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Medications and the Heat: A Risky Combination
As temperatures rise, it’s crucial to understand how certain medications can impact your body’s ability to regulate its temperature. For many, especially older adults, these medications can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, even death.
The Pharmacy Team at St. Luke’s Health-The Vintage Hospital has compiled this comprehensive overview so people can understand how medication impacts their ability to handle these hot summer temperatures.
How Your Body Cools Down
Your body maintains a core temperature of around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit through two primary mechanisms:
- Sweating: Evaporation of sweat cools the skin.
- Vasodilation: Blood vessels near the skin widen, bringing warm blood to the surface to release heat.
Medications That Can Interfere with Cooling
Several common medications can disrupt these cooling processes. See below for a full breakdown:
| Type of medication | Examples | Disruptions to cooling processes |
| Heart beta blockers | Toprol or Lopressor | Reduce thirst, leading to dehydration |
| Heart ACE inhibitors | Zestrill or Prinivil | Reduce thirst, leading to dehydration |
| Agiotensein II receptor blockers | Cozaar or Diovan | Reduce thirst, leading to dehydration |
| Antiplatelets | Plavix | Reduce thirst, leading to dehydration |
| Diuretic | Lasix | Increase urination, potentially leading to dehydration |
| Antidepressants – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac or Zoloft | Impair sweating |
| Antidepressants – Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) | Cymbalta or Effexor XR | Impair sweating |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Elavil or Pamelor | Impair sweating |
| Antipsychotics | Haldol or Seroquel | Interfere with thermoregulation |
| ADHD medications | Adderall or Ritalin | Increase body temperature |
| Anticholinergics, often prescribed for Parkinson’s disease and overactive bladder | Cogentin or Ditropan | Inhibit sweating |
| Antihistimines | Benadryl | Reduce sweating |
| Decongestants | Sudafed, Afrin, Zicam or Mucinex | Raise body temperature |
| Dopaminergics, often prescribed for Parkinson’s disease | Sinemet | Interfere with thermoregulation |
Medications That Increase Sunburn Risk
Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun:
- Antibiotics: Tetracycline or Doxycycline
- Antifungals: Gris-PEG
- Antihistamines: Claritin or Zyrtec
- Statin Cholesterol Medications: Lipitor, Zocor or Mevacor
- Diabetes Medications: Glucotrol or Micronase
If you take any of these medications, use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapply frequently, and consider sun-protective clothing and hats.
Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat
- Consult Your Doctor: Never stop taking medication abruptly. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.
- Proper Storage: Store medications as directed, as heat can reduce their effectiveness.
- Hydration is Key: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Dark urine is a sign of dehydration. Consult your doctor if you are on fluid restriction. Avoid alcohol.
- Stay Cool: Wear loose, light-colored clothing, use fans or air conditioning, and avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours.
- Know the Signs: Be aware of heat exhaustion and heat stroke symptoms (dizziness, confusion, excessive sweating) and seek medical attention if needed.
- Understand Your Medications: Know the potential side effects of your medications and ask your doctor about heat-related risks.
By understanding the risks and taking precautions, you can stay safe and healthy while managing your medications during hot weather.
It is crucial to consult with a qualified physician or healthcare professional for any medical questions, concerns, or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
To learn more about St. Luke’s Health-The Vintage Hospital, please click here.
Source: St. Luke’s Health-The Vintage Hospital
