Hydroquinine and photosensitivity

Several drugs, for example some antibiotics, diuretics and pain killers can cause photosensitivity. This is relatively uncommon. The Netherlands Pharmacovigilance Centre Lareb received four reports of photosensitivity when using the drug hydroquinine (Inhibin®). Hydroquinine is a muscle relaxant drug and is used for the treatment of noctural cramps in the legs. Photosensitivity is currently not listed in the patient information leaflet or official product information of hydroquinine. 

It is important to realize that not only sunlight, but also UV radiation from a tanning bed can cause this reaction. One patient experienced a reaction twice after being exposed to UV radiation from a tanning bed during the use of hydroquinine. The Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) has decided to add photosensitivity to the patient information leaflet and official product information of hydroquinine as a very rare adverse event.

Read the analysis of the reports.