A nurse is reviewing a patient’s past medical history (PMH). The history indicates the patient has photosensitive reactions to medications. Which of the following drugs is associated with photosensitive reactions? Select all that apply.
A. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
B. Sulfonamide
C. Norfloxacin (Noroxin)
D. Sulfamethoxazole and Trimethoprim (Bactrim)
E. Isotretinoin (Accutane)
F. Nitro-Dur patch
Correct Answer: A, B, C, D, and E.
Photosensitivity is an extreme sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and other light sources. A type of photosensitivity called Phototoxic reactions are caused when medications in the body interact with UV rays from the sun. Anti-infectives are the most common cause of this type of reaction.
Option A: Ciprofloxacin is used to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Ciprofloxacin belongs to a class of drugs called quinolone antibiotics. It works by stopping the growth of bacteria. This antibiotic treats only bacterial infections. It will not work for virus infections (such as common cold, flu). Unnecessary use or overuse of any antibiotic can lead to its decreased effectiveness.
Option B: Sulfonamides are synthetic bacteriostatic antibiotics that competitively inhibit conversion of p-aminobenzoic acid to dihydropteroate, which bacteria need for folate synthesis and ultimately purine and DNA synthesis. Humans do not synthesize folate but acquire it in their diet, so their DNA synthesis is less affected.
Option C: Norfloxacin is an antibiotic in a group of drugs called fluoroquinolones. Norfloxacin fights bacteria in the body. Norfloxacin is used to treat different bacterial infections of the prostate or urinary tract (bladder and kidneys). Norfloxacin is also used to treat gonorrhea.
Option D: Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination is used to treat infections such as urinary tract infections, middle ear infections (otitis media), bronchitis, traveler’s diarrhea, and shigellosis (bacillary dysentery). This medicine is also used to prevent or treat Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia or Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), a very serious kind of pneumonia. Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim combination is an antibiotic. It works by eliminating the bacteria that cause many kinds of infections.
Option E: Isotretinoin is a drug used to treat severe acne that hasn’t responded to other treatments. It may be prescribed for other uses, including other skin problems and certain kinds of cancer. This drug is a vitamin A derivative (retinoid), so your body reacts to it in a similar way that it does to vitamin A.
Option F: Nitro-Dur patch is used to prevent chest pain or angina. Its side effects are headache, lightheadedness, nausea, and flushing.