All About Photosensitizing Medications

What are photosensitizing medications?

​Numerous medications and supplements contain components that can induce photosensitivity, a condition characterized by heightened sensitivity to light due to chemical changes in the skin.

When an individual becomes photosensitized, even moderate or brief exposure to sunlight/laser treatments can lead to the development of skin reactions such as rashes, sunburn, or other undesirable effects.

Besides an increased risk of sunburn, exposure to natural ultraviolet light (sunlight) or artificial UV light  (laser/IPL and tanning booths) while taking specific medications may cause the following issues:

• Skin cancer
• Premature aging of the skin
• Burns on the skin and eyes
• Allergic reactions
• Cataracts (clouding in the eyes)
• Weakened immune system
• ​Damage to blood vessels

The list below includes medications that may make your skin more sensitive to the sun and laser/IPL treatments:

​Acne Meds

• Isotretinoin (Accutane)
• Tretinoin (Retin-A)

Antidepressants

• Amitriptyline
• Doxepin
• Trazadone
• Fluoxetine
• Sertraline

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Antipsychotics

• Chlorpromazine
• Haloperidol
• Prochlorperazine
• Promethazine
• Quetiapine
  

Hypoglycemics

• Chlorpropamide
• Glipizide
• Tolazamide
• Tolbutamide

NSAIDS

• Diclofenac
• Indomethacin
• Naproxen
• Ibuprofen

Antiepileptics, Sedatives, Muscle Relaxants

• Cyclobenzaprine
• Diazepam
• Phenobarbitol
• Phenytoin

Antihistamines​

• Diphenhydramine
• Loratadine
• Cetirizine

Cardiovascular

• Amiodarone
• Atenolol
• Captopril
• Diltiazem
• Nifedipine
• Propranolol
• Verapamil

Miscellaneous​​

• Benzocaine
• Oral contraceptive
• Hormone Replacement Therapy
• Lovastatin
• St John's Wort​

Antihypertensives

• Captopril
• Dilitiazem
• Methyldopa
• Minoxidil
• Nifedipine

Antimicrobials

• Ciprofloxacin
• Dapsone
• Doxycycline
• Ketoconazole
• Ofloxacin
• Oxytetracycline
• Sulfa drugs (Bactrim, Septra, Tetracycline)

Diuretics​​

• Furosemide
• Hydrochlorothiazide

Essential Oils

• Bergmaot
• Lime
• Lemon
• Orange
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Sandalwood

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It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other medications with photosensitizing potential.

​Additionally, individual reactions can vary. Please refer to your primary care physician or clinician for specific questions/concerns regarding topical and oral medication.