PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — As summer heat approaches, health officials warn that many common prescription and over-the-counter medications can affect how the body handles heat.
Medications can affect the body’s ability to reduce heat through evaporation, such as sweating, causing heat stroke.
These include heart and blood pressure medications, antihistamines, allergy medications, and stimulants such as ADHD medications.
“Attention-impairing drugs and substances, such as alcohol and anti-anxiety drugs, can make you unaware that you’re getting too much sun,” said Dr. Megan Edwards of the Knox County Public Health Department.
Pharmacists recommend that people should be more prepared rather than stop taking their medicines if they know they have a fever. It is also recommended to store the medicine at low temperatures.
