Can I go out in the sun while taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor?

Photosensitivity reactions have been reported as a rare side effect for most angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, including lotensin, capoten, enalapril, enalaprilat, fosinopril, lisinopril, moexipril, quinapril, and ramipril.^1-10,12-13 Perindopril and trandolapril do not report photosensitivity as a side effect.^11,14

No systematic review of the literature has been published. Only case reports of photosensitivity reactions to ACE inhibitors are available.^15-19

No restrictions to sun exposure are suggested by manufacturers.^1-14   

References

1. Lotensin [package insert]. Parsippany, NJ: Validus Pharmaceuticals LLC; 2019.
2. Capoten [package insert]. Chestnut Ridge, NY: Par Pharmaceutical; 2017.
3. Epaned [package insert]. Wilmington, MA: Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2020.
4. Vasotec [package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: Bausch Health US LLC; 2018.
5. Enalaprilat [package insert]. Lake Forest, IL: Hospira, Inc.; 2021.
6. Monopril [package insert]. Princeton, NJ: Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; 2003.
7. Qbrelis [package insert]. Wilmington, MA: Azurity Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2020.
8. Prinivil [package insert]. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.; 2021.
9. Zestril [package insert]. Morristown, NJ: Almatica Pharma LLC; 2020.
10. Univasc [package insert]. Smyrna, GA: USB, Inc; 2012.
11. Aceon [package insert]. Cincinnati, OH: Patheon Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2017.
12. Accupril [package insert]. New York, NY: Parke Davis, Pfizer; 2021.
13. Altace [package insert]. New York, NY: Pfizer Laboratories; 2022.
14. Mavik [package insert]. Whippany, NJ: Halo Pharmaceutical Inc.; 2017.
15. Sanchez-Borges M, Gonzalez-Aveledo LA. Photoallergic reactions to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011; 25 (5): 621-622.
16. Rodriguez Granados MT, Abalde T, Garcia Doval I, De la Torre C. Systemic photosensitivity to quinapril. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2004; 18 (3): 389-390.
17. Steckelings UM, Artuc M, Wollschlager T, Wiehstutz S, Henz BM. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors as inducers of adverse cutaneous reactions. Acta Derm Venereol 2001; 81 (5): 321-325.
18. Wagner SN, Welke F, Goos M. Occupational UVA-induced allergic photodermatitis in a welder due to hydrochlorothiazide and ramipril. Contact Dermatitis 2000; 43 (4): 245-246.
19. Mauduit G, Granier F, Antoniotti O, Thivolet J. Photosensitivity after treatment with captopril. Ann Dermatol Venereol 1988; 115 (2): 167-169.