Heatwave medication mistakes: a GP explains what to avoid

Did you know that some medications can make you more vulnerable to the effects of heat?

If not, you’re not alone. It’s an often-overlooked summer issue and many of us aren’t aware of the potential risks.

What’s more, hot conditions can also affect how certain medications work if they’re not stored properly.

There’s no need to panic, though. A few simple changes can help take the stress out of this common problem.

We asked Professor Azeem Majeed, of Imperial College, about the medication mistakes to be mindful of during a heatwave, and the steps you can take to store your medications safely when temperatures soar.

It’s important to note that this guide is for general wellness purposes only and you should not stop or alter prescribed medication yourself. For medical advice best suited to your needs and health conditions, speak with your pharmacist or GP.

Our expert

Professor Azeem Majeed is head of the department of primary care and public health at Imperial College London and an award-winning GP.

To help you stay cool in the heat, read our tried and tested round-up of the 

How can hot weather affect your medicines?

‘High temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, which can alter how some medicines work and increase the likelihood of side effects,’ explains Professor Majeed.

For example, if you’re taking diuretics, you’ll be going to the toilet more often, thereby losing more fluid. Combined with increased sweating in hot weather, this can further fuel dehydration.

‘Heat can also change how the body absorbs, distributes and eliminates medications,’ he says. ‘In addition, some medicines interfere with the body's natural ability to regulate temperature or increase sensitivity to sunlight, making people more vulnerable during hot weather.’

Heat can also break down the active ingredients in medicines, so being careful about where and how you store them can be especially important during a hot spell.

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What medications make it hard to cope in the heat and why?

‘Several commonly prescribed medicines can increase vulnerability to hot weather,’ Majeed says.

They may increase your risk of dehydration, affect your body’s ability to cool down, make you more sensitive to sunburn or increase dizziness.

Scroll down to see a list of commonly used medications that could make you less tolerant to the heat. If you’re concerned, speak to your GP or pharmacist instead of stopping your medications yourself, as this can be dangerous. 

‘Pharmacists are an excellent source of advice,’ says Majeed. ‘They can review medications, explain potential heat-related effects and advise when medical review may be needed.’

Medicines that can increase your risk of dehydration

These include:

DiureticsSGLT2 inhibitorsLaxatives

Dehydration may also increase the risk of acute kidney injury in people taking blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors.

Medicines that can affect your body’s ability to cool down

block the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger involved in functions including sweating and bladder control. This 

Examples include:

antidepressantsantipsychotic medicinesoveractive bladderParkinson's disease

Medicines that can make you more sensitive to the sun

Some medicines can cause photosensitivity, including:

tetracycline antibioticsretinoidsdisease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

Anyone who's taking these kinds of medicines should use sunscreen, wear protective clothing and avoid prolonged direct exposure to the sun. 

Looking for an SPF you can trust? We conducted independent lab tests to find the 

Medicines that can increase dizziness

Heat can cause your blood vessels to dilate and lower your blood pressure. Some medicines can also lower blood pressure or affect the body's response to heat, potentially increasing the risk of dizziness or fainting.

These include:

beta blockers diureticsnitrates 

Make sure you stand up slowly, stay well hydrated and seek medical advice if symptoms persist.

What steps can you take to minimise these risks?

Majeed offers these practical tips:

Drink enough fluidsStay out of direct sunlightKeep your home cool Wear lightweight clothinguse broad-spectrum sunscreenFollow storage instructionsdizziness, confusion, excessive thirst, reduced urination or faintingSpeak to a pharmacist

‘Most importantly, do not to stop prescribed medication without medical advice,’ cautions Majeed. 

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Top tips for storing your medications safely in hot weather

A heatwave can make it harder to store your medications safely; also storage requirements can vary between medicines. ‘Most medicines should be stored below 25°C, although some can be safely stored below 30°C,’ says Majeed. ‘Always check the packaging or patient information leaflet.’

car, conservatory or direct sunlightInsulinbiological medicineseye dropsliquid medicinesWeight-loss injections.

This was because the retailer found that standard cold-chain packaging couldn’t reliably keep them within their required temperature range (below 8°C) during transit once outdoor temperatures exceeded 30°C. Collection for these medicines was recommended instead.

Want to know more about ? Read our guide on how they work and how to buy them safely

According to the MHRA, it can be helpful to take the following steps to minimise the risk of the heat breaking down the active ingredients in your medications:

Avoid leaving medicines that need to be kept in the fridge out for too long

Keep your medicines in the coolest part of your house and out of direct sunlight

Carry your medicines in a cool bag if you plan to take them outside with you.

Watch out for changes that could signal heat damage. These include changes to colour, smell or texture, and the overall look of your medications.

‘If medicines have been exposed to temperatures outside their recommended storage conditions, seek advice from your pharmacist before using them,’ advises Majeed.

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Who is more susceptible to heat-related issues?

While the effects of a heatwave can be felt by anyone, certain people should take extra care – with Majeed highlighting these groups:

multiple medicationsOlder adultsInfants long-term conditionssevere mental illnessOutdoor workersstrenuous physical activitysocially isolated

If you're at increased risk of dehydration, it's important to drink regularly rather than relying on thirst alone, unless you've been advised to restrict your fluid intake.

Dehydration can lead to headaches, tiredness, confusion, lack of concentration, constipation and urinary tract infections.

 We explain how much you really need – and the products that can make drinking feel more effortless

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We make every effort to ensure our wellbeing reviews and advice are accurate, up to date and cover the key need-to-knows when buying. This information is for general wellness purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.

source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/heatwave-medication-mistakes-a-gp-explains-what-to-avoid-aIOL82v9p59x