Drug Interactions

A surprising number of prescription drugs can increase sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, causing sunburns, rashes, and other skin reactions. The table below lists some of the more commonly used medications that can trigger such photosensitivity reactions. If you use any of these drugs, safeguard yourself by trying to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Remember, sunscreen, protective clothing, sunglasses, and a large brimmed hat will help
protect your skin.

Herbal supplements that can cause photosensitivity:
- Angelica
- Anise
- Bishop’s weed fruit
- Bitter orange peel
- Celery extract
- St. John’s wort

Drugs that can cause photosensitivity:
- Accutan- Actifed
- Benadryl
- Certain blood pressure medications
- Certain cancer medications
- Oral contraceptive pills
- Oral diabetic drugs
- Dimetane
- Ibuprofen analgesics
- Certain diuretics
- Paxil
- Premarin
- Retin-A
- Tetracycline antibiotics
- Quinolone antibiotics
- Sulfonamides
- Zoloft
This is a partial list.