Here in the UK our weather has been much sunnier and warmer recently, in fact some news outlets are talking about a UK heatwave and warning about common medications which can increase the risk of overheating and dehydration! It is certainly important to note that hot weather can pose a risk for individuals taking certain common medications, no matter where in the world you live.
Medications used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, allergies, and mental health disorders could have an unwanted side-effect as they may make it harder for patients to stay hydrated or cool down effectively in hot weather. This means that soaring temperatures could potentially be dangerous, or even fatal, for those who aren’t adequately prepared.
So, which medications increase heat sensitivity?
Diuretics, a type of medication often prescribed to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, or kidney disease, could cause issues. These drugs increase urination frequency, which, while beneficial for these conditions, can lead to dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, or salt.
This makes it more difficult for the body to regulate its temperature,
This can prove especially risky during a heatwave. Heat is already a common cause of dehydration, so those using this medication are advised to maintain high water intake and stay alert for signs of dehydration like headaches, dizziness, dark coloured urine and feeling thirsty.
Another medication that could spell trouble in hot weather includes the Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), typically prescribed for high blood pressure patients. As the mercury rises, these individuals may be more prone to fainting or falling.
Additionally, this medicine cloaks the sensation of thirst, making it harder to recognise when dehydration may be setting in.
Beta-blockers, too, impose a risk. Not only do they heighten your odds of fainting and losing your footing, but they also hinder the body’s sweating ability.
This poses concerns about overheating due to insufficient cooling. This side effect isn’t unique to Beta-blockers; some antipsychotic medications used for mental health illnesses such as haloperidol, olanzapine and risperidone also dim the sweating capacity.
“Your body temperature has a higher likelihood of getting hotter when you’re on those medications,” Dr Michael Redlener, the medical director of the emergency department at Mount Sinai West, elaborated to the New York Times.
Certain antidepressants can increase the risk as they often heighten sweating and suppress thirst, making users more prone to dehydration-related complications.
Stimulants such as amphetamines and medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may also heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses by interacting with the central nervous system and brain.
The risks aren’t confined to prescription medication either, as certain over-the-counter medicines can also make you more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as the sleeping pill Nytol (Diphenhydramine), and hay fever medicines like Phenergan and Sominex (Promethazine).
How can I stay cool in the heat?
While these medications can make you more susceptible to heat-related problems, that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on enjoying your time in the sunshine – there are several ways to mitigate the risk and help yourself stay safe this Summer.
One way to stay safe is to try and limit your exposure to the outdoor temperatures by staying in an air-conditioned environment, however if this isn’t possible, drinking plenty of water and staying in the shade outdoors will help to lessen your risk of suffering from a serious complication.
When you are outdoors, try to wear loose fitting clothing in a lighter shade, such as white, yellow, or pastel colours, instead of darker shades like black, green and navy which absorb heat.
If you do spend time outdoors, it’s important to brush up on the signs of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion, in order to get treatment quickly. Signs include heavy sweating, headaches, nausea, clammy skin and sometimes even vomiting.
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which happens when the body temperature hits 39C or higher and can prove fatal if left untreated.
If you think you may be suffering from either condition, seek emergency medical care immediately.
Above image from google.
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It’s hot – heatwave health alert and ways to cope with Type 1 Diabetes in the heat, read it here
** Post Edit a Yellow heat-health alert set for most of England **
All the best Jan
