Photosensitivity: meds to watch out for
Patients often get a surprise sunburn by not knowing which drugs can cause
sun-sensitivity.
The big ones are oral and topical retinoids (Accutane,
Retin-A, etc)...Efudex...coal tar...and psoralens.
Others that frequently cause photosensitivity are
quinolones...tetracyclines...sulfonamides...amiodarone... NSAIDs...quinidine...phenothiazines...thiazides...and
tricyclics.
Caution patients on these to avoid excessive sun exposure.
Recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen or sunblock that
blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
Look for products that contain avobenzone...dioxybenzone... oxybenzone...titanium
dioxide...or zinc oxide.