Ahead of the official start of summer, doctors want to remind people that certain medications and the heat do not interact well together.
Dr. Kevin Watkins of the Cleveland Clinic says heat and humidity can affect the body and certain medications can predispose you to heat illness.
- Medications that make people susceptible to the heat include:
- Diuretics
- Heart medications such as blood pressure drugs
- Antihistamines
- Decongestants
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
Watkins says heat can degrade medication and tells News 12 that people need to make sure they properly store any medicine away from sunlight. He says doctors worry the most about heat stroke, especially during heat waves.
To avoid them, people are encouraged to wear loose clothes and keep your homes cool by covering windows and using air conditioning. People should avoid completing any strenuous activities outdoors. Staying hydrated will help the body get rid of the heat.
