Here’s what you need to know about hot weather medications:
Medicines used to treat common ailments can make patients more sensitive to heat by reducing their body’s ability to sweat and circulate blood in response to high temperatures.
Heat waves also increase the possibility that nearly all medications—whether in pill, syrup, spray, capsule, or any other form—will deteriorate if not stored within a certain temperature range. In hot weather, patients should talk to their doctors about changing their dosage or schedule.
What drugs increase sensitivity to heat?
Medicines for heart failure and blood pressure: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors decrease thirst, making it difficult to know when to drink more water and increasing the chance of dehydration. Water pills, commonly known as diuretics, can lead to mineral imbalances and dehydration.
Allergy medicines:
Several over-the-counter antihistamines can make it harder to regulate body temperature and reduce sweating.
Psychiatric drugs:
Sweating is reduced in people taking some antipsychotics. Stimulants such as amphetamines and other drugs used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can interact with the central nervous system to increase body temperature.
Thyroid medications:
These hormone replacements can also increase body temperature, disrupt temperature regulation, and lead to excessive sweating.
Adverse changes in temperature can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of over-the-counter and prescription drugs.
While some medications can tolerate temperatures as high as 86°F (30°C), most medications should be stored between 59 and 77°F (15 and 77°C) in a dry, cool environment away from sunlight. Manufacturers’ websites provide information on how to store medications at different temperatures.
