Fluoroquinolone phototoxicity: a comparison of moxifloxacin and lomefloxacin in normal volunteers

Moxifloxacin, a broad-spectrum fluoroquinolone with the methoxy group at position 8 of the quinolone structure that is believed to confer reduced phototoxicity, was investigated in 32 healthy human male volunteers by a randomized double-blind placebo and positive control (lomefloxacin) phototest technique. A comparison of pre- and on-drug photosensitivity levels tested with an irradiation monochromator using relevant sunlight wavelengths, failed to demonstrate phototoxicity after administration of either placebo or moxifloxacin (200 mg or 400 mg/day) for 7 days. As expected, lomefloxacin (400 mg/day) phototoxicity was revealed at the UVA wavebands 335 +/- 30 nm and 365 +/- 30 nm (maximal at 24 h), with a phototoxic index of 3-4. The susceptibility to this effect rapidly normalized within 48 h of stopping the drug. No special protection from UVA wavelengths is necessary for those taking moxifloxacin.