13 Medications That Can Make You More Sensitive to the Sun
Key takeaways:
Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) is a possible side effect for many medications. It can lead to severe sunburns, rashes, and other types of skin damage.
Antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are common causes of sun sensitivity. Isotretinoin (Accutane, Claravis), thiazide diuretics, and methotrexate are other sun-sensitive medications.
Applying sunscreen and wearing protective clothing can help prevent sun sensitivity reactions while taking these medications. Treating sunburns when they happen is also important.
Table of contents
Getting out into the sunshine has a variety of health benefits — from helping your body produce vitamin D to avoiding bouts of depression. But too much sun exposure can be harmful, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
And some medications can make you more sensitive to sunlight, which can cause your skin to burn more easily. This side effect can happen at any time of the year and with very little sun exposure. So it’s important to know if you’re taking a sun-sensitive medication, and how to protect yourself if you are.
What is sun sensitivity (photosensitivity), and why does it happen with certain medications?
Photosensitivity (sun sensitivity) is when your skin overreacts when exposed to sunlight. This usually means that you could be more sensitive to sunlight and get sunburns more easily. It might not be a mild sunburn, either. You may end up with a worse sunburn than usual, with even a little sun exposure resulting in a severe burn. If you have sun sensitivity, you may develop a rash after being in the sun, as well.
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There are two types of sun sensitivity that medications can cause:
Phototoxic reactions: When the medication in your body reacts with the ultraviolet (UV) rays of sunlight. The reaction usually causes sunburns or sunburn-like rashes. But it could also cause swelling or skin discoloration.
Photoallergic reactions: When UV rays cause a chemical change to the medication in your system. This change causes your immune system to overreact, leading to an allergic reaction.
There are many possible reasons sun sensitivity happens. But medications can be a common culprit. If your medication has a warning to avoid sunlight or mentions sun sensitivity as a possible side effect, don’t ignore it. Taking proper precautions can help prevent or limit this side effect.
13 sun-sensitive medications to know
There are many medications that can cause sun sensitivity. Below, we’ll review 13 types of sun-sensitive medications. But keep in mind, this is not a complete list. Check with your pharmacist to see if any of your medications can make you more sensitive to the sun.
1. Antibiotics like doxycycline and ciprofloxacin
Antibiotics and sun exposure typically don’t mix well. But there are a few that are particularly notorious for sun sensitivity.
Tetracycline antibiotics, especially doxycycline (Vibramycin, Oracea), cause sun sensitivity. This usually appears as a sunburn that sets in faster or is more severe than usual. But in rare cases, sun exposure while taking tetracyclines can cause fingernails or toenails to separate from the nail bed. There is some evidence that higher doses make sun sensitivity more likely. Most symptoms of doxycycline sun sensitivity seem to resolve about 1 week after stopping the medication.
How to prevent sunburn: Sunscreen isn’t your only option. Learn five other effective ways to protect your skin from the sun.
Dealing with sunburn pain? From cool baths to vinegar compresses, read how these three people relieved their sunburn discomfort.
Sunburn vs. sun poisoning: Learn how to tell the difference between these two reactions that happen from too much sun exposure (with photos).
Fluoroquinolones (or quinolones), such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), are another group of antibiotics that can make you more sensitive to the sun. Usually, a bad sunburn is what most people experience with quinolones and sun exposure. But in rare cases, they can also cause nails to separate from the nail beds. Sun sensitivity from quinolones typically ends about a week after you stop taking them.
On the upside, common penicillin antibiotics, like amoxicillin (Amoxil) and amoxicillin / clavulanate (Augmentin), aren’t likely to cause this side effect. Neither one lists sun sensitivity in its list of side effects.
2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), are some of the most common pain relievers. They’re also sun-sensitive medications.
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Naproxen can cause you to burn more easily, or cause small blisters to appear after sun exposure. Diclofenac (Cambia, Cataflam) can also cause nails to separate from the nail beds. Piroxicam (Feldene) may cause an eczema-like rash to appear. On the other hand, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is very unlikely to cause sun sensitivity.
3. Accutane (isotretinoin)
Sun sensitivity is a common side effect of the oral acne medication isotretinoin (Accutane, Claravis). Isotretinoin makes the skin more sensitive in general. This makes it more likely that you’ll get a sunburn while taking it.
4. Retin-A (tretinoin)
Tretinoin (Retin-A) is another acne medication that’s applied to the skin (topically). It also causes sun sensitivity as a side effect. Similar to isotretinoin, you’re more likely to get a sunburn with tretinoin treatment. And, you may burn faster or easier than you would without the medication. This side effect is why it’s recommended to apply tretinoin at bedtime.
