes most photosensitivity reactions.

What drugs can cause light sensitivity?

• Antihistamines.
• Coal Tar and Derivatives.
• Contraceptives, Oral and Estrogens.
• Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
• Phenothiazines.
• Psoralens.
• Sulfonamides.
• Sulfonylureas.

Do statins cause photosensitivity?

You can become photosensitive from: Medications: Some widely used medications, including antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), antihistamines and certain heart medicines and statins for lowering cholesterol, can make you far more sensitive to sunlight than you’d usually be.

What are the five drugs or drug groups that are attributed to photosensitivity?

• Alpha-hydroxy acids in cosmetics.
• Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)
• Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voricanozole)
• Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine)

What is photosensitive reaction?

Photosensitivity, sometimes referred to as a sun allergy, is an immune system reaction that is triggered by sunlight. Sunlight can trigger immune system reactions. People develop itchy eruptions or areas of redness and inflammation on patches of sun-exposed skin.

How common is photosensitivity with doxycycline?

In the present analysis, 16/858 (1.9%) patients with EM treated with doxycycline experienced photosensitivity reactions. The clinical symptoms of photosensitivity ranged from itching and burning sensations to mild erythema of sun-exposed face and extremities.

Do sulfa drugs cause photosensitivity?

Sulfonamides may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause a skin rash, itching, redness or other discoloration of the skin, or a severe sunburn.

Does amoxicillin cause photosensitivity?

Other antibiotics, like amoxicillin, have no effect on sun sensitivity. The spectrum of medications that could lead to a burn ranges from over-the-counter painkillers like Aleve, Advil, and Motrin (NSAIDs, specifically) to antidepressants, diuretics, and diabetes and high blood pressure medicines.

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How are photosensitive drugs administered?

The phototoxic drugs can be contained in a topical administration or it may reach the skin via systemic circulation following oral or parenteral administration. Phototoxic reactions occur after the harmful effects of light-activated compounds on cell membranes and, in some cases, DNA.

Is metronidazole a photosensitive drug?

Sun exposure: Taking metronidazole can make your skin especially sensitive to the sun. Make sure to limit sun exposure while you take this drug.

Can bactrim cause photosensitivity?

Many commonly used medicines can cause photosensitivity: Antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro®), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim®) and doxycycline, tetracycline, and minocycline.

Does acyclovir cause photosensitivity?

Hypersensitivity and Skin: Alopecia, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, rashes including photosensitivity, pruritus, urticaria, dyspnoea, angioedema and anaphylaxis.

What causes extreme sun sensitivity?

People who have an extreme sensitivity to sunlight are born with a rare disease known as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). They must take extreme measures to protect their skin from ultraviolet (UV) light. Anything that emits UV light, including the sun and some lightbulbs, can damage their skin.

What is the treatment for photosensitivity?

To treat chemical photosensitivity reactions, corticosteroids are applied to the skin and the substance that is causing the reaction is avoided. Solar urticaria can be difficult to treat, but doctors may try histamine (H1) blockers (antihistamines), corticosteroids, or sunscreens.

What is the most common form of a photosensitive reaction?

Symptoms of photosensitivity vary from mild to severe. The most common symptom is an exaggerated skin rash or sunburn.

Which of the following drugs is associated with the reaction of hepatitis?

These include: Pain and fever medicines that have acetaminophen. Aspirin and over-the-counter pain and fever medicines (NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines) Anabolic steroids, man-made medicines that are like the male sex hormone testosterone.

Which of the following drugs is associated with development of both phototoxicity and Photoallergy?

PSD: photosensitive drug; NSAID: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Topical agents can be associated with both phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. It has been reported that acyclovir, dibucaine injection, hydrocortisone, and chlorpromazine gel may cause photoallergic reactions [11,101–104].

When does adverse drug reactions occur?

An adverse drug reaction (ADR) is an unwanted or harmful reaction experienced following the administration of a drug or combination of drugs under normal conditions of use and is suspected to be related to the drug. An ADR will usually require the drug to be discontinued or the dose reduced.

Does griseofulvin cause photosensitivity?

Photosensitivity has frequently been associated with local antiseptics, antifungals (eg, griseofulvin), and the antimicrobials nalidixic acid, fluoroquinolones, sulfonamides, tetracyclines, and antiprotozoans.

Does amiodarone cause photosensitivity?

Previous reports from Europe indicate that amiodarone occasionally causes a cutaneous photosensitivity reaction that may be associated with a peculiar blue-gray discoloration of the skin. In addition, corneal microdeposits of yellow-brown granules may occur.

Are Antibiotics photosensitive?

There are dozens of medications and over-the-counter drugs that can cause sun sensitivity. Some of the most common include: Antibiotics: doxycycline, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, trimethoprim.

Which antibiotic does not cause photosensitivity?

Antibiotics Known to Cause Photosensitivity In contrast, moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin possess a methoxy group at this position and thus have the greatest photostability. Levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin—2 of the most commonly used fluoroquinolones today—possess relatively low phototoxic potential.

Can doxycycline cause bruising?

Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, flu-like symptoms, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes. This reaction may occur several weeks after you began using doxycycline.

Which Tetracycline is most photosensitive?

Minocycline is the least phototoxic in vitro and clinically. It is not reported to be a photosensitizer (Figure 2). Doxycycline and chlortetracycline, followed by demeclocycline and tetracycline, are the strongest photosensitizers when tested on normal human keratinocytes.

Does Augmentin cause photosensitivity?

Antibiotics and NSAIDs: Even if it doesn’t say it on the bottle, antibiotics of all kinds including Amoxicillin, Augmentin, Bactrim can make someone more sensitive to the sun.

What is doxycycline used for?

Doxycycline is an antibiotic. It’s used to treat infections such as chest infections, skin infections, rosacea, dental infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), as well as a lot of other rare infections. It can also be used to prevent malaria if you’re travelling abroad.

Does azithromycin cause sun sensitivity?

Azithromycin could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Does ciprofloxacin cause sun sensitivity?

Some people who take ciprofloxacin may become more sensitive to sunlight than they are normally. Exposure to sunlight, even for brief periods of time, may cause severe sunburn, skin rash, redness, itching, or discoloration.

Is clindamycin sun sensitive?

Clindamycin and tretinoin topical can make you sunburn more easily. Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every morning and throughout the day as needed. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Your skin may be more sensitive to weather extremes such as cold and wind.