As summer temperatures rise, residents are taking precautions to stay cool. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is warning that extreme heat can also impact how medications work in the body, as well as damage the physical medications themselves.
According to the CDC, the interaction between certain medications and heat can lead to "potentially severe side effects."
Several common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses. These include diuretics, blood pressure medications, antihistamines and some psychiatric medications.
The CDC reports that these medications can contribute to heat sensitivity in a variety of ways. Some drugs, such as diuretics and ACE inhibitors, can suppress the sensation of thirst, making it harder for patients to realize they need water. Other medications, including certain antidepressants and allergy medications, can impair sweating and interfere with the central nervous system's ability to regulate body temperature.
Additionally, drugs that lower blood pressure can cause volume depletion. When combined with extreme heat, this reduces cardiac output and increases the risk of dizziness, fainting and falls. Dehydration from the heat can also reduce the body's ability to clear medications from its system, potentially leading to drug toxicity.
It is not just the body's reaction to the medication that is a concern; the heat can physically damage the drugs and delivery devices.
"Inhalers, for example, can burst in hot environments, such as car trunks on hot days," the CDC states.
Furthermore, EpiPens may malfunction or deliver less epinephrine when exposed to extreme heat. Medications that require refrigeration, such as insulin, can degrade and become less effective if left in the heat for prolonged periods.
Certain antibiotics and antifungal medications can also make the skin highly sensitive to the sun, leading to a sunburn-like rash. The CDC recommends patients on these medications use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, avoid the sun when possible, and wear protective clothing and hats.
Health officials urge patients not to abruptly stop taking any prescribed medication without consulting their health care provider.
Instead, the CDC recommends patients review their medication lists with their doctors to identify any prescriptions that may amplify the risks of heat exposure. Patients and doctors should discuss a medication management plan for hot days, which may include adjusting dosages, altering fluid restrictions or planning for proper medication storage.
The CDC also advises patients to develop a power outage plan to ensure refrigerated medications and electric medical devices remain safe and functional during summer storms.
Anyone experiencing signs that the heat is interacting with their medications should seek a cool environment and contact a medical professional immediately. If you begin to experience symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, call 911.
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