Doctors, CDC say to stay aware of side effects of medications as heat wave continues in Mid-Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As temperatures remain high around Mid-Missouri, it's important to check the label for risks on some medications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medications can react to heat in three ways: By causing fluid imbalance in the body, degrade or damage the medicine and increase skin sensitivity.
The CDC wrote in its guidance that some commonly prescribed medications that can increase heat risk include diuretics, beta-blockers, ARNI and SSRIs, antihistamines, laxatives and certain stimulants like methylphenidate, which is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Certain medications can cause reduced thirst, impaired sweating, reduced blood flow to the body, electrolyte imbalance, cognitive impairment and drug toxicity if you are dehydrated, the CDC says.
Dr. Christopher Sampson, an emergency physician with MU Health Care, advises people to be conscious of the side effects of the medication they take.
"The biggest danger is going to be urination and becoming dehydrated of these medications," Sampson said. "They they cause you to lose fluids faster if you're outside in the heat."
The CDC mentions that medications like antifungals and antibiotics can increase the body's sensitivity to sunlight and could lead to a sunburn or rash.
Kilgore's Pharmacist and Partner in Charge Bill Morrissey said anti-depressants and sleeping pills have similar side effects.
"If you're on those medicines, then you might burn in a fraction of the time," Morrissey said. "So if normally be two hours in the sun, you'd be worried it can happen in a half hour."
The CDC also warns that heat can also damage medications, which could cause issues with how they react to the body. For example, inhalers have a chance of bursting in hot temperatures and EpiPens could malfunction or inject less epinephrine. Insulin can also become less effective if left out in the heat.
Sampson recommends bringing important medications inside, as well as having a plan for long outdoor trips.
"If you're storing medications in your car or other places, they're going to be exposed to the heat for prolonged periods of time," Sampson said.
Ultimately, if there is any concern of a medication's side effects, or if a heat-damaged medication needs to be reviewed or replaced, it is recommended to consult a pharmacist, primary healthcare provider, or in case of emergency replacement, a local urgent care or emergency department.
"Don't be afraid to ask questions," Morrissey said. "Sometimes folks are shy or don't want to burden somebody with a question, but that's what we're here for."
