Photosensitivity skin reactions to calcium channel blockers1

Diltiazem Induces Severe Photodistributed Hyperpigmentation

“…These cutaneous adverse effects include erythema, pruritus, and/or lichenoid eruptions, which mostly develop soon after exposure to the sun. 2,7,8 However, photodistributed hyperpigmentation associated with the use of diltiazem recently has been reported ( Table 1). Analysis of all these reported cases in the literature showed that onset of pigmentary changes developed within 6 to 24 months after use of diltiazem.…”

“…Adverse effects of the drug include rare cutaneous eruptions such as maculopapular rashes, urticaria, and pruritus. [1][2][3] Even rarer severe adverse effects include subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, 4 toxic epidermal necrolysis, 1 and vasculitis. 5 Photosensitivity reactions of the skin associated with diltiazem rarely have been reported.…”

“…5 Photosensitivity reactions of the skin associated with diltiazem rarely have been reported. 1,2,[6][7][8] Diltiazem-induced photodistributed hyperpigmentation has been reported, until now, in 8 cases occurring mostly in African American women. [9][10][11][12] We report occurrence for the first time in a lightskinned African American woman and a Hispanic woman.…”

Photodistributed Telangiectasia Induced by Amlodipine

“…Telangiectasia, localized to photo-exposed sites, has been described after administration of calcium channel blockers1-5. In addition, two cases of photo-distributed telangiectasia resulting from cefotaxime and venlafaxine have been reported6,7.…”

“…prescriptions for nifedipine and diltiazem, with reactions consisting mainly of pruritus and urticaria1. Only seven cases of telangiectasia appearing in photo distributed areas as a result of administration of CCB have been reported1-5, three of these cases were induced by amlodipine2,3,5.…”