Administration of barbiturates to sedate an agitated patient would be counterproductive, as it would further activate ALA synthase, and result in more rapid clinical deterioration. Large amounts of coproporphyrin III are excreted in the feces. Poorly understood neurological symptoms occur. Skin lesions may occur. Porphyrinogens are subject to light-catalyzed oxidation to their corresponding porphyrins.
Porphyrins absorb visible light strongly.
The most damaging wavelength is 405 nm, which is the peak of the absorption spectra of porphyrins. This wavelength is not blocked by window glass.