Scratching the Surface: 8 Medications That Can Make You Feel Itchy

We all know how annoying itchy skin can be. It’s like having a tickle that won’t stop. And although it may just be uncomfortable, it can sometimes affect your quality of life. Battling the urge to scratch can seem impossible.

If you’re itching your skin more than usual, there are a few possible reasons why. For instance, certain medical conditions, environmental triggers, and irritants can all cause itchiness. In some cases, your medications could also be a culprit.

Below, we’ll cover eight medications that can cause you to feel itchy and explain how to manage this side effect. Keep in mind that this list isn’t a complete list.

1. Hypertension medications

There are several blood pressure drugs that cause itching.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) like amlodipine (Norvasc), beta blockers like atenolol (Tenormin), and diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide are a few examples. Itchiness has also been reported with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, like lisinopril.

There’s some evidence to suggest that itchiness caused by CCBs, beta blockers, and hydrochlorothiazide is due to skin inflammation. Itchiness from ACE inhibitors is likely due to the buildup of bradykinin, a natural protein in your body. Higher levels of bradykinin can cause swelling and itchiness.

2. Opioids

Opioid medications, such as oxycodone (Roxicodone, OxyContin) and morphine (MS Contin), are strong pain-relieving medications. But they can also trigger itchy skin.

Itchiness from opioids is likely triggered by the stimulation of mast cells, a type of immune cell. These cells release histamine, a chemical in your body that’s known for its role in causing allergy symptoms. It can also cause itchy skin.

3. Certain antibiotics

Several antibiotics can also make you feel itchy. These include sulfamethoxazole / trimethoprim (Bactrim) and penicillin antibiotics such as amoxicillin and amoxicillin / clavulanate (Augmentin). Azithromycin (Zithromax) and other macrolides are also on the list of antibiotics that cause itchiness.

Feeling itchy stems from your body’s response to the antibiotic. This could be due to an allergic reaction or cholestasis (a buildup of bile in body tissues).

4. Certain antidepressants

Antidepressants are medications that treat depression and anxiety. Several antidepressants have been reported to cause itchiness. The exact way they do this isn’t clear.

Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline (Pamelor), are one group of antidepressants that cause itchiness. But this isn’t unique to TCAs. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft), have also been linked to itchiness.

If excessive itchiness doesn’t go away or is affecting your quality of life, talk to a healthcare professional. They may recommend switching antidepressants.

5. Statins like rosuvastatin

Statins are go-to treatments for lowering cholesterol. Common examples include: 

• Rosuvastatin (Crestor)

• Atorvastatin (Lipitor)

• Simvastatin (Zocor, FloLipid)

Itchy skin has been reported among some people taking statins. This is likely because they slow down your body’s production of cholesterol, which can make your skin feel dry and itchy.

If you notice that you feel itchy after starting a statin, a moisturizing cream with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides may help. If you live in a dry or cold climate, using a humidifier is another option. It’s also a good idea to avoid skin care products with irritants like fragrances and alcohol.

If your itchiness doesn’t seem to go away with time, speak to a healthcare professional. They may prescribe an oral or topical corticosteroid or recommend trying a different cholesterol medication. 

6. Some cancer medications

Chemotherapy medications kill cancer cells. But they can also harm normal, healthy cells. This can sometimes lead to itchiness. Other cancer treatments that may cause itchiness include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Itchiness from cancer treatments is often manageable. Antihistamines, like diphenhydramine, are a good starting point, especially if itching keeps you awake. You can also try soaking in oatmeal baths and avoiding topical products that contain alcohol or other irritants.

Depending on the cancer treatments you’re receiving, your cancer care team can offer more personalized ways to manage itchiness.

7. Heparin

Heparin is a blood thinner that treats and prevents blood clots. It’s injected into a vein or under your skin by you or a healthcare professional.

Some people report feeling itchy after receiving heparin. It’s not fully clear why heparin causes itchiness. It may be due to an allergic reaction that causes a skin reaction, such as itchy plaques at the injection site.

If you develop a rash after your heparin injection, tell your medical team right away. They can give you medications to manage your symptoms. If you notice a skin rash after you return home, call a healthcare professional. Go to the emergency room if you have a fast-spreading rash that’s accompanied by shortness of breath or facial swelling.

8. Anti-malaria medications like chloroquine

Anti-malaria medications treat malaria around the world. They’re also a common cause of itchiness. Examples of these medications include: 

• Chloroquine: Chloroquine can lead to a stinging sensation that shows up within a few hours of taking it. 

• Hydroxychloroquine: Hydroxychloroquine may cause a red, itchy rash within 4 weeks of starting it.

• Mefloquine: Mefloquine has been linked to itchiness and a bumpy rash. 

These symptoms tend to resolve after stopping the treatment. But if your itchiness doesn’t go away or feels severe at any point, a healthcare professional may suggest trying a corticosteroid like prednisolone or an antihistamine like promethazine to calm your symptoms. Switching to another anti-malarial is also an option.

When should you talk to a healthcare professional about itchiness from medications?

It’s a good idea to contact a healthcare professional any time your itchiness feels bothersome or doesn’t go away. They can help figure out whether your medication may be causing it. They can also help you manage your symptoms.

You can usually treat mild itchiness at home. But more serious spells of itching should be taken seriously. Contact a healthcare professional if your itchiness comes with a sudden rash, oozing, or blistering. These could be symptoms of a skin infection or an allergic reaction. 

Go to the emergency room if you have itchiness along with shortness of breath or swelling in your face, throat, or tongue.

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Written by:

Nikki Javit, PharmD

Nikki Javit, PharmD, is a clinical pharmacist with certifications in international travel medicine, immunization delivery, and pharmacogenomics. She received her bachelor’s of science in biology from Indiana University Bloomington and her doctor of pharmacy degree from Butler University.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Farzon Nahvi, MD, is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and teaches at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth.

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