date: 7/1/2005
Drugs that intensify sun and heat
Certain drugs can increase sensitivity to sunlight, heat, or both. Consult our chart below to see if you need to take special precautions with your medications during the summer months.
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This table lists common prescription and over-the-counter medications that can increase sensitivity to sunlight, heat, or both. Drugs that raise sun sensitivity leave the skin vulnerable to sunburn, other skin reactions, and even skin cancer. Protective steps include avoiding direct sunlight during midday and scrupulously using protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Drugs that increase heat sensitivity can interfere with sweating, increase the body’s heat generation, deplete its water or salt stores, or dull the sense of thirst. Protective measures when it’s hot or humid include limiting your exertion, drinking plenty of water, and asking your doctor about adjusting the dosage or timing of your medication before exercising.
Our drug list is not exhaustive, so ask your physician or pharmacist if you need to take special precautions for any medications you take, and check the drug-package inserts, too.
To stay safe this summer, you need to learn as much as you can about how to avoid the hidden dangers of sun and heat.
Drugs that increase heat sensitivity can interfere with sweating, increase the body’s heat generation, deplete its water or salt stores, or dull the sense of thirst. Protective measures when it’s hot or humid include limiting your exertion, drinking plenty of water, and asking your doctor about adjusting the dosage or timing of your medication before exercising.
Our drug list is not exhaustive, so ask your physician or pharmacist if you need to take special precautions for any medications you take, and check the drug-package inserts, too.
| Used For | Drug | Common Brands |
| May cause increased sun sensitivity | ||
| Acne, aging skin | Tretinoin | Avita Renova Retin-A |
| Allergies | Promethazine | Phenergan |
| Arthritis | Naproxen Piroxicam |
Naprosyn Feldene |
| Diabetes | Chlorpropamid | eDiabines |
| Irregular heart rhythm | Amiodarone Quinidine |
Cordarone Cardioquin |
| Psoriasis | Methoxsalen | 8-MOP Oxsoralen |
| May cause increased heat sensitivity | ||
| Allergies | Diphenhydramine | Benadryl Allergy Genahist |
| Congestion | Pseudoephedrine | Sudafed Dimetapp |
| Heart disease, hypertension | Timolol | Blocadren |
| Parkinson’s disease | Selegiline | Eldepryl |
| May cause increased sun and heat sensitivity | ||
| Depression | Amitriptyline Doxepin |
Elavil Sinequan |
| Hypertension, heart failure | Chlorothiazide Hydrochlorothiazide |
Diuril HydroDiuril |
| Nausea | Prochlorperazine Atropine |
Compazine Donnatal |
To stay safe this summer, you need to learn as much as you can about how to avoid the hidden dangers of sun and heat.
This site is for your information only. For medical advice, consult a health professional.
