A pharmacist with over 35 years of experience has issued an urgent warning about 10 medications that require special attention during the UK heatwave, as temperatures are expected to reach 35°C on Thursday. Raj Patel, a pharmacist known for his TikTok advice, emphasized that patients should not stop their prescribed medicines but should plan ahead to stay safe.
Which Medicines Are Affected?
In a TikTok video, Patel listed the following 10 medicines: Furosemide, Ramipril, Losartan, Amlodipine, Bisoprolol, Oxybutynin, Amitriptyline, Sertraline, Empagliflozin, and Insulin. He explained that these drugs can affect fluid balance, sweating, blood pressure, heart rate, kidneys, blood sugar, or the body's ability to cool itself, making heat more risky.
Detailed Risks for Each Medicine
Furosemide, a water tablet, helps remove extra fluid but can increase dehydration risk in hot weather. Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor for blood pressure, may cause dizziness or kidney strain if dehydrated. Losartan, an ARB, can lead to light-headedness or kidney stress. Amlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, may worsen ankle swelling, flushing, or headaches in heat. Bisoprolol, a beta blocker, slows heart rate and can affect heat response.
Oxybutynin, used for bladder symptoms, reduces sweating and makes cooling harder. Amitriptyline, for nerve pain or sleep, can cause drowsiness and affect heat tolerance. Sertraline, an SSRI antidepressant, may increase sweating or dizziness. Empagliflozin, for type 2 diabetes, increases urine output and dehydration risk. Insulin requires safe storage and can be affected by heat, extra walking, missed meals, or alcohol.
What to Do Instead of Stopping Medication
Patel stressed: "Do not stop prescribed medicines suddenly unless a healthcare professional tells you to." He advised planning ahead, hydrating, staying cool, and storing medicines properly. The NHS recommends storing unopened insulin in the fridge and carrying current insulin in a cool bag or pouch in warm weather.
Red Flags and Practical Tips
Seek urgent help if you feel faint, confused, very weak, very drowsy, short of breath, have chest pain, severe headache, repeated vomiting, dark urine, stop passing urine, feel very hot and unwell, or have low or high blood sugar symptoms. Tips include drinking water regularly, avoiding direct sun, taking shade breaks, being careful with alcohol, eating properly, keeping medicines out of hot cars and direct sunlight, checking blood sugar more often if advised, standing up slowly if dizzy, and asking before using ibuprofen or naproxen if dehydrated.
Patel concluded: "After 35 years in pharmacy, I can tell you this clearly. The medicine is not always the problem. The problem is the combination. Heat. Sweating. Dehydration. Alcohol. Missed meals. Long days outside. And regular tablets. This is not about fear. It is about being prepared."
