Heat and medications don't always mix. Here's how to stay safe this summer
As summer temperatures rise, the risk of heat-related illnesses increases, especially for those on certain medications.
Some commonly prescribed medications can heighten the body's susceptibility to heat, according to Dr. Jesse Bracamonte, a family physician at the Mayo Clinic.
"People are doing errands, they're overheated, they don't feel well, and they can get really heat exhausted pretty quickly; meds can have a significant impact," Bracamonte told Mandy Gaither of CNN's "Health Minute."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that some medications interfere with the body's ability to regulate temperature. In turn, this makes it harder for the body to cool itself down and increases sun sensitivity. It can also increase the skin's sensitivity to the sun.
"In some cases, if you're not hydrating, certain meds can make you feel lightheaded and dizzy and nauseated, so it's really important to stay hydrated," Bracamonte added.
Medications that don't mix well with heat include anticholinergics, some antidepressants and antipsychotics, antihistamines, beta blockers, diuretics, antibiotics, and antifungals, according to the CDC.
Additionally, heat can degrade or damage medications like insulin, inhalers, and EpiPens.
Bracamonte advises ensuring medications are stored properly, stating, "You don't want to leave any medications in the heat."
To stay safe, he recommends staying hydrated, especially when taking medications that cause dehydration or sun sensitivity, limiting exposure to direct sunlight, and wearing protective clothing.
See more in the video player above.