Yet another heatwave is leaving households across the country sweltering. As Met Office says temperatures won’t drop below 25C for 10 days, it is crucial to put your wellbeing first.
Staying hydrated and keeping your body temperature down is strongly advised as thermometers push above 30C in areas of the country on Thursday. For those with health problems who rely on medication, it is particularly important to be mindful of where tablets are stored and how soaring temperatures may affect their effectiveness. Pharmacist Raj Patel, who has more than 35 years of experience in the profession, has pinpointed the 10 medications that demand extra attention in scorching conditions, urging everybody to “plan ahead”.
In a TikTok video, the pharmacist delivered an urgent warning, identifying the 10 medicines in question: Furosemide, Ramipril, Losartan, Amlodipine, Bisoprolol, Oxybutynin, Amitriptyline, Sertraline, Empagliflozin and Insulin.
He said in the caption: “If you take regular medicines, a heatwave can affect you more than you realise. This is not panic. This is not a reason to stop your tablets. This is a reason to plan ahead.
“Some medicines can make heat more risky by affecting fluid balance, sweating, blood pressure, heart rate, kidneys, blood sugar or how your body cools itself.”
Here are 10 medicines to be more heat-aware with:
1. Furosemide
This is a water tablet. It helps remove extra fluid, but in hot weather it can increase dehydration risk. The NHS also advises to drink more water when taking this medicine, and to speak to your pharmacist if you’re unsure during the heatwave.
2. Ramipril
The ACE inhibitor is used for blood pressure and heart protection. Dehydration can make dizziness, low blood pressure or kidney strain more likely.
3. Losartan
This is an ARB used for blood pressure and heart or kidney protection. Heat, sweating and dehydration can increase light-heartedness or kidney stress.
4. Amlodipine
The calcium channel blocker could cause ankle swelling, flushing, dizziness or headaches which may feel worse in the heat.
5. Bisoprolol
This is a beta blocker which slows the heart rate, affecting how your body responds to heat and exercise.
6. Oxybutynin
This is used for bladder symptoms and could reduce sweating, making it harder for your body to cool down.
7. Amitriptyline
This can be used for nerve pain, migraine or sleep. It might cause drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation and may affect heat tolerance.
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