Abstract
Photosensitization by drugs is a problem of increasing importance in modern life. This phenomenon occurs when a chemical substance in the skin is exposed to sunlight. Photosensitizing drugs are reported to cause severe skin dermatitis, and indeed, it is generally advised to avoid sunbathing and to apply sunscreen. In this context, the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac is a photosensitive drug, especially when administered in topical form. In this work, efforts have been made to design and study an innovative pro-drug/pro-filter system containing diclofenac and the UVA filter avobenzone in order to develop a safer use of this topical drug. The design is based on the presence of a well-established photoremovable phenacyl group in the avobenzone structure. Steady-state photolysis of the dyad in hydrogen-donor solvents, monitored by UV-Vis spectrophotometry and HPLC, confirms the simultaneous photorelease of diclofenac and avobenzone. Laser flash photolysis and phosphorescence emission experiments allow us to gain insight into the photoactive triplet excited-state properties of the dyad. Finally, it is shown that avobenzone provides partial photoprotection to diclofenac from photocyclization to carbazole derivatives.
Highlights
The harmful effect of sunlight is becoming a public health concern due to the increased incidence of skin cancer [1,2,3]
Topical drugs are of special relevancy as they are applied to the skin’s surface, and they are directly exposed to sunlight irradiation without suffering the filtering effect provided by the dermis and epidermis
The pro-drug/pro-filter concept has been checked for a covalently linked dyad constructed from the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac (DCF) and the widely used solar filter avobenzone (AB)
Summary
The harmful effect of sunlight is becoming a public health concern due to the increased incidence of skin cancer [1,2,3] This has been associated with sun exposure in connection with sun-seeking behavior, tanning fashion, and outdoor activities. Topical drugs are of special relevancy as they are applied to the skin’s surface, and they are directly exposed to sunlight irradiation without suffering the filtering effect provided by the dermis and epidermis. In this context, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) contained in topical pain relievers are of widespread use for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Topical formulations containing diclofenac (DCF) as the pharmacologically active agent are among the most commonly utilized because they are available in many countries without the need for a medical prescription
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
