Summer Heat & Prescription Drugs: What You Should Know

As summer temperatures climb around the nation everyone feels more hot, more sweaty and more tired.

But for some - those with certain health conditions or who regularly use some prescription drugs - high temperatures can also increase health risks. That's because certain medications can decrease your ability to perspire normally, so your body can't cool itself as efficiently . And that means you're more likely to get overheated quicker than other folks, thus increasing your risk of heat related illness, including heat stroke.

According to the Centers for Disease Control the drugs most likely to cause problems when temperatures soar include: diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, and certain heart and blood pressure drugs. Not all drugs in these categories cause heat-related issues, so check with your doctor or local pharmacist if you regularly use any medications in these categories - and ask if there are any extra heat-related precautions you need to take.

The FDA also reminds us that some medications - such as certain types of insulin, migraine headache drugs and those medicines reconstituted with water ( such as certain children's medications) need to be refrigerated. If a heat wave causes you to lose your power for any significant amount of time, and you find yourself in either an emergency cooling center, or just spending the day in the local shopping mall, don't forget to make provisions to keep your medications cool as well.

If you have a large supply of insulin on hand, for example, ask a local pharmacy if they can store it for you until your power is restored. Many pharmacies have emergency generators to keep drugs cold during power black outs, as do most local hospitals and clinics.

Finally, also remember that exposure to very high temperatures can also cause even drugs not usually sensitive to heat, to degrade and lose some effectiveness. This includes some vitamins. So don't leave them out on the kitchen counter or a sunny window sill during times of extreme heat.

And, if you're used to keeping a few extra pills in your glove compartment or in an emergency bag in the trunk of your car, remove them during warm weather. Even on days when temperatures seem bearable, heat inside a closed car can climb to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes - so any drugs left inside may be adversely affected.

Finally, the CDC says if you have high blood pressure, circulatory disorders, or certain heart ailments you may be especially sensitive to the heat - so take extra precautions to keep cool as temperatures soar.

You might also be interested in reading:
Eat To Beat The Summer Eat - Recipes to Help You Stay Cool

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