Summer Heat Poses Risks for Those on Certain Medications

NHS Warns of Dehydration and Sun Sensitivity as Temperatures Rise

As many welcome warmer weather, the UK’s National Health Service is reminding individuals on specific medications that higher temperatures can increase health risks, including dehydration and sun sensitivity. Certain commonly prescribed drugs can significantly impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Medications That Can Affect Heat Tolerance

The NHS highlights that medications for conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure require extra vigilance during heatwaves. These drugs can affect the body’s natural responses to heat, making individuals more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

This increased vulnerability is often due to how these medications impact fluid balance. Some drugs can lead to greater fluid loss through sweating or increased urination, exacerbating the risk of dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration include dizziness, headaches, fatigue, confusion, and dark urine, which can be particularly concerning for vulnerable populations like the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing heart or kidney conditions.

Diuretics and Blood Pressure Treatments

Individuals taking diuretics, often referred to as “water tablets” like furosemide, are already prone to losing excess fluid. This can lead to dehydration and imbalances in essential minerals.

Furthermore, blood pressure medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and calcium channel blockers can hinder the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms, especially during abrupt warm spells. Notably, ACE inhibitors can suppress the natural sensation of thirst, a crucial indicator of hydration needs.

The NHS advises individuals on these medications to increase their water intake and prioritize staying cool.

Diabetes and Antipsychotic Medications

Certain diabetes treatments, including insulin and metformin, can also heighten the risk of dehydration or mask its early warning signs.

Antipsychotic medications, for example olanzapine and quetiapine, alongside stimulant medications used for attention disorders, can elevate body temperature, making overheating a more immediate concern.

Heightened Sun Sensitivity

A range of medications, including antibiotics, diuretics, antidepressants, and topical treatments for acne or eczema, can make the skin more susceptible to sunburn, even with minimal sun exposure. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can also cause mild sun sensitivity, though this is less common and typically associated with prolonged or frequent use.

Methotrexate, a medication used for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohn’s disease, and cancer, requires particular caution. It can cause extreme skin sensitivity to sunlight, even at low doses. This can manifest as painful rashes, blistering, or swelling resembling severe sunburn, and in rare instances, has led to serious infections.

Even brief exposure, such as a midday walk or a train journey in sunlight, can trigger adverse reactions in sensitive individuals.

The health service strongly advises all patients taking medication to carefully review their patient information leaflets or consult with their pharmacist regarding potential sun sensitivity side effects. This proactive approach is vital for managing health risks during warmer periods. For instance, a 2023 report indicated a 40% increase in searches for “sunburn on medication” during a single heatwave in the UK, underscoring public concern and awareness (Source: Google Trends data analysis).