Sun-Sensitive Drugs (Photosensitivity to Drugs) (cont.)
What are the symptoms of sun sensitivity
(photosensitivity)?
Symptoms of phototoxic reaction
Individuals with phototoxic reactions may initially complain of a burning and
stinging sensation. Then the redness typically occurs within 24 hours of the
exposure to sun in the exposed areas of the body such as the forehead, nose,
hands, arms, and lips. In severe cases, the sun protected areas of skin may be
also be involved.
The range of skin damage may vary from mild redness to swelling to blister
formation (bullae) in more severe cases. The skin changes usually resolve with
sloughing off (desquamation) of the affected area within several days.
Symptoms of photoallergic reactions
Individuals with photoallergic reactions may initially complain of itching
(pruritus). This is then followed by redness and possibly swelling and eruption
of the involved area. Because this is considered an allergic reaction, there may
be no symptoms for many days when the drug is taken for the first time.
Subsequent exposure to the drug and the sun may cause a more rapid response in
1-2 days.
Hyperpigmentation after reaction
Hyperpigmentation (darkening) of the affected area of the skin may develop
after the resolution of a phototoxicity reaction, but it is rare in a
photoallergic reaction. In phototoxic reactions, high doses of the drug and long
exposures to light may be required to cause the reaction.
What are some common sun-sensitizing drugs?
Phototoxic drugs
Common phototoxic drugs include the following:
Antibiotics
- the quinolones [for example, ciprofloxacin
(Cipro, Cipro XR, Proquin XR),
levofloxacin (Levaquin)]
- tetracyclines [for example,
tetracycline (Achromycin),
doxycycline (Vibramycin, Oracea, Adoxa, Atridox and others)]
- sulfonamides [for example, sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim; cotrimoxazole (Bactrim, Septra), sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol)]
Antihistamines
Malaria medications
Cancer chemotherapy drugs
Cardiac drugs
Diuretics
Diabetic drugs
Painkillers
Skin medications
Acne medications
Psychiatric drugs
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