Table of Contents
What are photosensitive medications?
Sun-sensitizing drugs are drugs that have side effects when people taking them are exposed to the sun. Some reactions are caused by exposure to the sun’s UVB or “short” waves, but most are caused by UVA or “long” wave exposure. There are two main types of sun-sensitizing drug reactions.
What are the five drugs that are attributed to photosensitivity?
Primary Classes of Medications Responsible for Photosensitizing Reactions
- Antihistamines.
- Coal Tar and Derivatives.
- Contraceptives, Oral and Estrogens.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.
- Phenothiazines.
- Psoralens.
- Sulfonamides.
- Sulfonylureas.
What is a drug Photoallergic reaction?
Photoallergic reactions are cell-mediated immune responses in which the antigen is a light-activated drug. Photoactivation results in the development of a metabolite that can bind to protein carriers in the skin to form a complete antigen.
How do medications treat photosensitivity?
The mainstays of treatment of drug-induced photosensitivity include identification and avoidance of the causative agent, the use of sun protection, and the institution of measures for symptomatic relief. Topical corticosteroids and cool compresses may alleviate drug-induced photosensitivity.
Is amoxicillin a photosensitive drug?
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.
Is omeprazole a photosensitive drug?
Systematic analysis of the photosensitive potential of pharmaceutical substances supports these clinical findings. Omeprazole, having its absorption peak in the UVB wavelength region, showed phototoxic potential leading to peroxidation of lipids.
Which of the following drugs is most likely to induce photosensitivity?
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.
Which drug causes photosensitivity reaction?
Can antihistamines help photosensitivity?
Taking oral antihistamines can help relieve the rash and other photosensitivity symptoms caused by a sun allergy. The best antihistamine is the one that works well for you and fits your needs. Typically, this includes less drowsy antihistamines such as levocetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, and cetirizine.
Does vitamin C increase sun sensitivity?
Myth #3: Vitamin C causes sun sensitivity and should only be applied at night. Vitamin C does not cause sensitivity to the sun, it’s quite the opposite actually.
What antibiotics are photosensitive?
There are certain types of medicines that can cause sensitivity to the sun. Some of these include: Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim) Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voricanozole)
Is metronidazole photosensitive?
Metronidazole can cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. Protect treated areas of skin from strong sunlight, and do not use sunbeds.
Which drug causes photosensitivity?
Why do some medications 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 deficiency causes sun sensitivity?
Nutrition and Supplements If you do not get enough of some nutrients, your skin can become sensitive to sunlight. Pellagra, for example, is caused by a niacin deficiency and leads to photosensitivity. Other nutrients, particularly antioxidants and flavonoids, may help protect skin against sun damage in healthy people.
How can I stop being sensitive to the sun?
If you have a sun allergy or an increased sensitivity to the sun, you can help prevent a reaction by taking these steps:
- Avoid the sun during peak hours.
- Avoid sudden exposure to lots of sunlight.
- Wear sunglasses and protective clothing.
- Use sunscreen.
- Avoid known triggers.
Is doxycycline a photosensitive drug?
Abstract. Background: One of the most important dermatologic side effects of doxycycline is photosensitivity. As doxycycline is important for malaria prophylaxis and malaria is mainly spread in countries with high sun radiation, special attention should be paid to this adverse effect.