Dehydration & Medication: What You Need to Know
Dehydration is super common during the summer months. It’s hot, the sun is shining brightly, and the UV is at a high—not to mention your body loses more fluids due to increased higher-activity levels that cause profuse sweating.
It’s important to be aware that dehydration and increased sun exposure can significantly impact medication effectiveness and how the body processes certain medications. This is because kidney function may be impacted, slowing down the elimination of medicine from the body. Additionally, some drugs—especially certain diuretics—need adequate hydration for optimal absorption.
Sun exposure can also lead to adverse side effects to certain photosensitizing drugs, including reduced thirst sensation, impaired sweating and thus impaired cooling, drug toxicity, electrolyte imbalance, increased skin sensitivity, and cognitive impairment with increased risk of falls.
Additionally, heat exposure can damage certain medication delivery devices like inhalers, which may burst in hot temps, and EpiPens, which can malfunction or deliver less epinephrine. Insulin should always be stored in the refrigerator and can become less effective when left in the heat.
Here, a list of medications that may increase risk of harm on hot days:
- Diuretics
- Beta blockers
- Calcium channel blocker
- Nitrates
- Mood stabilizers
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Aspirin
- And more
How to Avoid Negative Medicinal Impacts of Sun Exposure
- Stay hydrated—drink plenty of fluids, especially during extremely hot days
- Protect yourself from the sun by sticking to shaded areas—wear protective clothing and sunscreen with a high SPF
- Consult your doctor or pharmacist—discuss potential interactions between your medications and sun exposure or dehydration
Got a Question? Ask Us!
If you’re not sure if your medication may be affected by dehydration or sun exposure, be sure to give us a call at 984-999-0501 or speak to one of our pharmacists the next time you come in!