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THERAPY OF CHLORPROMAZINE MELANOSIS: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|September 19, 1964
Summary
Chlorpromazine-induced melanosis causes cosmetic and visual issues. D-penicillamine treatment reduced skin pigmentation by inhibiting melanin synthesis, offering a potential therapy for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Dermatology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Prolonged chlorpromazine therapy can lead to melanosis, a condition causing undesirable skin pigmentation, visual impairment, and organ dysfunction.
- Withholding chlorpromazine does not reverse existing pigment deposits in patients with chlorpromazine-induced melanosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate therapeutic strategies for existing chlorpromazine-induced melanosis.
- To explore methods for preventing this adverse effect.
Main Methods:
- Administered D-penicillamine, a copper-chelating agent, for four weeks to block melanin synthesis by depressing tyrosinase activity.
- Assessed skin pigmentation changes and monitored urinary copper excretion.
- Investigated stimulating melatonin production by keeping patients in darkness for four weeks as an alternative treatment.
Main Results:
- Four out of six patients treated with D-penicillamine showed marked improvement in skin pigmentation.
- Urinary copper excretion significantly increased during D-penicillamine treatment.
- One of two patients treated with darkness therapy showed marked improvement; the other showed slight improvement.
Conclusions:
- D-penicillamine shows promise in treating chlorpromazine-induced melanosis by reducing skin pigmentation.
- Further research is needed to optimize treatment protocols and explore preventative measures for chlorpromazine-induced melanosis.