In our harsh and foreboding climate, we all look forward to summer and warm weather. Sunlight has many health benefits including raising moods, improving the immune system, and raising vitamin D levels. Sunlight can also lead to unwanted effects such as sunburn, heat exhaustion and heat stroke particularly when combined with medications that put us at risk. 

Some medications can cause drug induced photosensitivity (DIP) reactions — rashes and other eruptions on the skin that occur in response to exposure to UV radiation. The most common type is called a phototoxic reaction. Drugs are changed or activated by the sun’s radiation and cause irritation to the skin. This can look like a sunburn or can cause blisters to form. Many prescription medications can make a person more likely to experience this kind of reaction including those for blood pressure, diabetes and antibiotics. Over-the-counter medications such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen as well as many topical products can also cause issues. It’s always advisable to talk to your pharmacist to see if any of your medications could put you at risk. The amount of medication you take and the amount of sun exposure increase the risk, so limiting sun during intense UV levels and wearing sunscreen can help. 

I’ve written before about the dangers of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The very young and elderly are at highest risk, but certain medications can also increase the possibility. Sweating is one of the ways that our body cools itself. Some medications (like those found in allergy and cough and cold products) can reduce that ability, making it more likely to overheat.  Prescription medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease, antidepressants and antipsychotics may also have that effect. 

Another way that our body releases heat is by channeling blood flow to our skin. Have you ever seen the flushed face of a child who is running around? That’s a mechanism to release some of the internal heat.  Certain blood pressure medications can decrease our ability to direct the blood to skin. 

Another way that medications can affect us is by increasing the chance of dehydration. Water pills, caffeine and alcohol can all lead to loss of water from our bodies. Similarly, medications that cause vomiting and diarrhea make it hard to stay hydrated. 

As we approach the summer, it may be time to speak with your pharmacist to see if you are at risk and ways to reduce it.  Together, we can make the sun more fun. Take care of yourselves and each other.

By Steve Bond, BScPhm, RPh, CDE, FASCP