Stay Informed: Medications, You and the Summer Sun
Could your medications cause you to burn more easily in the sun?
Summer is for spending time with your loved ones outdoors!
Did you know that some of your medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun? To take care of your skin, review if one of your medications could be increasing your risk of sunburn.
Many antibiotics, antifungals and antihistamines are well-known to increase risk for sunburn, but oral contraceptives, NSAIDs, diuretics, statin cholesterol medications, and some diabetic medications can also leave you feeling the burn.
Check out below our list of common medications to be aware of and some helpful tips to help protect yourself when you are out enjoying the sun this summer.
Medications that May Increase Sun Sensitivity
| Drug Type | Common Examples* |
| Antibiotics | Ciprofloxacin, Doxycycline, Bactrim |
| Antidepressants | Amitriptyline, Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Venlafaxine etc. |
| Antifungals | Voriconazole |
| Antihistamine | Benadryl, Chlorpheniramine, Claritin, Zyrtec |
| Cardiovascular Medications | Amiodarone, ACE-inhibitors (Lisinopril, Enalapril etc.) Losartan, Amlodipine, Diltiazem, Verapamil |
| Cholesterol Lowering | Statin drugs, Fenofibrate |
| Diabetic Medications | Glipizide, Glyburide |
| Diuretics | Chlorthalidone, Furosemide(Lasix), Hydrochlorothiazide |
| Hormones | Oral Contraceptives, estrogens |
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, Celecoxib (Celebrex), Meloxicam, Naproxen |
| Retinoids | Retin-A, Isotrentinoin |
| Sulfonamides | Acetazolamide, sulfasalazine |
| Other | Fluorouracil, Methotrexate, Promethazine |
*Not an all-inclusive list
Tips for Preventing Sunburn
Stay protected this summer from the sun's harmful rays by staying covered with clothing, sunglasses, and hats and/or use sunblock with SPF 15 or greater. Look for broad spectrum sunblock to block both UVA and UVB rays. SPF 15 will block 93% of the sun's UVB rays, while SPF 30 will block 97% of UVB rays. You may be wondering what the difference between UVA and UVB rays? UVA rays are affiliated with skin aging, while UVB rays cause skin burning. It is important to protect against both types, as both cause cell damage. As skin cells are damaged, mutations can occur that can cause skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays can also cause damage to your eyes, so make sure to wear your sunglasses!
Remember to reapply your sunblock every 40 to 80 minutes, especially during peak hours of 10am to 4pm when UV rays tend to be the strongest and after sweating, being submerged in water or toweling off. Sunblock is not recommended for children under the age of 6 months old.
For more information about your medications, please stop by your local Big Y Pharmacy & Wellness Center. Your pharmacist can help you determine if your medications are putting you at a greater risk of side effects from the sun and help you stay safe this summer.
Click here to learn more about Big Y Pharmacy & Wellness Center.
References
U.S. Food & Drug Administration. (2015, September 25). The Sun and Your Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/special-features/sun-and-your-medicine
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, April 28). Sun Safety. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2021). How to Decode Sunscreen Labels. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen/understand-sunscreen-labels
Hofmann, G.A. and Weber, B. (2021). Drug-induced photosensitivity: culprit drugs, potential mechanisms and clinical consequences. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 19: 19-29. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1111/ddg.14314
Chien, A & Jacobe, H. (2019, June). UV Raditation & Your Skin. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/#:~:text=Ultraviolet%20A%20%28UVA%29%20has%20a%20longer%20wavelength%2C%20and,they%20affect%20the%20skin%2C%20they%20both%20do%20harm