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Antimicrobial photosensitive reactions
S G Vassileva1, G Mateev, L C Parish
1Department of Dermatology, Medical University-Sofia, Bulgaria.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|October 20, 1998
Summary
Drug-induced photosensitivity occurs when medications absorb UV light, causing skin inflammation. Both direct tissue damage (phototoxic) and immune responses (photoallergic) are possible, often detected post-marketing.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Photosensitivity reactions are adverse effects of various medications, including antifungals, antimicrobials, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
- These reactions occur when drugs absorb UV or visible light, triggering an inflammatory response in the skin.
- Reactions can be direct (phototoxic) or immune-mediated (photoallergic).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms and implications of drug-induced photosensitivity.
- To highlight the importance of identifying photosensitivity, especially during post-marketing surveillance.
- To discuss the variability in photosensitivity reactions among different drug classes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on drug-induced photosensitivity.
- Discussion of in vitro and in vivo assay systems for prediction and confirmation.
- Analysis of documented cases and post-marketing reports.
Main Results:
- Drug photosensitivity incidence may be too low for detection in clinical trials, often emerging post-marketing.
- Some drugs have been withdrawn due to photosensitivity issues identified after general release.
- Variability in incidence and intensity of phototoxicity exists within antimicrobial classes.
Conclusions:
- Drug-induced photosensitivity is a significant adverse effect requiring careful monitoring.
- Assay systems can aid in predicting and confirming these reactions.
- The benefits of a drug may outweigh manageable photosensitivity risks.