In the sweltering summer heat of Austin, certain medications and supplements may not react well, warns Dr. Jodie Pepin, the clinical pharmacy program director at Harbor Health. With near-triple-digit temperatures commonplace during the summer months in Austin, citizens taking certain drugs must remain vigilant about potential harmful interactions with the heat.
Understanding Drug Interactions with Heat
There are three principal ways that medications can interact negatively with heat, according to Dr. Pepin. These include causing dehydration, making skin more photosensitive leading to burns and rashes, and constricting the vascular system which hampers the body’s ability to sweat and naturally cool down.
“A variety of medications across different classes usually exhibit one of these three interactions with heat, presenting potential dangers for individuals, especially if they are out in the harsh sun, indulging in strenuous exercises, losing fluids, not staying adequately hydrated, or neglecting to apply sunscreen,” elaborated Dr. Pepin.
Key Medications That Interact with Heat
Medications such as Beta-blockers that are prescribed for blood pressure or cardiac conditions, decongestants, and ADHD drugs like Adderall and Ritalin can cause heat sensitivity and hamper the body’s natural cooling mechanisms. Also, laxatives along with certain diabetes medications may increase dehydration risks.
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, antihistamines, and supplements such as St. John’s Wort and vitamin B6 can heighten the risk of sunburn and rashes.
Dr. Pepin stressed that these interactions are more connected to the drug and its mechanism of action rather than the dosage. While there are many prescription medications that may cause such interactions, those causing photosensitivity are typically labeled as such on their packaging.
Essential Precautions and Takeaways
Dr. Pepin advised that while these precautions apply to all during the summer, they are crucial for individuals consuming medications that potentially have harmful heat interactions. These precautions include wearing sunscreen and reapplying it often, optimally during water activities that cause sweating – even if such sunscreens are labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof”. Consistent hydration and the replacement of electrolytes lost from urination or sweating through formulas like Pedialyte instead of Gatorade are other recommended precautions.
Paying attention to body temperature and ensuring that it does not exceed safe levels is another key preventive measure.
Storing Medications in Summer
Apart from usage precautions, Dr. Pepin also provided advice on storing medications during the summer months. She cautioned to not leave prescriptions in the vehicle, and to store medications at room temperature as quickly as possible.
“Even if you’re carrying them to a picnic or another event because you have to consume them, it’s better to store them in a cool, dry place. This is crucial because many drugs get degraded by heat, and sometimes humidity can be a substantial issue”, Pepin explained.