WHAT ARE SUN-SENSITIZING DRUGS?
Sun-sensitizing drugs are medications that can increase the skin's susceptibility to
reddening and burning from the sun (or a tanning lamp). These drugs are also called
photosensitizing agents.
It is very important to read the label carefully before using a prescription or non-prescription
medication, paying particular attention to side effects such as photosensitivity.
Many prescription and non-prescription drugs contain photosensitizing agents that can cause
sunburn, blistering, hives, rash or other skin reactions.
Among agents that can cause a photo allergic or photo toxic reaction are sulfa drugs, known as
sulfonamides, and some antibiotics. Other agents that can cause sun sensitivity are: some antidepres-
sants (including tricyclic drugs and the presently popular herbal remedy St. John's wort); tranquiliz-
ers; birth-control pills; arthritis painkillers; oral diabetes medications; and drugs to treat allergies,
cancer, colds, high blood pressure, and heart rhythm problems. In addition, certain creams, lotions
and other skin preparations for acne and other conditions can cause photosensitivity.
THIS IS A PARTIAL LIST OF SUN-SENSITIZING DRUGS
Note: Brain's Bold emphasis are mine - which are commonly used
with people with Epilepsy.
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Advil , ibuprofen (pain)
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Bactril (bacterial infections)
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Banana Boat Sport Sunblock (sunscreen)
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Benadryl (allergies)
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Benzoyl Peroxide (acne, skin problems)
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Carbatrol (seizures)
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Captopril (high blood pressure, congestive heart failure,
diabetic kidney disease)
•
Cardizem (angina, high blood pressure, abnormal heart
rhythm)
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Chlorothiazide (high blood pressure, edema)
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Clozapine,Clozaril-(schizophrenia, mental disorders)
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DiaBeta (diabetes)
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Dilantin (epilepsy)
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Elavil (depression)
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Estraderm Transdermal (menopause, osteoporosis)
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Estradiol (menopause)
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Estrogens, esterified (menopause, ovarian failure, abnormal
uterine bleeding, prostate cancer, breast cancer)
•
Feldene (pain)
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Lamictal (partial epileptic seizures)
•
Lasix (high blood pressure, kidney failure)
•
Lisinopril (high blood pressure, congestive heart failure,
heart attack)
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Lo/Ovral, progesterin, ethinyl estradiol (oral contraceptive)
•
Lopressor HCT (high blood pressure)
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Mellaril, thioridazine (mental disorders)
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Micronase (diabetes)
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Motrin (pain)
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Neutrogena T (psoriasis, eczema and other skin problems)
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Oral contraeptives containing estgrogen
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Pamelor, nortriptyline (depression)
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Phenobarbital (convulsions, anxiety)
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Phenytoin, Dilantin (seizures)
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Relafen (pain)
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Rynatuss (allergies)
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Seldane (allergies)
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Septra DS (bacterial infections)
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Sunscreens with PABA esters and para-aminobenzoic acid
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Tegretol Chewtabs (seizures, manic depression)
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Tetracycline (bacterial infections)
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Trazodone (depression)
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Tylenol Allergy Sinus (allergies)
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Valproic Acid, Depakene (seizures)
•
Vasotec, enalapril (high
blood pressure, congestive heart failure)
•
Voltaren (pain)
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Xanax (anxiety)
•
Zestril, lisinopril (high blood pressure, congestive heart
failure, heart attack)