A heatwave is pressing down across Indiana, and with it, the heat index is climbing into triple digits. This can mean bad news for those of us who take prescription medication.
Extreme Heat Advisory in Effect Across Indiana
According to the Warrick County Emergency Management Agency, a Heat Advisory will remain in effect until 7 pm on Friday, June 27, 2025. The heat index could reach 100-107 degrees, and the agency warns residents to take necessary precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses, especially heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.
This means staying hydrated, staying indoors, or taking frequent breaks in the shade if you do have to be outdoors. What you may not realize is that the medicines you take could make you more prone to have an adverse experience with the higher temperatures.
Why Prescription Medications Increase Heat Risk
According to data shared by Civic Science, nearly 70% of American adults take one prescription medication every day, and shockingly, more than 25% are taking four or more prescription medications daily. Unfortunately, with the extreme heat that we are experiencing, we have to be careful.
Many medications, including over the counter medications, can impair heat tolerance and the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, which can predispose people to heat illness during hot days. Medications can decrease the ability to sweat, and therefore to cool, through limiting the dilation of blood vessels in the skin that can release heat or through affecting the body’s ability to control its temperature. Medications, including certain antibiotics, can increase sensitivity of the skin to the sun, and direct heat can degrade or damage certain medications, such as insulin or inhalers.- CDC
Some of the common medications prescribed as treatment for things like high blood pressure, depression, and ADHD can actually lower the body’s ability to tolerate heat, creating a very real danger.
Millions Take Medications That May Impact Heat Tolerance
119 million Americans, or nearly half the population, suffer from hypertension, or high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those, about 61.4 million take prescription medications to manage it. The American Heart Association says there are several different types of blood pressure medications, including diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, and more…