Medication Sun Sensitivity: What Drugs Raise Your Risk and How to Stay Safe

When you take certain medications, your skin can become unusually sensitive to sunlight — a condition called medication sun sensitivity, a reaction where drugs increase your skin’s vulnerability to UV rays, leading to severe sunburn or rash even with brief exposure. Also known as photosensitivity, it’s not just about getting a bad tan — it’s a real risk that can cause blisters, long-term skin damage, or even increase skin cancer risk. You might not realize your pill is the culprit, especially if you’ve been taking it for months and only now notice your skin burns faster than usual.

This isn’t rare. Drugs like antibiotics, commonly prescribed for infections, many of which can trigger sun reactions including doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, diuretics, used for high blood pressure and fluid retention, such as chlorthalidone and hydrochlorothiazide, and even antidepressants, including some SSRIs and tricyclics that can make skin react abnormally to UV light are known to cause this. It’s not always listed on the label, and many people don’t connect their sunburn to their meds. If you’re on any long-term prescription and notice your skin burns easily, check with your pharmacist — it could be your medication.

It’s not just about avoiding the sun. You need to know what to do when you’re caught outside. Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it’s cloudy. Cover up with wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Avoid peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And if you’re planning a beach trip or vacation, ask your doctor if your meds need special precautions. Some reactions don’t show up until days later, and others can leave dark patches that last months.

The good news? You don’t have to stop your meds. Most of these reactions are manageable with simple changes. You’re not alone — millions take drugs that increase sun sensitivity every day and stay safe by knowing the signs and adjusting their habits. Below, you’ll find real, practical advice from people who’ve dealt with this, plus guides on how to spot dangerous reactions, what to ask your doctor, and how to tell if your symptoms are from the sun, the drug, or something worse.