Energist UltraPlus VPL™ System
User Manual
SD1-43 Issue 3 (CCF 296)
72
Section 10: Information on Drug Induced
Photosensitivity
There are many forms of medication and products available that can cause
the skin to become sensitive to light. These drugs can be taken by mouth or
applied to the skin, therefore it is important to ascertain whether the client is
currently using these products or undergoing a course of medication.
When receiving a light based treatment, a reaction can sometimes occur, with
varying degrees of severity. This varies greatly from client to client and ranges
from no noticeable reaction through to blisters and severe skin responses.
This reaction is called “Drug-Induced Photosensitivity” and can be divided into
two groups:
Photo-toxic Reactions
: these are dose related and can be seen to slight
degree in people who are exposed to sunlight.
Photo-allergic Reactions
: these involve the immune system and may be
similar to other allergic reactions such as swelling, rashes and hives.
It is due to these reactions that it is advisable to ensure test patches are
performed to determine if any adverse reaction occurs.
COMMON DRUGS THAT CAN CAUSE PHOTOSENSITIVE REACTIONS
*indicates high incidence of drug induced photoreactions
Drug Name
Trade Name
Antibiotics
Dioxycycline Vibramycin,
Vibratabs
* Demeclocycline
Declomycin
Tetracycline
Achromycin, plus others
Nalidixic Acid
NegGram
* Lomefloxacin
Maxaquin
Blood Pressure & Heart Medications
Hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrodiuril, Oretic, plus others
Note: many drugs contain HCTZ as one of the
ingredients.
Chlorothiazide
Diuril, plus others
Furosemide Lasix
* Amiodarone
Cordarone
Other Drugs
Chlorpromazine Thorazine
Psoralens Isotretinoin
(Accutane)
PABA and or PABA esters
Herbal/Natural Remedies
St. Johns Wort
Kava Kava
Melatonin
