Medications Can Increase Risk of Heat-Related Illnesses

Be Prepared and Stay Aware as Heat and Humidity Rise

With the intensifying heat and humidity, it’s important to know that some medications, including both over-the-counter and prescription drugs, can make people more prone to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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Understanding Medication Side Effects

UT Health East Texas Paramedic Vicky LaMay explains that medications like Benadryl, which is used for allergies, can dehydrate the body. “If you have allergies and you take Benadryl, it dries your runny nose out; it also kind of dries you out everywhere else,” she said. This dehydration can increase your risk in the heat.

Blood pressure medications can also affect your body by reducing blood flow, which hinders temperature regulation. “Some psychiatric medications target parts of our brain that regulate body temperature, making it harder for your body to stay cool,” LaMay added.

Proper Medication Storage

It’s crucial to store medications properly to protect them from extreme heat, which can weaken their effectiveness. LaMay noted that medications like epinephrine and insulin can degrade in high temperatures.

Tips for Staying Safe

If you’re concerned about your medications and their effects in the heat, LaMay advises asking your pharmacist or physician, “Are these medications going to make me more susceptible to heat-related illnesses?”

In 2024, UT Health East Texas EMS responded to 124 calls for heat-related illnesses, with 34 of those occurring in the last two weeks.

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References:

• UT Health East Texas Paramedic Vicky LaMay
• KLTV News Report

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This article highlights the importance of understanding how medications can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and offers tips for staying safe during high temperatures.