Including common drugs such as hypoglycemic, cardiovascular, diuretic, and some Chinese herbal medicines. Once a photosensitivity reaction occurs, it will cause damage to the body
The temperature is high in summer and the ultraviolet rays are also strong. Many people are afraid of getting tanned or sunburned when going out, so they put on sunscreen and wear sun protection clothing. In fact, patients should pay more attention to sun protection after taking some drugs, because if a drug photosensitivity reaction occurs, it will cause discomfort to the body or cause skin damage.
- Severe drug photosensitivity reactions can evolve into long-lasting reactions
"Some drugs contain photosensitive substances. These substances Reaching the skin through intravenous infusion, topical application or oral absorption will increase the skin's sensitivity to ultraviolet rays," said Luo Saisai, a pharmacist in charge of the Department of Pharmacy of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. Drug photosensitivity refers to the reaction caused by a certain drug. Skin damage caused by contact of certain drugs (chemical drugs) with the skin and exposure to light of specific wavelengths. When there are photosensitive substances on the skin and are exposed to light of appropriate wavelength and for a certain period of time, a photosensitivity reaction may occur. Although there are certain individual differences in the occurrence of photosensitivity reactions, some people may have severe photosensitivity reactions after taking the drug for the first time and are exposed to ultraviolet rays, and even evolve into long-lasting reactions that affect normal life.
Drug photosensitivity reactions are divided into two categories: phototoxic reactions and photoallergic reactions . Rothesay said that phototoxic reactions usually occur within 2 to 3 hours after taking the drug. After exposure to the sun, edematous erythema similar to solar dermatitis will appear. In severe cases, blisters may even appear. Not only will there be burning and stinging sensations, but also pigmentation. The signs of composure are also more obvious. Photoallergy is not only related to drugs, but is also affected by genetics and allergic constitution. Its incubation period is long. Generally, the reaction will not appear until the second exposure to light 24 to 48 hours after taking the drug. At first, the skin will be red and swollen in the light-exposed area. Eczema-like symptoms such as erythema, blisters or oozing, as well as itching, will then spread to unexposed skin. Compared with phototoxic reactions that resolve quickly, photoallergic reactions resolve slowly, last longer, and may develop into long-lasting reactions. Therefore, once a patient takes some drugs that can cause photosensitivity reactions and fails to prepare for sun protection, it is very likely to cause harm to the body.
- You should pay attention to sun protection after taking these drugs.
"The types of drugs that can cause photosensitivity reactions include not only cardiovascular drugs, diuretics, hypoglycemic drugs, antidepressants, anti-infective drugs, some anti-tumor drugs, but also Angelica dahurica , Nepeta ", Fangfeng, Forsythia , etc. contain certain Chinese herbal medicine pieces that can cause photosensitivity reactions," Luo Yu, the pharmacist in charge of the Pharmacy Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, said, like metformin, a hypoglycemic drug well known to patients with diabetes. Exposure to light after taking it can easily lead to photosensitive eczema, cheilitisand photosensitive skin diseases. The phototoxicity of the anti-arrhythmia drug amiodarone is mostly manifested as blue-gray skin pigmentation, golden-brown pigmentation and rash, eye lens opacity and macular reactions.
Among anti-tumor drugs, drugs such as doxorubicin, tegafur, paclitaxel , etc. will produce varying degrees of photosensitivity reactions. The antidepressants paroxetine and fluoxetine can even cause patients to develop rashes and blisters after light exposure. Among anti-infective drugs, fluoroquinolones also have a higher incidence of photosensitivity reactions. Common examples of these drugs include ciprofloxacin , norfloxacin , ofloxacin , levofloxacin , etc. The tetracycline drugs doxycycline and minocycline are more likely to show sunburn-like reactions, such as tingling and other abnormal sensations in the hands, feet, mouth and nose in the early stage, and then erythema and pigmentation will appear in the exposed parts. , even bullae.
"Patients should read the drug instructions carefully before using the drug to understand whether it is a drug that can easily cause photosensitivity reactions. They can also be prepared in advance for sun protection when going out.In addition, if the medication does not have to be taken in the morning, the medication time can be adjusted and taken in the evening to reduce possible photosensitivity reactions. It should be noted that you still need to pay attention to sun protection during medication and for at least 7 days after stopping medication. "Luo Yu introduced that photosensitivity reactions to drugs can occur not only in summer, but all year round. If you take drugs that are prone to photosensitivity reactions, you should try to walk in the shade, reduce activities in strong sunlight, and pay attention to sun protection. For people with allergies, Or patients who have had drug photosensitivity reactions should seek medical attention Immediately inform the doctor or pharmacist to choose the appropriate drug.
Luo Yu suggested that once a drug photosensitivity reaction occurs, the patient should go to a regular hospital as soon as possible and adjust the dosage or change other drugs in a timely manner.
China Business News reporter Wu Jie
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