Photoreactive medications

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Hi gang,

I just thought it might be useful to provide a list of medicines/herbal supplements that can cause photoallergy, and photosensitivity. The list is from the dental whitener supplier, Discus Dental and it's product, Zoom chairside dental whitener.

Many of the in-office dental whiteners are "activated" using a bright lamp which produces light similar to that from the sun. As such, these lamps can initiate a photosensitivity reaction in a patient inadvertently taking it AND having their teeth whitened.

This list is comprehensive but may not contain all known photosensitivity causing agents.

Generic Name and Trade Name Chlorthiazide Aldoclor, Diupres, Diuril Hydrochlorothiazide Aldacteride, Aldoril, Capozide, Dyazide, Hydrodiuril, Lopressor, Orotic, Moduretic Chlorthalidone Combipres, Tenoretic, Hygroton Naprosyn Naproxen Oxaprozin Daypro Nabumetone Relafen Piroxicam Feldene Doxycycline Vibramycin, Doryx Ciprofloxacin Cipro Ofloxacin Floxin Psoralens Methoxsalen, Trisoralen Democlocyline Declomycin Norfloxacin Chibroxin, Noroxin Sparfloxacin Zagan Sulindac Clinoril, Sulindac Tetracycline Achromycin St. John’s Wart

Thought you might want to know.

Laurence Stein, DDS

 

[tiny_clanger]

minocycline is one worth adding to the list, esp. as I guess the idea for this thread came from the minocycline thread

 

[pharmguy]

Add:
generic name - trade name - probability
sulfamethoxazole + trimethoprim - Septra/Bactrim - moderate to high
celecoxib - Celebrex - low to moderate
[Heck - pretty much any sulfonamide (sulfa) drug!!]

tretinoin (vitamin a acid) cream - high depending on usage
isotretinoin - Accutane - high to very high depending on dose

here's two links that might be useful:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hecs-sesc/ccrpb/publication/02hecs288/appendix4.htm

http://www.jamaicanmetanarbutus.com/medications.htm

And always slap on the suncreen (60 SPF for fair-skinned people on moderate to high senisitizing meds or anyone on high to very high meds).

 

[Laurence Stein DDS]

Thanks guys. Yeah, minocycline should be there. Tetracycline is listed but none of the entire tetracycline family is specifically mentioned.

The additions are great.

I thought I would start this thread in response to the Minocycline question and how it relates to most any photoreactive medications. If members do a search in the future, they should find this information.

Thanks again.

Laurence Stein DDS

 

[GoBlue!]

And a reminder that anyone reading this list should NOT just stop their medication on their own prior to heading out on vacation. Some of the meds on the list, depending on dosage, would be best tapered than stopped altogether. A quick call to your physician's office to find out (1) likelihood of photosensitivity with your particular med & (2) method of temporarily discontinuing, would be in one's best interest.

Jim

 

[tiny_clanger]

And always slap on the suncreen (60 SPF for fair-skinned people on moderate to high senisitizing meds or anyone on high to very high meds).

but - If you're on any of these meds, dont rely on sunscreen as a barrier. Once you get the reaction, sunscreen will not help - trust me!!!! Think about carrying some long sleeved cotton shirts or something, and definitely some gloves, when the backs of you hands get it, it's excruciating, and will stop you being able to move your fingers properly if it gets too bad.


been there - done that!