KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – As our area enters a time of extreme heat and humidity, it can create dangerous problems for some who take medication.
University Health Pharmacist Saloni Patel says some blood pressure medications can affect how users handle heat. One of the medications is beta-blockers, which can cause the risk of becoming dehydrated in extreme heat.
“With this medication, it can actually reduce your ability to sweat, so it doesn’t allow our bodies to cool down through the natural process,” Patel said.
Another is ACE inhibitors or angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors.
“This can disrupt the regulation that our body normally makes to regulate temperatures, so it can also cause a bit of dehydration or feeling like you’re dehydrated.”
The third is diuretics, also known as water pills.
“These medications help remove extra fluid from your body, so in the summer, that can be a little difficult when you’re losing fluid by sweating it out in the heat,” Patel said. “With these three classes of medication, if you take them, it’s good to be a little more careful when you go out in the heat or try to avoid extreme temperatures when you can.”
Patel advises those using these medications not to stop taking them, but to take precautions and always consult with their doctor before stopping the medication.
“Whenever the temperature is the highest during the day, maybe try to stay inside,” Patel said. “If you are unable to do this, then try to find shady areas or take frequent breaks in the shade. The other thing we recommend is staying hydrated.”
Patel says that while heart medications may come to mind first, there are several other medications that can affect how you handle warmer temperatures.
“There are some drugs in the psychiatric world that we also need to be aware of,” Patel said. “A common one is for patients who have ADHD stimulants like amphetamines can also make you dehydrated in the heat. Also, many common antidepressants such as fluoxetine and duloxetine. These medicines can cause an imbalance of fluids in your body. So when it’s really hot outside, that can also contribute to dehydration. With these two medications, usually increasing your water intake shouldn’t hurt you as long as you don’t have any other heart disease. So I would definitely recommend staying hydrated if you’re in one of those.”
Those dealing with seasonal allergies may also be affected.
“Benadryl or diphenhydramine can cause some fluid imbalance and cause you to not regulate heat and cold like you normally would,” Patel said. “They can prevent you from being able to cool your body. So if you’re taking it several times a day or several days in a row, then I would definitely advise you to drink lots of water and try to stay hydrated as well.”
Since we’re set to experience high temperatures for the next few months, Patel recommends watching out for signs of dehydration, taking frequent breaks if you must be outside in the heat, staying in the shade when you can, and talking to your doctor. if you are still experiencing troubling symptoms.
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