Pharmacist Raj Patel, with over 35 years of experience, has issued an urgent alert about 10 medications that require extra caution during the ongoing UK heatwave, as temperatures are set to reach 34°C on Thursday. In a TikTok video, Patel emphasized the importance of planning ahead rather than panicking or stopping prescribed medicines.
Key Medications to Watch
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 cooling mechanisms, making heat more risky.
- Furosemide: A water tablet that increases dehydration risk. The NHS advises drinking more water while taking it.
- Ramipril: An ACE inhibitor for blood pressure; dehydration can worsen dizziness, low blood pressure, or kidney strain.
- Losartan: An ARB for blood pressure; heat and dehydration may increase light-headedness or kidney stress.
- Amlodipine: A calcium channel blocker; side effects like ankle swelling, flushing, dizziness, or headaches may worsen in heat.
- Bisoprolol: A beta blocker that slows heart rate, affecting heat and exercise response.
- Oxybutynin: Used for bladder symptoms; reduces sweating, hindering body cooling.
- Amitriptyline: For nerve pain, migraine, or sleep; may cause drowsiness, dry mouth, and affect heat tolerance.
- Sertraline: An SSRI antidepressant; some people experience increased sweating, dizziness, or temperature tolerance changes.
- Empagliflozin: An SGLT2 inhibitor for type-2 diabetes; increases urine output, raising dehydration risk.
- Insulin: Heat, extra walking, missed meals, alcohol, and dehydration can affect blood sugar. The NHS advises storing unopened insulin in the fridge and carrying current insulin in a cool bag.
Pharmacist Advice
Patel stressed: "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 also warns that those on multiple medications may be more affected by hot weather.
General Heatwave Tips
The NHS recommends keeping out of the heat, consuming cold food and drinks, avoiding coffee and caffeine, and keeping living spaces cool by closing windows and curtains during the day and opening them at night. If unsure about taking medicine during hot weather, consult a healthcare professional.
