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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
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Summer heat and sun may potentially put some medication users and alcohol and/or drug abusers at increased risk. The following summarizes the Health Alert issued by the Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center.
Do not stop taking any prescribed medication without first talking to your doctor.
The body needs to maintain a relatively consistent temperature to function properly. Some medicines can block the natural ability of the body to adjust to changes in temperature. This can result in overheating.
As the outside temperature increases, the body keeps from overheating by releasing excess heat. The most important ways the body releases heat are by:
These two actions work together-- increasing blood flow to the skin brings heat to the surface of the body where the skin acts like a large radiator. Sweating increases heat loss from the skin through the process of evaporation.
Some medicines and drugs can disrupt these processes resulting in a reduced ability to adjust to temperature changes.
To increase blood flow to the skin, the blood vessels in the body first inform the brain of the elevated temperature. The brain then sends a message to blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the skin. The heart must also work harder to circulate the blood.
Some drugs keep the body from increasing blood flow to the skin.
Some drugs decrease sweating, leading to decreased heat loss and overheating.
Some drugs may cause dehydration.
Some medications may cloud your judgment and the need for action.
Table 1: General drug classes that can increase the risk of heat injury
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Table 2: The following is table lists some medications that have the potential to cause hyperthermia (overheating) or reduce heat tolerance. (The generic name is listed first, followed by some of the more common US trade names)
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Note: This list is not all inclusive.
The elderly and young children are inherently at higher risk of overheating.
Patients who are isolated for whatever reason are at an increased risk.
Patients of any age suffering with mental illness are also at high risk.
Physical activity, fluid intake, clothing and humidity affect your body's ability to maintain a safe temperature.
Even if you are not taking any medications, it is a good idea to wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of fluids, stay in the shade and avoid heavy activity when it is hot outside.
When it is hot, move to a cooler area.
Try to spend some time in air-conditioned spaces like shopping malls.
Do not exercise or work during the hottest parts of the day.
The combination of high heat and high humidity increases the risk of overheating.
Try to plan outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day.
Wear lighter clothing.
Shower frequently.
Some drugs may cause patients to burn more easily. This reaction is known as photosensitivity. There are two types of photosensitivity reaction: Phototoxicity and photo allergy.
Table 3: The following are some of the herbs and medications that may potentially cause photosensitivity reaction. (Generic name listed first, followed by some of the common trade names)
Note: This list is not all inclusive.
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Prevention is your best protection against photosensitivity. Be aware of medications that have been associated with this reaction.
If you have questions regarding any of your medications, contact your physician, a pharmicist who knows you, or your local poison center 1-800-222-1222.
Prepared by Cincinnati Drug and Poison Information Center at (513) 636-5111 or 1-800-222-1222.
This article is a NetWellness exclusive. 
Last Reviewed: Jul 25, 2006
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Robert James Goetz, PharmD, DABAT Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Drug and Poison Information Center Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati |
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Earl Siegel, PharmD Professor of Emergency Medicine Drug and Poison Information Center Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center University of Cincinnati |
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Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
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