The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning that millions of Britons taking common medications may be at increased risk during the current hot weather. The Met Office has forecast temperatures exceeding 30°C across parts of England and Wales this week, with peaks expected on Tuesday and above-average temperatures persisting.
According to the UKHSA, certain drugs can impair the body's ability to cool itself or retain fluids, making individuals more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. These include diuretics, beta-blockers, and medications for mental health conditions such as antipsychotics and SSRIs. Diuretics are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure, and oedema, while beta-blockers are used for hypertension and anxiety.
Recent data show that 8.6 million patients in England were prescribed antidepressants in 2022-23, nearly double the number in 2011. The UKHSA advises those on such medications to understand how their drugs affect their response to heat, reread instructions, or consult a doctor or pharmacist if concerned.
The agency emphasised that hot weather not only poses a risk of heat-related illness but can also exacerbate existing health conditions. The NHS advises that if someone has heat exhaustion, they should be moved to a cool place, given water, and cooled down; recovery typically takes around 30 minutes. However, if signs of heatstroke develop—such as confusion, loss of consciousness, or hot, dry skin—999 should be called immediately.
