Serious photocontact dermatitis induced by topical ketoprofen depends on the formulation.
BACKGROUND
Topical administration of ketoprofen to treat local subcutaneous pain significantly reduces gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse effects associated with oral delivery. However, this benefit must be weighed against the risk of photosensitisation/phototoxicity.


OBJECTIVE
To substantiate the safety and efficacy of topical ketoprofen delivery from a patch.


METHODS
Experiments were performed, and published information analysed, (a) to confirm the superior skin permeability and pharmacological activity of ketoprofen, and (b) to demonstrate the lower incidence of ketoprofen photosensitisation/phototoxicity when delivered from a topical patch.


RESULTS
Ketoprofen's photodegradation products were more photoallergic than the drug itself. The period post-ketoprofen treatment that skin should be protected from UV radiation (while the drug is cleared from the application site) was estimated.


CONCLUSIONS
Photosensitisation to ketoprofen can be mitigated by a patch formulation, which protects the drug from direct UV exposure during skin application, and reduces the formation of even more photoallergic photodegradation products.
University of Bath, Department of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, U.K.
Richard H
RH
Guy
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., R&D Division, Kannondai 1-25-11, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Hidekazu
H
Kuma
Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc., R&D Division, Kannondai 1-25-11, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan.
Masaru
M
Nakanishi
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000818:Animals; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D017454:Dermatitis, Photoallergic / Q000209:etiology*; D004339:Drug Compounding; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D007660:Ketoprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D008297:Male; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007660:Ketoprofen
ketoprofen; photocontact dermatitis; skin; topical patch