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.