title: Photosensitizing potential of certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
abstract: The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been repeatedly associated with photosensitivity reactions. The underlying mechanism however is not known, and the clinical features are not always consistent with either a phototoxic or a photoallergic mechanism. In this study, four NSAIDs were investigated for their phototoxicity potential in human volunteers using an oral dosing protocol. Phototoxicity, consisting of wheal-and-flare reactions following exposure to ultraviolet radiation, was demonstrated following the administration of naproxen and nabumetone, but was not seen in volunteers who received piroxicam, a drug reported to cause photosensitivity. Thus, although certain NSAIDs are potentially capable of producing phototoxicity reactions, others can presumably provoke clinical photosensitivity through other mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Kaidbey
authors.forename: F N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Mitchell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002074:Butanones / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D006969:Hypersensitivity, Immediate; D008297:Male; D000077430:Nabumetone; D009288:Naproxen / Q000009:adverse effects; D010787:Photosensitivity Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D010894:Piroxicam / Q000009:adverse effects; D011422:Propionates / Q000009:adverse effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D002074:Butanones; D011422:Propionates; D010894:Piroxicam; C011677:benoxaprofen; D009288:Naproxen; D000077430:Nabumetone