Medications and other Agents that Increase Sensitivity to Light

Many medications and supplements contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity, which is defined as a chemically induced change in the skin that makes an individual unusually sensitive to light.  An individual who has been photosensitized may develop a rash, sunburn, or other adverse effect from exposure to light of an intensity or duration that would normally not affect that individual.

Reactions to photosensitizing agents involve both photoallergy (allergic reaction of the skin) and phototoxicity (irritation of the skin) after exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight or artificial lighting (particularly from tanning booths).  This photosensitization of the skin may be caused by creams or ointments applied to the skin, by medications taken orally or by injection, or by the use of prescription inhalers.

In addition to an exaggerated skin burn, itching, scaling, rash, or swelling, exposure to ultraviolet light in combination with certain medications may result in:

• Skin Cancer
• Premature skin aging
• Skin and eye burns
• Allergic reactions
• Cataracts (clouding in the eyes)
• Reduced immunity
• Blood vessel damage

The list of photosensitizing medications found on this page was taken from the current literature.  The list is not complete; if you are using a product that is not listed, you should consult your physician or pharmacist for guidance. Before using the list, you should be aware of the following:

1. NOT all individuals who use or take these medications will experience a photosensitive reaction.  Also, an individual who experiences a photosensitive reaction on one occasion will NOT necessarily experience it again or every time.
   
   Most entries in this listing do not indicate how often a photosensitive reaction has been reported.  If an entry includes a percentage in the Brand Name column (in bold type and parentheses), this number is the frequency of reaction reported in reference number 2 in the Bibliography.

2. A medication will NOT cause the same degree of skin reaction in all individuals.

3. Brand names or products should be considered only as examples; they do NOT represent all names under which the generic product may be sold.

• Primary classes of medications responsible for photosensitizing reactions
• Reported photosensitizing medications
• Other photosensitizing agents
• Sources of Data

Primary Classes of Medications Responsible for Photosensitizing Reactions

(Examples by Generic Name)

1. Antihistamines
2. Coal Tar and Derivatives
3. Contraceptives, Oral and Estrogens
4. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
5. Phenothiazines
6. Psoralens
7. Sulfonamides
8. Sulfonylureas
9. Thiazide Diuretics
10. Tetracyclines
11. Tricyclic Antidepressants 

Note: If you are using a medication in any of these classes, you should take precautions even if your particular medication is not listed.

SOURCES OF DATA

1. Medications that Increase Sensitivity to Light: A 1990 Listing, prepared by Jerome I. Levine, M.S., R.Ph., 12/90, US Dept of Health and Human Services, FDA 91-8280.