J Korean Soc Biol Ther Psychiatry.
2020 Oct;26(3):269-273.
Chlorpromazine-induced Exfoliative Photoallergic Reaction
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Psychiatry, Dadae Jayeon Hospital, Busan, Korea
Abstract
- Despite the availability of second-generation antipsychotic drugs, chlorpromazine is still commonly used in Korea and many other countries due to its cost effectiveness, particularly for patients experiencing psychomotor excitement. Adverse effects of chlorpromazine include photosensitivity and phototoxic and photoallergic skin reactions. We present a case of severe photoallergic skin reactions to chlorpromazine that developed 3 days after use of the drug. The skin lesions resolved completely within one week after stopping the drug. A previous history of exposure to chlorpromazine was unknown and the patient had never previously experienced any form of drug-induced photosensitivity. This case highlights the need for awareness of the cutaneous adverse effects of chlorpromazine and the importance of educating patients.
