(NewsNation) — Several U.S. regions have experienced record-breaking heat this week, putting Americans at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
While several factors can raise the risk of heat-related illnesses, it’s important to know that taking some common medications can also impact the ability to stay cool.
Medical experts have been sharing tips amid the heat wave on which medicines can increase risks and what Americans can do to keep themselves safe.
Medications that pose heat illness risks
Some common medications can make it more difficult for people to regulate their body temperature, and in extreme heat, it can increase their chances of experiencing a heat emergency.
“Knowing that this can happen is the first step. From there, you can monitor your body for symptoms,” Christina Inteso, a clinical pharmacy specialist at Corewell Health, told Prevention.
After speaking with multiple doctors, Prevention discovered that eight common medications can impact the human body in extreme heat. Those include:
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Stimulants
- Beta-blockers
- Diuretics
- ACE inhibitors
- Thyroid hormone replacement medications
- Antipsychotic medications
“One of the biggest issues is medications that block your ability to sweat,” Lewis Nelson, chair of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, told Prevention.
What is heat-related illness?
Think of heat-related illness as a spectrum. It starts with cramping as you lose fluids. The next level is heat exhaustion, which can lead to more profound symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and weakness.
The third and most dangerous stage is heat stroke. Its symptoms include altered mental status, seizures, clotting abnormalities and liver damage.
Staying safe on medications in the heat
The most important tips for staying safe while taking medications in the heat is to stay hydrated and stay indoors, according to a WABI report.
As for how much water you should drink, the CDC recommends consuming 1 cup every 15 to 20 minutes to combat heat exhaustion. However, the agency cautions against drinking more than 48 ounces per hour.
If you want to be active outside when it’s hot, the CDC suggests you do so during the cooler parts of the day, such as the morning or evening. The agency also recommends wearing lightweight clothing and taking frequent breaks in shady areas. The report said that wearing sunscreen is also imperative to protecting your skin and staying cool.
The best rule of thumb, however, is to stay indoors with air conditioning — whether it’s at home, the library or a public cooling center. The American Red Cross said relying on an electric fan to stay cool is not safe since it can’t protect against heat-related illness.
If you are experiencing any symptoms of heat-related illness, doctors suggest acting quickly and seeking medical attention.
NewsNation affiliate WGN contributed to this report.
