Reduction of the erythema response to ultraviolet light by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents

Summary The effect of three nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIA) on ultraviolet B (UV-B)-induced erythema was studied in normal human volunteers. Aspirin, indomethacin, and ibuprofen were administered orally 2 h before exposure to UV-B from fluorescent sunlamps and at 4-h intervals for a total of four doses. The minimal dose of light to produce erythema (MED) was determined for each subject with and without drugs. There was a 240% increase in the mean MED when the NSAIA were given. NSAIA, given orally, can increase the threshold for UV-B-induced erythema when administered near the time of irradiation.