With the official start of summer upon us, pharmacists at Cooper University Hospital remind you and your family to use sun protection especially when taking medications.
“Hundreds of medications can cause unpleasant side effects when taken by people who are exposed to the sun,” said Jacqueline Sutton, R.Ph., Pharm.D., Director of Pharmacy Services at Cooper University Hospital.
One such side effect is a photosensitivity reaction that can resemble severe sunburn or appear as a rash on the skin.
For your convenience, Cooper’s Pharmacy Services Department has compiled this list of common medications that can potentially cause photosensitivity reactions:
Chemotherapy Agents
Capecitabine (Xeloda®)
Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Methotrexate (Mexate®)
Tretinoin (Vesanoid®)
Dermatologic Agents
Isotretinoin (Accutane®)
Minoxidil (Rogaine®)
Tretinoin, topical (Retin-A®)
Antibiotics
Azithromycin (Zithromax®)
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro®)
Doxycycline (Vibramycin)
Levofloxacin (Levaquin®)
Metronidazole (Flagyl®)
Minocycline (Minocin®)
Sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (Bactrim®)
Tetracycline
Antidiabetic Agents
Glimepiride (Amaryl®)
Glipizide (Glucotrol®)
Glyburide (Micronase®, Diabeta®)
Antihistamines
Cetirizine (Zyrtec®)
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)
Loratadine (Claritin®)
Promethazine (Phenergan®)
Anti-inflammatory Agents
Celecoxib (Celebrex®)
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®)
Ibuprofen (Motrin®)
Naproxen (Naprosyn®)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex®)
Antipsychotic Agents
Amitriptyline (Elavil®)
Chlorpromazine (Thorazine®)
Doxepin (Sinequan®)
Haloperidol (Haldol®)
Quetiapine (Seroquel®)
Risperidone (Risperdal®)
Ziprasidone (Geodon®)
Cardiovascular Agents
Amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®)
Captopril (Capoten®)
Diltiazem (Cardizem®)
Enalapril (Vasotec®)
Furosemide (Lasix®)
Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril®, Microzide®)
Pravastatin (Pravachol®)
Quinidine (Quinaglute®)
Simvastatin (Zocor®)
“Of course, the best way to find out if your medications have the potential to cause a photosensitivity reaction is to talk to your pharmacist or doctor,” Sutton said. “Many other drugs can potentially cause this reaction and more.”
Whether taking medications or not, everyone is advised to always use a sunscreen.
“The sun produces both visible and invisible rays. This may cause sunburn and sun damage without anyone noticing,” Sutton said.
The American Academy of Dermatology encourages anyone going outside to wear a sunscreen with at least an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15, even on cloudy days.
Here are more sun-protection tips from the American Academy of Dermatology:
- Use a waterproof sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15
- Always apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside
- Reapply the sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, when possible
- Try to avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when rays are strongest