On regular medicines? Take extra care in the heat

A hot, dry El Niño season means more days of heat. If you or someone at home takes medicines every day, heat needs extra care.

Why it matters. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) training manual for medical officers says medication for several chronic diseases interferes with the body's ability to control its temperature and can make the effects of heat worse.

Medicines doctors are asked to watch closely. The manual lists medicines that can worsen dehydration and heat exhaustion and should be closely monitored: diuretics (water pills), anti-inflammatory medicines and analgesics (painkillers), some antibiotics (sulphonamides), some antivirals (indinavir), neuroleptics and antidepressants, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors, "and many more".

Who is at higher risk. People with heart disease, endocrine (hormone) disorders and obesity. Uncontrolled diabetes is listed as a risk factor too. The manual asks doctors to closely monitor patients with endocrine and heart conditions and to change medication if required.

What you can do. Do not stop or change a medicine on your own. Ask your doctor or health worker whether your medicines or doses need a change during hot weather, and follow the general heat advice: drink water often, stay out of the sun from noon to 3 pm, and keep your home cool. The Health Ministry's advisory also says workers taking certain medications should discuss working in the heat with their physician.

This post is general information, not advice for any one person.

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