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Is It Safe To Use Tanning Bed When On Antibiotics?

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Posted on Wed, 18 Mar 2015
Question: is it okay to lay in the tanning bed while on antibiotic
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Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (22 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
It depends

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

there are some antibiotics that cause photosensitivity, which means sensitivity to light and is actually sensitivity to the ultraviolet radiation of the light. The tanning bed works by emitting ultraviolet radiation (which causes the tanning).

A well-known photosensitivity factor is ciprofloxacin and other quinolones which are mostly used for urinary tract infections. So if you do take such a drug you should definitely avoid exposure to light or ultraviolet radiation.

I could not possibly remember every side effect that every antibiotic has (there are quite a few) including the photosensitivity effect, so if you could mention the name of the antibiotic, I could give you a more specific answer.

Kind Regards!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (4 minutes later)
im on cephalexin for strep throat
doctor
Answered by Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
This is probably safe

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

cephalexin is not supposed to cause problems because of the ultraviolet radiation. There is only a single report about a photosensitivity reaction that occurred while receiving another cephalosporin (not cephalexin) with another antibiotic, although there is no certainty on the causative factor.

I hope you find my answer helpful!

Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 3810 Questions

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Is It Safe To Use Tanning Bed When On Antibiotics?

Brief Answer: It depends Detailed Answer: Hello, there are some antibiotics that cause photosensitivity, which means sensitivity to light and is actually sensitivity to the ultraviolet radiation of the light. The tanning bed works by emitting ultraviolet radiation (which causes the tanning). A well-known photosensitivity factor is ciprofloxacin and other quinolones which are mostly used for urinary tract infections. So if you do take such a drug you should definitely avoid exposure to light or ultraviolet radiation. I could not possibly remember every side effect that every antibiotic has (there are quite a few) including the photosensitivity effect, so if you could mention the name of the antibiotic, I could give you a more specific answer. Kind Regards!