Medicines And Extreme Heat: As the heatwave persists across the United States, soaring temperatures present significant health risks, especially for individuals taking medications sensitive to heat.
Excessive heat not only poses a direct health risk to individuals but can also compromise the effectiveness of medications stored improperly.
Understanding how to store medications at high temperatures is crucial for maintaining their efficacy and safety.
Some Medicines And Extreme Heat Can Be More Dangerous
It’s crucial to understand how hot weather affects medication storage and efficacy, as well as the body’s response to these drugs.
Medication Storage in Hot Weather
According to Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Stephen, certain medications, such as insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens, are particularly vulnerable to heat and should be stored in cool, dry places.
High temperatures can damage these medications, compromising their efficacy. Inhalers can burst, and devices like epinephrine injectors (EpiPens) can also be damaged by heat.
Impact on Blood Pressure Medication
The summer heat can diminish the effectiveness of certain blood pressure medications. Diuretics, commonly prescribed to reduce blood pressure, can cause electrolyte imbalances and dehydration, conditions exacerbated by high temperatures.
In hot weather, it’s essential to drink more water than usual to counteract the dehydration caused by these medications.
Beta Blockers and Heat Perception
Kai Chen, an assistant professor at the Yale School of Public Health and co-author of a 2022 study, warns that beta blockers and aspirin can heighten vulnerability to heat.
Beta blockers reduce heart rate and skin blood flow, impairing heat detection. This diminished sensitivity challenges users to recognize overheating, emphasizing the need for precautions in hot weather.
Antidepressants and Pain Relievers
Certain antidepressants can impair the body’s ability to stay cool. Aspirin and other over-the-counter pain relievers reduce fluid and sodium levels in the body, making it harder to cope with high temperatures.
General Precautions
To mitigate these risks, drink more water and take steps to stay cool. Avoiding excessive heat exposure is vital for those on these medications.
Additional Medication Concerns
Some antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and acne medications can increase skin sensitivity to the sun, leading to sunburn and rashes. Protective measures include using umbrellas, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
Guidance for Medication Storage During Travel
Medications should be stored in cool, dry places. For those needing refrigeration, such as insulin, a cooler may be necessary during travel. For air travel, keep medications in carry-on luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures in cargo holds.
Mail-Order Prescriptions
Mail-order pharmacies are responsible for maintaining safe temperatures during storage and transit. Sensitive medications should be shipped with ice packs and special packaging. If there are concerns about medication exposure to heat, contact the pharmacy.
At the College of Pharmacy at Florida University, pharmacist Bradley Phillips warns that the combination of high temperatures and medications can increase the risk of dizziness and fainting.
Alcohol further amplifies this danger. You can learn more about the harmful effects of your medications and their storage requirements on various websites related to medications. “Or speak with your doctor or pharmacist,” Phillips said.
“If you are taking medications that increase dehydration, ask them how much water you should be drinking.” Phillips cautions, “Don’t rely on your body’s ability to signal thirst,” but drink water as a necessity.
With the acceleration of climate change, understanding the interplay between heat and medications is increasingly important.
Staying informed and taking appropriate precautions can help mitigate the risks associated with extreme heat and medication use.
