Health officials warn extreme heat can impact some medications
The CDC says that some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature.
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As the summer temperatures rise, so does the danger of heat-related illnesses. And health officials are warning the public that some commonly prescribed medications can also impact people during extreme heat.
“People are doing the errands, they're overheated, they don't feel well, and they can get really heat-exhausted pretty quickly. Meds can have a significant impact,” says Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, family physician with the Mayo Clinic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate temperature, making it harder to cool down. Some medications can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun. And other medications can make a person more vulnerable to heat by affecting the body’s hydration.
“In some cases, if you're not hydrating, certain meds can make you feel lightheaded and dizzy and nauseated,” Bracamonte says. “So it's really important to stay hydrated."
The CDC says medications that don’t mix well with the heat include:
Anticholinergics
Some antidepressants and antipsychotics
Antihistamines
Beta blockers
Diuretics
Antibiotics
Antifungals
The heat can also degrade or damage some medications, including:
Insulin
Inhalers
EpiPens
Bracamonte says people should make sure their medication is stored properly.
“You don't want to leave any medications in the heat,” he says.
Bracamonte says patients can stay safe by staying hydrated, especially when taking medications that cause dehydration or sun sensitivity. He says to also limit exposure to direct sunlight -- and wear protective clothing.
