The Midwest has already endured one of its hottest summers on record, and more scorching weather is still to come.
By now, most of us know the basics: drink plenty of water, limit time in the sun and find a cool place when temperatures become dangerous. But there’s another heat-related risk many people may not think about — the medications they take every day.
Some common prescription and over-the-counter medications can change the way the body responds to heat, increasing the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. At the same time, excessive heat can damage certain medications or make them less effective.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says medications used for conditions ranging from high blood pressure and allergies to mental health disorders can affect the body’s ability to regulate heat.
Some medications can reduce thirst, increase dehydration or interfere with the body’s ability to sweat. Because sweating is one of the body’s primary ways of cooling itself, that can make dangerously hot weather even more dangerous.
Check What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet
Among the medications that may require extra attention during hot weather are diuretics, sometimes called water pills, which are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure and heart conditions. Because they cause the body to lose fluids, they can increase the risk of dehydration.
Certain medications used to treat mental health conditions can also interfere with sweating, thirst or the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
Other medications, including some antibiotics and antifungal drugs, can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. That can result in faster or more severe sunburn or a sunburn-like rash.
But the concern isn’t only about what medication does to the body. Extreme temperatures can also affect the medication itself.
Inhalers, for example, should not be left in a hot vehicle because pressurized canisters can be damaged by extreme temperatures. Epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens, can also be affected by excessive heat.
Insulin is especially temperature-sensitive. Excessive heat can reduce its effectiveness, potentially affecting blood sugar control. Storage requirements vary, so patients should follow the instructions for their specific insulin product.
Don’t Stop Taking Your Medicine
Health officials emphasize that people should not stop taking prescribed medication on their own because of hot weather.
Instead, talk with a doctor or pharmacist about whether any of your medications could increase your heat-related risk and what precautions you should take. People who have been told to limit fluids because of heart, kidney or other conditions should also ask their health care provider how to balance those restrictions with the need to avoid dehydration.
During extreme heat, pay particular attention to how you’re feeling. Stay in air-conditioned or cooler spaces when possible, get adequate rest, eat regularly and drink fluids as medically appropriate.
And don’t forget about your medicine cabinet — or the medications tucked into your purse or car.
When temperatures soar, keeping yourself and your medications out of excessive heat can be an important part of staying safe.