Hot temperatures will continue over the weekend
13:47, 10 Jul 2026Updated 14:54, 10 Jul 2026
People should be more aware of the medication they are taking during the heatwave(Image: Getty)
The UK is in the middle of a third scorching heatwave, which can affect our daily routines in various different ways. With news of a three-month summer sizzler around the corner, it’s important to look after our health. Staying hydrated and keeping cool is advised as temperatures will exceed 30C this weekend.
For Brits who take medication, it’s crucial to be mindful of where they’re stored and the effectiveness during the heat. Pharmacist Raj Patel, with over 35 years of industry experience, listed the 10 medications you should be wary of in hot weather as he urged everyone to “plan ahead”, reports The Mirror.
In a TikTok video, the pharmacist issued an urgent alert and listed 10 medicines, including 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.”
The 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.
8. Sertraline
This is an SSRI antidepressant. Some people sweat more, feel dizzy or have changes in temperature tolerance.
9. Empagliflozin
This is an SGLT2 inhibitor used in type-2 diabetes and some heart or kidney conditions. It makes you pass more sugar and fluid in urine, so dehydration risk matters.
10. Insulin
Heat, extra walking, missed meals, alcohol and dehydration can affect blood sugar. Insulin also needs safe storage in hot weather. The NHS advises storing unopened insulin in the fridge and carrying the insulin you are currently using in a cool bag or pouch when out in warm weather.
Concluding his advice, pharmacist Raj advised people to keep taking their tablets as usual. He said: “Do not stop prescribed medicines suddenly unless a healthcare professional tells you to.”
Instead he urged people to plan ahead, hydrate, stay cool and store medicines properly.
The NHS says people who are on multiple medicines or medicines might likely be more affected by hot weather.
Tips for coping in hot weather include keeping out of the heat, having cold food and drink, while avoiding coffee, caffeine and hot drinks. Ensure you keep your living space cool with windows and curtains closed during the day and open at night.
If you’re unsure of taking medicine during hot weather, it’s advised to speak to your professional healthcare to help assist.