ABSTRACT
Etofenamate is a benzoate ester and anthranilic acid derivative with analgesic, antirheumatic, antipyretic and antiinflammatory properties. It is a non-selective COX inhibitor affecting also the lipo-oxygenase pathway. This nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) is commonly used in Mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy, Portugal) in topical preparations for the treatment of joint and muscular pain. Allergic contact dermatitis, photoallergic contact dermatitis and photoaggravated allergic contact dermatitis to etofenamate have been observed and reported frequently. Of the NSAIDs, etofenamate appears to be the most frequent cause of contact allergy after ketoprofen and of photocontact allergy after ketoprofen and possibly benzydamine. All patients had a history of using one or more NSAID topical products containing etofenamate. In only 2 patients, there were positive photopatch tests to other NSAIDs (ketoprofen, dexketoprofen, piketoprofen), probably independent photosensitizations. In all cases where they were tested, the commercial products showed positive (photo)patch tests.
