Abstract: Objective To develop an in vitro system to monitor drug induced cutaneous photosensitive damage. Methods Photohemolysis test was used to assess the phototoxicity of chlorpromazine. Results It was shown that hemolysis was induced by chlorpromazine under exposure to irradiation of UVA and UVB. The intensity of hemolysis increased along with the rise of UVA and UVB dosage and chlorpromazine concentration. Hemolysis could not be induced without exposure to UVA and UVB irradiation. Conclusion It is suggested that this test system could be used to detect and monitor drugs with potential phototoxicity.

Key words: Chlorpromazine, Ultraviolet rays, Photosensitivity disorders