SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Summer begins Sunday, and medical experts are reminding patients that some medications require extra attention as temperatures look to rise into July.<\/p>\n
Pharmacists say medications should be stored properly and never left in a car on a hot summer day. Improper storage can impair a medication\u2019s ability to work. Certain medications can also affect the body\u2019s ability to fend off summer heat.<\/p>\n
Ted Gallegos, who walked around Nathaniel Greene Park Friday morning with his wife Deborah, said his blood pressure medication warns him to stay out of the sun because it can affect his skin.<\/p>\n
Medications can impact heat tolerance<\/p>\n
Dr. Brian Grace with CoxHealth said certain medications require extra attention in the summertime, including beta blockers, stimulants, diuretics, and mental health prescriptions.<\/p>\n
\u201cMedications can impact heat intolerance or even heat sensitivity,\u201d Grace said. \u201cMedications can impact blood flow throughout the body. They can also impact your electrolytes. They can impact your body\u2019s ability to sweat, even.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grace said to pay careful attention to signs that the body is struggling with the heat, including dizziness, confusion, dehydration, excessive sweating, and trouble remembering or thinking.<\/p>\n
Dr. Brittney Sturgeon said medications need to be stored at room temperature, not inside any area that is warm or exposed to direct sunlight, especially a car.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeat and humidity specifically can reduce and\/or cause an accelerated breakdown of medications,\u201d Sturgeon said. \u201cHot cars, for example, can exceed temperatures of 120 up to 160 degrees. The plastic or seals of some medications may begin to leak. The powder in some of these formulations could clump.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inhaler canisters can potentially rupture and cause injuries.<\/p>\n
Both doctors said any questions about storing medications and adjusting dosages to tolerate the heat should begin with a talk with a doctor.<\/p>\n
Grace and Sturgeon said if medication dosages stay the same, people should stay focused on hydration, taking advantage of shaded areas and air-conditioned areas.<\/p>\n