From the Guidelines
Several medications in this list, particularly Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Celecoxib (Celebrex), and topical treatments like Clindagel or econazole, carry a significant risk of photosensitivity, which can lead to severe sunburns, rashes, or other skin reactions when exposed to UV light. According to the most recent evidence 1, medications linked to drug-induced photosensitivity include diuretics like HCTZ, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Celebrex, and antimicrobial drugs.
Medications with Photosensitivity Risk
- Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) has a significant photosensitivity risk and can increase susceptibility to sunburns and potentially raise the risk of skin cancer with long-term use.
- Celecoxib (Celebrex) carries a moderate risk of sun sensitivity.
- Clindamycin (Clindagel) can cause mild photosensitivity, particularly when applied topically.
- Econazole, an antifungal, may occasionally cause photosensitivity reactions.
- Estradiol (Estrace) has been associated with melasma (darkening of facial skin) that can worsen with sun exposure.
Precautions and Recommendations
- If you're taking any of these medications, especially HCTZ, Celebrex, or topical treatments like Clindagel or econazole, take precautions by using broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+), wearing protective clothing, limiting sun exposure during peak hours (10am-4pm), and being particularly vigilant during the first few weeks of starting a new medication when photosensitivity reactions are most likely to occur.
- For medications like irbesartan (Avapro), bupropion, amlodipine (Norvasc), alprazolam (Xanax), and tirzepatide (Zepbound), photosensitivity is not commonly reported as a significant side effect, but it's still important to be cautious and follow general sun protection guidelines 1.
From the Research
Medications and Photosensitivity
The following medications have been listed: Zepbound, Prilosec (Omeprazole), Avapro (Irbesartan), HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide), Estrace (Estradiol), econazole, Clindagel (Clindamycin), Celebrex (Celecoxib), bupropion, Norva (possibly Amlodipine), and Xanax (Alprazolam).
Photosensitivity Risk
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Celebrex (Celecoxib) is an NSAID, which has a high photosensitivity potential 2, 3, 4.
- Cardiovascular drugs: Avapro (Irbesartan) and HCTZ (Hydrochlorothiazide) are cardiovascular drugs, and HCTZ has been reported to exhibit photochemical activity 4.
- Antibiotics: Clindagel (Clindamycin) is an antibiotic, and some antibiotics have been reported to cause photosensitivity reactions 2, 3, 4.
- Antifungals: econazole is an antifungal, and some antifungals have been reported to cause photosensitivity reactions 3.
- Other medications: Prilosec (Omeprazole), Estrace (Estradiol), bupropion, Norva (possibly Amlodipine), and Xanax (Alprazolam) have not been specifically reported to have a high photosensitivity potential in the provided studies.
Clinical Types of Phototoxicity and Photoallergy
Drug-induced photosensitivity includes phototoxicity and photoallergy, which can be immediate or delayed reactions 5, 6.
Prevention and Management
Prevention of photosensitivity involves adequate protection from the sun with clothing and sunscreens, and some studies suggest that diet supplementation with antioxidants may be beneficial 4. If photosensitivity reactions appear, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic therapies should be introduced 2.