With temperatures finally hotting up in the UK many Brits are gearing up to enjoy the sun and the warmer weather. Some parts of the UK are expected to experience highs of around 28C at the end of June.
While this is definitely something to look forward to, it’s important to remember that hot weather can pose a risk to people who take certain medications.
Medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, allergies, and mental health disorders could have a specific side-effect.
They can make it harder for patients to stay hydrated or cool down effectively in hot weather.
Therefore, soaring temperatures could be potentially dangerous, or even fatal, to some.
Diuretics
Diuretics are a type of medication often prescribed to treat heart failure, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
These could cause issues in the heat as they increase how often we urinate.
This can lead to dehydration or an imbalance of electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, or salt and makes it more difficult for the body to regulate its temperature, reports Gloucestershire Live.
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.
Blood pressure medication
Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inhibitors), typically prescribed for high blood pressure patients, could be dangerous in the heat as people who take them may be more prone to fainting or falling.
This medicine also hides the sensation of thirst, making it harder to recognise when dehydration may be setting in.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers are another type of medication that can lower blood pressure, however, they can also be used by patients with anxiety.
They pose a risk in the heat as they heighten your odds of fainting and losing your footing, and reduce the body’s sweating ability, which could lead to overheating due to insufficient cooling.
Antidepressants
Certain antidepressants can heighten sweating and suppress thirst, making users more prone to dehydration-related complications.
Those taking thyroid medication for an underactive thyroid could also be impacted, as these medications can elevate body temperature and make it more difficult to effectively regulate body temperature.
ADHD medications
Stimulants such as amphetamines and medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can also heighten the risk of heat-related illnesses by interacting with the central nervous system and brain.
Over-the-counter medications
Certain over-the-counter medicines can also make you more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, such as the sleeping pill Nytol (Diphenhydramine), and hayfever medicines like Phenergan and Sominex (Promethazine).
How can I stay cool in the heat?
To stay cool in the heat and help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke, the NHS recommends you:
- Drink more cold drinks, especially if you’re active or exercising
- Wear light-coloured, loose clothing
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid extreme exercise.
The health body adds: “If you’re inside on a very hot day, close curtains, close windows if it’s hotter outside than in your home and turn off electrical equipment and lights that get hot.”
Children, older people and people with long-term health conditions (such as diabetes or heart problems) are more at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke.