Heat advisories, high humidity, and sweltering temperatures! With the height of summer upon us, it is imperative to protect yourself and others around you from potential medication-induced and heat-related illnesses. As your neighborhood pharmacy, we are here to provide support and education regarding how heat and medications interact with each other and your body.

 

Heat Stroke and Heat-Related Illnesses:

Knowing the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion is crucial to being safe in hotter temperatures. You may not be able to recognize it in yourself, but can in others around you.

Main signs and symptoms of heat stroke:

    Early signs: dizziness, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, excessive thirst

    Later signs: confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, loss of consciousness

These signs may show if the body is not responding to heat in a way it normally should.

 

How Does the Body Respond to Heat?

The human body has two natural responses to regulating internal temperature:

     • Redistributing blood flow towards the skin (why skin turns red when hot)

     • Secreting sweat onto the skin (which then evaporates to remove body heat)

Some medications (including commonly prescribed drugs) impair the body’s ability to complete these two processes.

 

How does Heat Interact with Medications?

There are three main ways that heat and medications affect each other. Some interactions are heat-driven and others are more medication-driven.

     Heat-driven interactions:

         • Break down or damage of the medications by heat (decreased drug effect)

 

      Medication-driven interactions:

          • Changes in the way your body responds to heat and fluid loss (increased body temperature and dehydration)

          • Increases your chance of getting a sunburn

 

Which of My Medications May Contribute to Heat-Related Illnesses?

Included are commonly prescribed drugs that you or a loved one might take.

 

Medications that increase sensitivity to heat include (but aren’t limited to):

    • High Blood Pressure Medications (hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, lisinopril, losartan)

    • Mood Medications (amitriptyline, nortriptyline, sertraline, fluoxetine)

    • Bladder Control Medications (oxybutynin, solifenacin, tolterodine)

    • Heart Medications (Beta Blockers: metoprolol, carvedilol, labetalol)

 

Medications that increase skin sensitivity to the sun include (but aren’t limited to):

     • Acne and anti-aging agents (tretinoin, salicylic acid, isotretinoin)

     • Antibiotics (doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, trimethoprim)

     • NSAID analgesics (ibuprofen, naproxen)

     • Thiazide diuretics (hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone)

 

 

What You Can Do to Prevent Heat-Related Illnesses:

First and foremost, consult your pharmacist with any questions or concerns regarding your medications and how they interact with heat. Knowing potential side effects of your medications is key to staying safe in the sun this summer!

 

More tips and tricks for safely being under the sun:

     Stay hydrated: drink lots of water, especially if taking a medication that impairs fluid regulation (i.e. diuretics)

     Wear sunscreen when outside: it is best practice to use SPF 30 at minimum

     Find shade or cool places: avoid prolonged sun exposure and help your body cool off

     Wear appropriate clothing: light and airy fabrics, light colors, loose-fitting clothing

     Know the signs of heat-related illnesses

 

If you suspect someone may be experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately and try to find a cooler place for the person to rest while awaiting first responders. If possible, place a cool cloth on the individual or use cold water to help in the meantime.

 

Stop by the pharmacy to discuss with your pharmacist which of your medications may contribute to heat-related illnesses. Knowing the causes and signs are key to being safe while enjoying the summer weather!