ask your pharmacist

My doctor said that my medicine would make my skin more sensitive to sunlight. What does this mean, and what should I do?

Prescription medicines most often responsible for photosensitivity reactions include the antibiotics tetracycline (brand name Sumycin), cotrimoxazole (Bactrim or Septra), and ciprofloxacin (Cipro). Anti-inflammatory drugs such as indomethacin (Indocin), nabumetone (Relafen) and diuretics (water pills) such as hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) can also be responsible, among others.

Many ingredients in over-the-counter products can cause photosensitivity reactions. Soaps and perfumes containing bergamot oil and that smell like mint or citrus fragrance can cause problems. So can coal tar, a common ingredient in eczema and dandruff products. Other over-the-counter culprits include pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and naproxen (Aleve); itch-stopping creams containing diphenhydramine (Benadryl cream); and acne medications containing benzoyl peroxide (Oxy 10, Clearasil Maximum Strength).

Herbal products may also cause photosensitivity reactions. St. John's wort, anise, dong quai, and Tribulus terrestris (Tribestan) have been reported to cause these types of skin reactions.

To prevent photosensitivity reactions, try to avoid sun exposure between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. If you must be outdoors, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays) with an SPF of at least 15, such as Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion, Eucerin Daily Sun Defense Lotion or Coppertone UltraSport SPF 48 Lotion. Wear a hat with at least a 4-inch brim. Wear protective clothing made of tightly woven, preferably dark, fabric. Don't use tanning beds.

This is not an all-inclusive list. Please talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any medications you are taking and the warnings about photosensitivity.

Sources:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.
Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 1996.
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2007.
Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts & Comparisons, 2007.

This answer prepared 12/12/2000.
This information updated 2/7/2007.

• >tetracycline
• >Bactrim
• >Septra
• >ciprofloxacin
• >indomethacin
• >nabumetone
• >hydrochlorothiazide
• >bergamot oil
• >ibuprofen
• >naproxen
• >diphenhydramine
• >benzoyl peroxide
• >Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion
• >Eucerin Daily Sun Defense Lotion