Molecular mechanisms of drug photodegradation and photosensitization

Mohd Rehan Zaheer, Anamika Gupta, Jawaid Iqbal, Qamar Zia, Akil Ahmad, Roohi, Mohammad Owais, Ali Hashlamon, Siti Hamidah Mohd Setapar, Ghulam Md Ashraf, Gjumrakch Aliev*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Drug-induced photosensitivity of the skin is drawing increasing attention. In past few decades, photosensitivity has been reported with an array of drugs, and is now recognized as a noteworthy medical problem by clinicians, regulatory authorities and pharmaceutical industry. The photosensitivity is of two types i.e., phototoxicity and photoallergy. Phototoxic disorders have a high incidence, whereas photoallergic reactions are much less frequent in human population. Several hundred substances, chemicals, or drugs may invoke phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. In order to avoid photosensitive reactions, it is essential to understand the mechanism behind the photosensitizing properties of such substances before these drugs are introduced in clinical settings. Photosensitization is inter-related to photochemical reaction, through the knowledge of which the photosensitivity of a drug can be anticipated. This review highlights the current research status on photosensitizing drugs and its correlation to phototoxicity. Different mechanisms of photodegradation of photolabile drugs have also been discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)768-782
Number of pages15
JournalCurrent Pharmaceutical Design
Volume22
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Feb 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Drug
  • Photoallergy
  • Photodegradation
  • Photosensitization
  • Phototoxicity

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