ABSTRACT
Background: If phototoxic:ity can be predetermined in vitro, the information will aid in prognosticating whether or not caimpounds have a photosensitizing pczrlial. OBJECTIVE: For the evaluation of the phototoxic potentials of reral drugs, we performed the Candida albicans test and the photohemolysis test. METHODS: The Candida altiicans test is based on growth inhibtion of Candida albicans after application of the drug and ultraviolet light A( UVA ) irradiatior and the photohemolysis test is based on hemolysis of red blood cells caused by irradiation ir the presence of photosensitizing compounds. In the Candida albicans test, clear zones around the drug patches were evaluated, which means positive results for the phototoxic potential of the drugs. In the photohemolysis test, the amounts of hemolysis were evaluated by measuring the relar absorbance at 540nm using a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: In the Candida albicans test, ibuprofen, naldix acid, chlorpromazine and thiodiphenylamine showed positive results, whereas others did not the photohemolysis test, griseofulvin, ibuprofen and nalicdixic acid showed increased amounts hemolysis at UVA and ultraviolet light B(UVB) irracliation, and chlorpromazine, thiodiphenylaiair, chlorothiazide and piroxicam showed increased amounts of hemolysis at UVA irradiation only. CONCLUSION: The results showed that both methods were goodness screening tests for demonstrating the phototoxicity of therapeutic drugs.