title: Fluoroquinolone phototoxicity: a comparison of moxifloxacin and lomefloxacin in normal volunteers.
abstract: Moxifloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone with the methoxy group at position 8 of the quinolone structure that is believed to confer reduced phototoxicity, was investigated in 32 healthy human male volunteers by a randomized double-blind placebo and positive control (lomefloxacin) phototest technique. A comparison of pre- and on-drug photosensitivity levels tested with an irradiation monochromator using relevant sunlight wavelengths, failed to demonstrate phototoxicity after administration of either placebo or moxifloxacin (200 mg or 400 mg/day) for 7 days. As expected, lomefloxacin (400 mg/day) phototoxicity was revealed at the UVA wavebands 335 +/- 30 nm and 365 +/- 30 nm (maximal at 24 h), with a phototoxic index of 3-4. The susceptibility to this effect rapidly normalized within 48 h of stopping the drug. No special protection from UVA wavelengths is necessary for those taking moxifloxacin.
authors.affiliation: Photobiology Unit, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Man
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Murphy
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001372:Aza Compounds; D017484:Dermatitis, Phototoxic / Q000209:etiology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000077266:Moxifloxacin; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011804:Quinolines; D015363:Quinolones / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001372:Aza Compounds; D024841:Fluoroquinolones; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D011804:Quinolines; D015363:Quinolones; C053091:lomefloxacin; D000077266:Moxifloxacin