Drug-Induced Photosensitivity Medication

Author: Alexandra Y Zhang, MD; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD more...

Updated: Apr 4, 2012

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Medication Summary
Corticosteroids
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Medication Summary

The goal of pharmacotherapy for drug-induced photosensitivity is to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications. Broad-spectrum sunscreens with coverage in the UV-A and UV-B ranges are recommended. Sunscreens containing avobenzone (Parsol 1789) absorb light in the UV-A range. Physical sunscreen agents, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, have full UV spectrum protection. Note that some individuals are allergic to some chemical sunscreens that are sensitizers and may induce contact dermatitis and/or photoallergy.

Class Summary

These agents have anti-inflammatory properties and cause profound and varied metabolic effects. Corticosteroids modify the body's immune response to diverse stimuli. Potent class I and II topical steroids may be used. Less potent topical steroids such as hydrocortisone valerate, desonide, or fluticasone may be used twice a day in children to decrease risk of systemic absorption.

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Clobetasol (Cormax, Temovate)

Suppresses mitosis and increases synthesis of proteins that decrease inflammation and cause vasoconstriction.

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Betamethasone topical (Diprolene, Betatrex, Diprosone)

For treatment of inflammatory dermatoses responsive to steroids. Decreases inflammation by suppressing migration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and reversing capillary permeability.

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Hydrocortisone valerate (Westcort)

Adrenocorticosteroid derivative suitable for application to skin or external mucous membranes. Has mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid effects that result in anti-inflammatory activity.

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Desonide (DesOwen, Tridesilon)

Stimulates synthesis of enzymes that decrease inflammation. Suppresses mitotic activity and causes vasoconstriction.

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Fluticasone (Cutivate)

Has extremely potent vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory activity. Has a weak hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical axis inhibitory potency when applied topically.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Alexandra Y Zhang, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh

Alexandra Y Zhang, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatology Foundation, and Women's Dermatologic Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Craig A Elmets, MD Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, UAB Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine

Craig A Elmets, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Association of Immunologists, American College of Physicians, American Federation for Medical Research, and Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: Palomar Medical Technologies Stock None; Astellas Consulting fee Review panel membership; Massachusetts Medical Society Salary Employment; Abbott Laboratories Grant/research funds Independent contractor; UpToDate Salary Employment; Biogen Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Clinuvel Independent contractor; Covan Basilea Pharmaceutical Grant/research funds Independent contractor; ISDIN None Consulting; TenX BIopharma Grant/research funds Independent contractor

Specialty Editor Board

Abdul-Ghani Kibbi, MD Professor and Chair, Department of Dermatology, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

David F Butler, MD Professor of Dermatology, Texas A&M University College of Medicine; Chair, Department of Dermatology, Director, Dermatology Residency Training Program, Scott and White Clinic, Northside Clinic

David F Butler, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for MOHS Surgery, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Phi Beta Kappa

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey P Callen, MD Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), Chief, Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine

Jeffrey P Callen, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, and American College of Rheumatology

Disclosure: Amgen Honoraria Consulting; Celgene Honoraria Safety Monitoring Committee

Catherine M Quirk, MD Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania

Catherine M Quirk, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Phototoxic reaction.

Photoallergic reaction.

Pseudoporphyria.

Subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus exacerbated by terbinafine. Courtesy of Jeffrey P. Callen.

Table 1. Common Photosensitizing Medications

Class	Medication	Phototoxic Reaction	Photoallergic Reaction	Lichenoid Reaction	Pseudoporphyria	Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
Antibiotics	Tetracyclines (doxycycline, tetracycline)	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
	Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, levofloxacin)^[1]	Yes	No	No	No	No
	Sulfonamides	Yes	No	No	No	No
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs^[2]	Ibuprofen	Yes	No	Yes	No	No
	Ketoprofen	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
	Naproxen^[3]	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
	Celecoxib^[4]	No	Yes	No	Yes	No
Diuretics	Furosemide	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
	Bumetanide	No	No	No	Yes	No
	Hydrochlorothiazide	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
Retinoid	Isotretinoin	Yes	No	No	No	No
Retinoid	Acitretin	Yes	No	No	No	No
Hypoglycemics	Sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide)^[1]	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
HMG-CoA* reductase inhibitors	Statins (atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin)^[5]	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors	Cetuximab, panitumumab, erlotinib, gefitinib, lapatinib, vandetanib^[6]	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Photodynamic therapy prophotosensitizers	5-Aminolevulinic acid^[7]	Yes	No	No	No	No
	Methyl-5-aminolevulinic acid	Yes	No	No	No	No
	Verteporfin^[8]	Yes	No	No	No	No
	Photofrin^[9]	Yes	No	No	No	No
Neuroleptic drugs^[10]	Phenothiazines (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perazine, perphenazine, thioridazine)^[11]	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Neuroleptic drugs^[10]	Thioxanthenes (chlorprothixene, thiothixene)	Yes	No	No	No	No
Antifungals	Terbinafine	No	No	No	No	Yes
	Itraconazole	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
	Voriconazole^{[12, 13, 14, 15]}	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
	Griseofulvin	Yes	Yes	No	No	Yes
Other drugs	Para-aminobenzoic acid	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
	5-Fluorouracil	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
	Paclitaxel^{[2, 16]}	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
	Amiodarone	Yes	No	No	Yes	No
	Diltiazem	Yes	No	No	No	Yes
	Quinidine	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
	Hydroxychloroquine	No	No	Yes	No	No
	Coal tar	Yes	No	No	No	No
	Enalapril	No	No	No	No	Yes
	Dapsone	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
	Oral contraceptives^{[17, 18]}	No	Yes	No	Yes	No
Sunscreens^[19]	Para-aminobenzoic acid	No	Yes	No	No	No
	Cinnamates	No	Yes	No	No	No
	Benzophenones	No	Yes	No	No	No
	Salicylates	No	Yes	No	No	No
Fragrances	Musk ambrette	No	Yes	No	No	No
Fragrances	6-Methylcoumarin	No	Yes	No	No	No
*3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A.

Table 2. Distinguishing Characteristics of Phototoxic and Photoallergic Reactions

Feature	Phototoxic Reaction	Photoallergic Reaction
Incidence	High	Low
Amount of agent required for photosensitivity	Large	Small
Onset of reaction after exposure to agent and light	Minutes to hours	24-72 hours
More than one exposure to agent required	No	Yes
Distribution	Sun-exposed skin only	Sun-exposed skin, may spread to unexposed areas
Clinical characteristics	Exaggerated sunburn	Dermatitis
Immunologically mediated	No	Yes; Type IV

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