Wellness Club — Medications and Photosensitivity: What You Should Know
Abingdon, VA. -
Saturday, Jun 1, 2019.
by Rebecca Webb, PharmD Pharmacy Clinical Services Manager, K-VA-T Food Stores
Summertime is right around the corner. For many people, this means fun in the sun. It also means knowing the importance of sun safety. Nearly everyone knows general precautions to take in order to stay safe in the sun. However, many people are unaware that certain medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can potentially make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Educating yourself now about medications and photosensitivity may prevent an unpleasant experience in the upcoming summer months.
What is photosensitivity?
Photosensitivity is when your skin reacts abnormally to sunlight or other light sources. Two types of medication-related photosensitivity are phototoxicity and photoallergy. Phototoxicity is more common and can result in symptoms similar to those of a sunburn on areas of the skin exposed to the sun. This reaction typically occurs within hours of sun exposure. Photoallergy, on the other hand, is less common and can result in a red, scaly, itchy rash that can spread to areas of the skin not exposed to the sun. This reaction is usually delayed for several days after exposure to the sun. Both types of photosensitivity reactions can potentially develop with the use of certain medications.
What medications can increase photosensitivity?
Medications that can cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun are called photosensitizers. Photosensitivity with these medications can affect individuals differently. Not everyone will have a reaction to the sun with these medications. Furthermore, if you have had a previous photosensitivity reaction with a medication, this does not guarantee you will have a reaction the next time you use the medication. Photosensitizers can include medications taken by mouth, applied directly to the skin, and other various routes of administration. Many of these medications are commonly utilized. Therefore, it is important to know your medications and talk with your pharmacist.
The following is a list of some common medications that have the potential to cause photosensitivity. It is important to note that this is not an all-inclusive list and not necessarily all medications within a drug therapeutic category may cause photosensitivity.
• ACE-Inhibitors for high blood pressure and other indications: benazepril (Lotensin®), enalapril (Vasotec®), lisinopril (Zestril®, Prinivil®), quinapril (Accupril®), ramipril (Altace®)
• Acne treatments: salicylic acid (Clearasil®), tretinoin (Retin-A®), isotretinoin (Myorisan®)
• Antiarrhythmic for heart conditions: amiodarone (Cordarone®, Pacerone®)
• Antibiotics for infections: ciprofloxacin (CiproTM), levofloxacin (Levaquin®), tetracycline, doxycycline, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (BactrimTM)
• Anticonvulsants for seizure disorders and other indications:carbamazepine (Tegretol®), lamotrigine (Lamictal®), oxcarbazepine (Trileptal®), valproic acid derivatives
• Antidepressants for depression and other indications: amitriptyline (Elavil®), doxepin (Silenor®), nortriptyline (Pamelor®), mirtazapine (Remeron®)
• Antihistamines for allergy symptoms and other indications: diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton®), doxylamine (Unisom®), promethazine (Phenergan®)
• Antipsoriatic for various indications: methotrexate
• Antivirals for infections: acyclovir (Zovirax®), valacyclovir (Valtrex®)
• Beta blockers for high blood pressure and other indications: carvedilol (Coreg®), metoprolol (Lopressor®, Toprol®)
• Bisphosphonate for osteoporosis: alendronate (Fosamax®)
• Diuretics for fluid retention and high blood pressure: hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), furosemide (Lasix®)
• Herbal supplement: St. John’s wort
• Muscle relaxant for muscle spasms: cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and other indications: ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), naproxen (Aleve®), celecoxib (Celebrex®), diclofenac (Voltaren®), meloxicam (Mobic®)
• Statins for high cholesterol: simvastatin (Zocor®), atorvastatin (Lipitor®), pravastatin (Pravachol®), lovastatin (Mevacor®)
• Sulfonylureas for type 2 diabetes: glipizide (Glucotrol®), glimepiride (Amaryl®), glyburide (DiaBeta®, Micronase®)
What steps can be taken to reduce the risk of a medication-related photosensitivity reaction?
If you do take one or more potentially photosensitizing medications, it is recommended to implement certain safety strategies to minimize your risk of a reaction to the sun. These approaches include:
• Avoid being outside or remain in the shade when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the strongest, between 10 AM and 4 PM. Remember that the sun’s rays may be stronger when they are reflected off water, sand, snow, and ice.
• Wear sun-protective clothing and cover up when possible. To limit sun exposure, this includes long-sleeved shirts, pants or long-skirts, socks, shoes, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats.
• Before going outdoors, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF value of 30 or higher. Use it regularly and reapply it often, as directed.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Know your medications and talk with your prescriber and local Food City pharmacist. Always take your medications as directed by your prescriber. Do not discontinue any medication without first consulting the prescriber.
If you have questions or concerns about your medications and photosensitivity, talk with your local Food City pharmacist today.
