The pathogenesis of amiodarone-induced pigmentation and photosensitivity

A new method has been used to measure tissue levels of amiodarone and its major metabolite desethylamiodarone. Amiodarone-pigmented skin has a drug and metabolite concentration ten times that of non-pigmented skin. Iodine-rich amiodarone and its metabolite have been detected in secondary lysosomes by energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. Amiodarone induces a phototoxic reaction with an action spectrum in both the UV-B and UV-A wavelengths.