Be Careful in the Sun When Taking These Medications
Medications That Can Cause Sun Sensitivity or Sunburn
By Chelsea Moyer and Alyssa Pitterle, pharmacy interns at Network Health
5/30/2023
It’s generally well-understood that genetics can play a major role in someone’s sensitivity to the sun. But did you know that some medications can increase your risk of sun sensitivity or sunburn? It’s true. In fact, there are numerous medications that can cause sun sensitivity and put you at a greater risk for sunburn, requiring extra care when going outdoors.
In this article, we are going to focus on the most common medications that cause this reaction, but this isn’t an exhaustive list. To learn more, we always encourage you to speak with your personal doctor or pharmacist to fully understand the potential side effects of any medications you are taking. Regardless, it is always smart to practice sun protection even when you are not taking these medications.
What Medications Cause Sun Sensitivity?
Can you go in the sun on antibiotics?
Antibiotics are a commonly prescribed medication that can cause sensitivity to the sun. So, can you go in the sun while taking them? Sure, as long as you cover up and take precautions to protect your skin.
Also, keep in mind that not all antibiotics may cause sun sensitivity. Select antibiotics can, however, make your skin more sensitive to the sun’s rays than others can. These include the following.
- Sulfamethoxazole – trimethoprim (Bactrim)
- Doxycycline
- Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)
- Levofloxacin (Levaquin®)
Sunburn on Accutane
Isotretinoin, also known as Accutane®, is taken to treat acne and has been known to cause sunburns. Other names for Accutane are Myorisan®, Absorbica®, and Clarivis®. Accutane and similar topical medications work to cut off oil production in your skin. This can result in dry and sensitive skin which creates a greater risk of sunburn.
Additional topical medications for acne can also cause you to sunburn more easily, including the following.
- Retin-A® (tretinoin)
- Differin® (adapalene)
- Benzoyl peroxide
Do any vitamins or dietary supplements cause sun sensitivity?
Even some vitamins and dietary supplements that may be regularly consumed as part of an individual’s diet and are available over-the-counter can cause sun sensitivity. Vitamin A and St. John’s Wort are two examples that have been shown to increase sun sensitivity for patients.
[Read more: Can Dietary Supplements Replace Statins to Lower Cholesterol?]
Strategies to Help Protect Yourself Against the Sun’s Harmful Effects
You may enjoy the sunshine while on these medications, but it is strongly recommended to use sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15, reapplying every two hours to ensure the best coverage. You shouldn’t rely on just sunscreen as a way to avoid the sun’s rays, though. Also wear protective clothing such as a hat, sunglasses and sleeves that cover your shoulders or arms. You can easily find clothing made for fun in the sun, that has SPF protection built into the fabric. Avoid using tanning beds or booths, and products such as tanning oils that enhance the effects of the sun.
As always, one of the best things you can do is speak to your personal doctor about how your medications may impact your sun sensitivity. The medications listed here are not an exhaustive list.
If you’re a Network Health member, you can also speak directly with a Network Health pharmacist by calling 888-665-1246 (TTY 800-947-3529) or by emailing pharmacist@networkhealth.com.
