Drug and chemical induced photosensitivity from a clinical perspective

Photochem Photobiol Sci. 2018 Dec 5;17(12):1885-1903. doi: 10.1039/c8pp00011e.

Abstract

Drug photosensitivity is a relatively common occurrence and a range of mechanisms may be involved. Some of these mechanisms will be discussed, including the most common, that of drug phototoxicity. Different types of photosensitivity are addressed with respect to clinical presentation, mechanisms and additionally the contribution to our understanding through clinically directed investigations and regulatory requirements. Repeated controlled therapeutic use of drug phototoxicity, with psoralen-UVA (PUVA) photochemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT) will also be discussed. Finally, the potential for drug-induced photocarcinogenesis will also be covered.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / chemically induced
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
  • Erythema / chemically induced
  • Erythema / pathology
  • Ficusin / adverse effects
  • Ficusin / chemistry*
  • Ficusin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / chemically induced*
  • Photosensitivity Disorders / prevention & control
  • Photosensitizing Agents / adverse effects
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Sunscreening Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ultraviolet Rays*

Substances

  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Sunscreening Agents
  • Ficusin