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Pyridoxine and Amiodarone-Induced Photosensitivity
- JOHN P. MULROW, M.D.;
- CYNTHIA D. MULROW, M.D., M.Sc.; and
- WILLIAM J. McKENNA, M.D.
Excerpt
Amiodarone is an effective antiarrhythmic agent (1-5) but its use is often limited by unwanted effects (6). Photosensitivity develops in as many as 75% of white patients and is severe in more than 30% (7). No known clinical features identify susceptible patients, and recommended therapies such as sunscreens have not proved effective.
Pyridoxine was recently reported to suppress amiodarone-induced photosensitivity in three patients (8), but in-vitro studies (9) suggest pyridoxine enhances rather than suppresses amiodarone phototoxicity. Potential adverse effects indicate the need for thorough evaluation. We did a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of pyridoxine in preventing
This 100-word excerpt has been provided in the absence of an abstract.
Acknowledgments
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The authors thank Dr. Dennis Krikler, Dr. Celia Oakley, and Professor John Goodwin for allowing us to study patients under their care; and Dr. David Holt, of Guy's Hospital Poisons Unit, who provided plasma drug concentrations for amiodarone.
Article and Author Information
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▸Requests for reprints should be addressed to William J. McKenna, M.D.; Cardiovascular Disease, Hammersmith Hospital, Ducane Road; London W12 OHS, England.
