In vitro evaluation of phototoxic properties of proton pump inhibitors, H2-receptor antagonists and statins.

Journal Compilation © 2012 Acta Dermato-Venereologica. ISSN 0001-5555 Proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists are widely used in the treatment of peptic ulcers and gastric acid-related diseases, because of their acid production inhibitory properties. Another group of frequently prescribed drugs, statins are used to significantly decrease the serum levels of cholesterol, thus stabilizing atherosclerotic plaques. Statins, as well as proton pump inhibitors and H2-receptor antagonists, are generally well tolerated. However, there are some case reports of photosensitive side-effects (1–12): ranitidine has been shown to induce increased photosensitivity, whereas pantoprazole, lansoprazole and omeprazole have been associated with the development of cutaneous lupus erythematosus, a known photosensitive skin disease. Furthermore, statins mainly induced chronic actinic dermatitis. We therefore assessed the in vitro phototoxic potential of several proton pump inhibitors, H2 antagonists, and statins, using a photohaemolysis test. This assay is an established in vitro method used in isolated erythrocytes for measurement of possible phototoxic effects. The effects of anti-oxidative substances (e.g. ascorbic acid, Trolox®, a water-soluble derivative of vitamin E) can also be assessed easily.