As the temperature rises, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses -- and certain medications can make a person even more vulnerable when it’s hot outside.
“Medications that decrease your body’s ability to shunt blood out to the skin and then sweat off that fluid to help release a lot of that heat. That’s really why they predispose to heat illness overall,” said Dr. Kevin Watkins, an emergency medicine physician with Cleveland Clinic.
Watkins said medications that can cause heat intolerance include:
- Diuretics
- Heart medications, like blood pressure drugs
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
“We worry most about heat stroke, especially when there are heat waves,” Watkins said.
Everyone can protect against extreme heat by:
- Wearing loose-fitting clothing
- Keeping your house cool by covering windows
- Finding air conditioning in a public place, if your home doesn’t have it
- Avoiding strenuous activities outdoors in high heat
- Staying hydrated
“If you get dehydrated, you’re really hurting your body’s ability to get rid of that heat as well,” Watkins said.
Heat can also degrade medication. Experts say to make sure to store medicine properly.
“In a place that is away from sunlight, that is cool, in a bathroom, ideally in a closed area,” Watkins said.
If you’re at higher risk for heat-related issues, talk to your doctor and seek medical help right away if you’re vomiting or symptoms are worsening.