Sun and Drug Interactions

The medications you're taking can affect how well you handle the heat.

Have you ever felt like the sun doesn’t mix with certain medications you take? You’re not imagining things.

“Certain drugs can react with sunlight in surprising ways, leading to discomfort and health risks,” says Stacey Tonitis, PharmD, assistant director of retail and mail order pharmacy at Geisinger.

Whether you're on a new or long-term prescription, or just need to take an over-the-counter medicine, knowing about these potential interactions can help you enjoy the sun safely.

Which drugs don’t mix well with the sun?

Sun sensitivity, or photosensitivity, is a common side effect of various medications. This condition can cause your skin to react unusually to sunlight, leading to symptoms like redness, rashes or blisters. Here are some common types of medications that should make you think twice about your sun exposure.

Antibiotics

Certain antibiotics, such as tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones, can increase your skin's sensitivity to sunlight.

Diuretics

Commonly used to treat high blood pressure, some diuretics can enhance sun sensitivity.

Antidepressants

Some medications used for depression, like tricyclic antidepressants, can make your skin more vulnerable to UV rays.

Antifungals

If you’re taking certain antifungals such as flucytosine, griseofulvin or voriconazole, you’ll want to avoid ultraviolet A (UVA) light, so you don’t get itchy skin or hives.

Antihistamines

Some allergy medications like cetirizine, diphenhydramine and loratadine can cause severe burns or eczema-like rashes. Sometimes the symptoms won’t appear until days after sun exposure.

Statins

Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin, pravastatin) cause photosensitivity. Your skin will burn much easier while taking these drugs, so avoid the sun’s rays at their most potent and use extra sun protection.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)

When over-the-counter or prescription NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam or ketoprofen are exposed to sunlight while in your system, it can cause your skin proteins to create an antigen in your bloodstream. This antigen can cause an allergic skin reaction, with symptoms that might include rash, itchiness, redness, swelling, blisters, peeling, oozing, burning and dark spots or patches.

Oral contraceptives and estrogens

Some birth control medicines containing estrogen and progestin can make you more sensitive to sunlight. If you’re starting a new oral contraceptive, wait to expose yourself to the sun until you know how your skin will react on the new medication.

Tranquilizers

Phenothiazines, also known as tranquilizers and anti-emetics, cause photosensitivity. Examples of this drug may include chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine and prochlorperazine.

Skin prescriptions

Psoralens like methoxsalen and trioxsalen, retinoids such as acitretin or isotretinoin, and Accutane are skin meds that have an added effect of causing sun sensitivity.

Sulfonamides

Also known as sulfa drugs, these antimicrobial drugs are on the FDA’s list of medications that can cause photosensitivity.

Sulfonylureas for Type 2 diabetes

If you have Type 2 diabetes and are taking a sulfonylurea such as glipizide or glyburide to help lower your blood sugar, just be aware that it can lower your sun tolerance, too.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) in cosmetics

Some makeups, lotions and cosmetics contain alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs. If you see any ingredients such as glycolic acid, lactic acid, citric acid or malic acid in your skincare or cosmetic products, take extra caution to protect your skin from the sun after use.

Medications that cause heat intolerance

Heat intolerance is another side effect of certain medications. This condition makes it challenging to cope with warm temperatures, leading to symptoms like excessive sweating, dizziness and fatigue. Medications that can cause heat intolerance include:

Beta-blockers

Used for heart conditions, these can reduce your body's ability to cool down.

Antihistamines

While great for allergies, they can impair sweat production, which is crucial for cooling your body.

Neuroleptic medications

Used for psychiatric conditions, these can disrupt the body’s natural temperature regulation.

Being aware of these medications can help you manage your activities and environment to stay comfortable.

Will my prescriptions react with the sun?

The answer depends on the specific medications you are taking. “It's always best to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the potential risks associated with your prescriptions and sunlight exposure,” advises Dr. Tonitis. They can offer guidance on how to safely enjoy your time outdoors without compromising your health.

Five tips for managing sun and drug interactions

Here are some practical tips to help you manage the effects of sun and drug interactions:

Check your medication labels: Look for any warnings about sun exposure. When you see one, don’t ignore it.
Discuss with your doctor: Have a conversation with your healthcare provider about the risks associated with your medications and sun exposure.
Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, hats and sunglasses can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
Use sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Limit sun exposure: Try to stay out of the sun during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

By being informed about the medications you take and their potential interactions with sunlight, you can enjoy sunny days without worry. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in protecting your skin, eyes and overall health while under the sun.