5. Thiazide diuretics like hydrochlorothiazide
Thiazide diuretics, especially hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), can cause a few different sun sensitivity reactions. They can cause you to sunburn more easily or severely. They can also cause eczema-like rashes and darkened patches to appear after sun exposure. There are some reports that these rashes and skin changes can last for months to years after stopping thiazides.
6. Certain diabetes medications
Certain diabetes medications can also cause sun sensitivity. Sulfonylureas, such as glyburide (Glynase, DiaBeta) and glipizide (Glucotrol XL), can cause eczema-like rashes to appear after sun exposure. These can last for weeks to months after stopping the medications.
Sun sensitivity has also been reported with metformin and sitagliptin (Januvia). But these reactions are very rare, with only a small number of reports. It’s unlikely that you’d notice sun sensitivity with these two medications, but it’s still possible.
7. Tricyclic antidepressants
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), such as amitriptyline, have been available for several decades. There are reports of these medications causing skin reddening and widespread rashes. Some TCAs may also cause a purple or gray skin discoloration after sun exposure.
8. Older antihistamines
Antihistamines are also a potential cause of sun sensitivity. This side effect has been documented with newer antihistamines, like loratadine (Claritin). But certain older antihistamines can also cause it. For instance, promethazine, a prescription-only nausea medication, can cause eczema-like reactions that appear after sun exposure.
9. Methotrexate
Methotrexate can be prescribed for different autoimmune disorders and cancers. Like many of the above medications, it can also make it easier for you to sunburn. But methotrexate has a unique sun sensitivity reaction. It can reactivate old burns. So if you were previously sunburned, or received radiation as a cancer treatment, methotrexate can cause these burns to return.
10. Amiodarone
Amiodarone (Pacerone) is a medication that can help treat arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). It’s well-known for causing side effects, with sun sensitivity being one. Amiodarone can make sunburns more likely. But long-term treatment combined with sun exposure can also lead to a blue-gray skin discoloration.
11. Griseofulvin
Griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) is an antifungal that’s prescribed when other treatments aren’t working. Sun sensitivity from griseofulvin typically appears as a rash. This side effect may be more severe for people living with lupus.
12. Quinine
The malaria medication quinine (Qualaquin) can cause a variety of sun sensitivity reactions. It can lead to severe sunburns, rashes, and eczema-like symptoms. It can also cause a separation of nails from the nail beds. These reactions have also been reported by people drinking tonic water (quinine-flavored, carbonated water). Quinine sun sensitivity may last for several months after stopping the medication or tonic water.
13. Chemotherapy
Sun sensitivity is an often overlooked chemotherapy side effect. But it’s one to keep in mind as you receive your treatment. Chemotherapy can cause you to sunburn or blister more easily and experience skin discoloration after sun exposure.
Examples of sun-sensitive chemotherapy medications include:
Fluorouracil (Efudex)
Capecitabine (Xeloda)
Dacarbazine
Doxorubicin (Doxil)
Hydroxyurea (Hydrea)
This isn’t a full list of all of the chemotherapy medications that can cause sun sensitivity. So ask your cancer care team if your treatment(s) may cause this side effect. And while not a form of chemotherapy, radiation therapy can also make you more sensitive to the sun.
How can you protect yourself when taking a sun-sensitive medication?
When you’re taking a medication that can cause sun sensitivity, you’ll want to lower your risk for sunburns. First, avoid direct exposure to the sun. Stay away from tanning beds, too.
When you do spend time outside, wear sunscreen. Protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats can also help. And don’t forget sunglasses to protect your eyes. Using an umbrella can offer even more protection when combined with sunscreen and protective clothing.
If you do get a sunburn, know how to treat it. Apply cool compresses and drink extra water to make sure you don’t get dehydrated. You can’t speed up healing, but topical aloe vera gel can help relieve irritation.
Contact your healthcare team if you have symptoms of a more severe burn. This may include fever, chills, and blistering or severe peeling of the skin.
Frequently asked questions
Not all antidepressants cause sun sensitivity. But some do, and experts aren’t exactly sure why. Some researchers think certain antidepressants may cause your skin cells to make more of a natural chemical that produces red coloring. Others think that they may cause a photoallergic reaction. This is when sunlight causes your immune system to overreact to a medication in your system.
No, Vitamin D supplements aren’t known to cause sun sensitivity. This isn’t a known side effect of the supplement.
Prednisone doesn’t directly cause sun sensitivity. But long-term use can thin your skin. This can make your skin more sensitive overall. So you may be more prone to certain skin problems, including sunburns.
The bottom line
There are many medications that can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and thiazide diuretics are some common sun-sensitive medications. Methotrexate, isotretinoin (Accutane, Claravis), and sulfonylureas can also cause this side effect. If you’re not sure whether your medication can cause sun sensitivity, double check with your pharmacist or prescriber. Be sure to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen and protective clothes while taking these medications.
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