Sun sensitivity, or photosensitivity, is skin inflammation that is worsened by certain medications or chemicals. It is often confused for sunburn. Here’s a quick lesson on pharmaceuticals.
People often refer to a medication’s brand name but actually receive the generic form. The branded names are commonly known because they’re easier to pronounce. For example, the generic of Ambien is zolpidem tartrate. Most people take zolpidem, but they refer to it as Ambien.
The list of medications that causes photosensitivity is much longer than this, but these are most commonly taken. If you’re unsure of whether or not your medication will cause you to become sensitive to the sun, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Antiobiotics
- Cipro – ciprofloxacin
- Levaquin – levofloxacin
- Vibramycin/Oracea/Adoxa – doxycycline
- Terramycin – tetracycline
- Bactrim/Septra – Sulfamethoxazole & Trimethoprim (it’s a combination drug)
- Zpak/Zithromax – azithromycin
- Minocin – minocycline – (Antibiotic typically used for acne)
Antihistamines
- Benadryl – diphenhydramine
- Atarax – hydroxyzine (also used as a sleep aid)
Malaria Medications
- quinine
- Plaquenil – hydroxychloroquine (Commonly used in the US, but for Arthritis.)
Cardiac Medications
- Cordarone – amiodarone
- Procardia – nifedipine
- Cardizem/Tiazac/Taztia – diltiazem
Diuretics
- Lasix – furosemide (also used for hypertension/high blood pressure. One of the most common medications used in the US.)
- hydrochlorothiazide (also referred to as HCTZ, since it’s a mouthful. HCTZ is also in several medications that are combination drugs, which have 2+drugs in one. It’s also very popular.)
Hypertension/High Blood Pressure Medications
- HCTZ (listed above)
- Aldoril – methyldopa. (Common for pregnancy related hypertension)
- Prinivil – lisinopril
Diabetic/Sugar Control Medications
- Micronase – glyburide
- Amaryl – glimepiride
Painkillers and Anti-inflammatory Medications
- ALL NSAIDS! these are common and over the counter, so you don’t need a prescription for these.
- Naprosyn/Naprelan/Anaprox/Aleve – Naproxen
- Advil/Motrin – Ibuprofin
- Celebrex – celecoxib (Commonly prescribed for arthritis)
- Voltaren/Arthrotec – dicofenac.
Acne Medications
- Accutane, which is no longer on the market, and similar versions Amnesteem, Claravis, Sotret – isotretinoin
- Benzoyl Peroxide – A topical acne medication that can be purchased over the counter or by prescription.
Psych/Mood Stabilizers/Anxiety/Depression/Sleep Medications
- Tofranil – imipramine
- Xanax – alprazolam
- Elavil – amitriptyline
- Desyrel – trazodone
- Prozac – fluoxetine
- Haldol – haloperidol
- Lamictal – lamortigine
- Zoloft – sertraline
- St. John’s Wort
Birth Controls and Female Health Medications
- Any combination birth control pill, which is almost all of them.
- Depo-provera/Provera – medroxyprogesterone (tablet and injection)
- Climara – estradiol
- Aygestin – norethnidrone
- Premarin/Premphase/Prempro – conjugated estrogens
- Estratest/Menest – esterified estrogens
Others
- Methotrexate – (chemotherapy, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Antivert/Dramamine – meclizine (vertigo, motion sickness)
- Carbatrol/Tegretol – carbamazepine (anticonvulsant, seizures)
- Dilantin – phenytoin (anticonvulsant)
- Megace – Megestrol (induces appetite)
- Phenergan – promethazine (anti-emetic)
- Zocor – simvastatin (cholesterol)
Foods and Plants that can cause Photosensitivity
- Lime
- Celery
- Figs
- Parsnips
- Parsley
- Carrots
Resources on Photosensitive Medications