From the Guidelines
Yes, clindamycin can increase your sensitivity to the sun, and it's essential to take precautions to minimize sun exposure while taking this medication. This side effect, called photosensitivity, means your skin may burn more easily when exposed to sunlight or UV rays while taking clindamycin 1. According to the guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris, patients taking clindamycin should minimize sun exposure after drug application, and it's advisable to use sun protection measures including applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing like long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats, and limiting direct sun exposure, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest. Some key points to consider when taking clindamycin include:
- Avoiding direct exposure to extensive sunlight or UV irradiation due to the risk of photosensitivity 1
- Being aware of the potential for erythema, peeling, dryness, burning, and anaphylaxis as adverse effects of clindamycin 1
- Not using clindamycin in combination with erythromycin-containing products, concomitant topical medications, or neuromuscular blocking agents 1 It's crucial to follow these guidelines to minimize the risk of photosensitivity and other adverse effects associated with clindamycin use. If you experience severe sunburn, rash, or blistering while taking clindamycin, contact your healthcare provider promptly.
From the Research
Clindamycin and Sun Sensitivity
- The study 2 found that clindamycin/tretinoin gel has a favorable safety profile following UV/visible irradiation and a low potential for phototoxicity and photoallergenicity.
- However, another study 3 reported generalized delayed reactions after skin testing with clindamycin in patients with drug hypersensitivity, indicating a potential risk of adverse reactions.
- There is no direct evidence to suggest that clindamycin makes users hyper-sensitive to the sun, but patients with photosensitivity conditions may not apply sunscreen adequately to protect themselves 4.
- Tinted sunscreens can provide protection against visible light, which may be beneficial for patients with visible light-induced photodermatoses or hyperpigmentation disorders 5.
- Practical recommendations for photoprotection according to skin phototype and dermatoses suggest that protection against UVA, visible light, and infrared A can be helpful for all skin phototypes 6.