Photoreactivity of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory 2-arylpropionic acids with photosensitizing side effects

The photoreactivity of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory 2-arylprapionic a cids benoxaprofen, carprofen, naproxen, ketoprofen, tiaprofenic acid, and s uprofen is reviewed with special emphasis on fundamental photophysical and photochemical properties. The absorption and emission properties of the exc ited states of these drugs as well as their main photodegradation routes ar e summarized. The photochemical mechanisms are discussed on the basis of pr oduct studies and detection of short-lived intermediates by means of laser flash photolysis. After dealing with the unimolecular processes, attention is focused on the photosensitized reactions of key biomolecules, such as li pids, proteins or nucleic acids. Finally, a short section on the photobiolo gical effects on simple biological models is also included. Although some e arlier citations are included, the literature coverage is in general limite d to the last decade.