Does Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin) Cause Sun Sensitivity Reactions?
In our latest question and answer, we discuss whether or not Macrobid (nitrofurantoin) can cause photosensitivity reactions.
I am currently taking NITROFURANTOIN MONO/MAC 100 MG CAPS 1 EVERY 12 HOURS. My question is... Some antibiotics say to avoid sunlight, is this one of them? Also, is tooth sensitivity a side effect of taking this drug?
Jul 22, 2022- Macrobid is not typically associated with a high risk of sun sensitivity reactions, though rare cases have been reported. If any skin reactions do occur while taking this medication, they are usually minor and reversible after stopping the drug. It's still a good idea to protect your skin from the sun by wearing protective clothing, using high-factor sunscreen, and avoiding tanning beds while taking this medication.
Answer
Nitrofurantoin is typically not associated with a high risk of developing a photosensitivity reaction. Having said that, there are rare reports of these reactions with nitrofurantoin, but it is currently unknown if the reactions experienced were due to the medication, or if other factors were involved.
How Do Sun-Sensitivity Reactions Work?
The exact mechanism behind drugs causing photosensitivity is unknown but it is generally thought that it has something to do with increasing the amount of radiation our skin absorbs from both UV and visible light. If skin reactions do occur due to medication use, the response is variable and highly patient-specific.
The most common reaction is a more severe than usual sunburn as well as an increased likelihood of getting a sunburn. Other reactions can include brown spots on your skin, redness, and tenderness. The vast majority of skin reactions are minor and reversible after drug discontinuation. Very rarely they can be more serious.
Common Culprits
In terms of antibiotics that have well-known photosensitivity effects, the following are the most common culprits: Sulfonamides (e.g. Bactrim), nalidixic acid, fluoroquinolones and tetracycline.
Final Words
While nitrofurantoin isn't generally considered to put you at a high risk of photosensitive reactions, care should be taken to protect yourself from the sun, just to be safe.
It is recommended to avoid direct sun exposure, wear protective clothing and use a high-factor sunscreen. In addition, it is important to note, as mentioned above, that photosensitive drug reactions can occur from both UV and visible light. Therefore, it is important to avoid tanning beds in addition to direct daylight exposure.
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Photosensitivity reaction
- An abnormal skin response triggered by taking certain medications combined with sun exposure.
- Nitrofurantoin
- An antibiotic medication commonly used to treat urinary tract infections.
- UV light
- Ultraviolet radiation from the sun that can damage skin and cause sunburn.
- Visible light
- Light that the human eye can see, which can also trigger photosensitivity reactions in some cases.
- Fluoroquinolones
- A class of strong antibiotics commonly known to increase sun sensitivity.
- Tetracycline
- A broad-spectrum antibiotic that is well-known for causing photosensitivity reactions.
- Sulfonamides
- A group of antibiotics that frequently cause photosensitivity reactions.
- Drug discontinuation
- Stopping the use of a medication.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
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