The UK government has issued a caution to people taking certain medications, including ramipril and bisoprolol, as the country experiences its fifth heatwave of the summer. These drugs are commonly prescribed for high blood pressure, heart failure, or post-heart attack care.
Ramipril is an ACE inhibitor used to treat high blood pressure, while bisoprolol is a widely used beta blocker for conditions such as angina, heart failure, and high blood pressure. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has warned that hot weather can interfere with medications if they are stored incorrectly or if symptoms are not recognised.
Heatwave peaks midweek
Temperatures could reach 36°C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday. The Met Office says temperatures will climb "significantly" in the middle of the week. Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: "After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop.
"A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places. The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34°C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales."
East Anglia and south-east England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday. Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight. A yellow heat health alert has been issued for parts of England by the UK Health Security Agency.
How heat affects medication
The MHRA's chief safety officer Alison Cave explained that medicines may not work correctly if they are left in the heat, such as in cars, bags, or on windowsills. Some medicines can even make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated. Most medications should be stored below 25°C.
When it is hot, the body loses more water due to sweat. The MHRA explained that some medicines can make sweating worse, resulting in you losing too much liquid. It is essential to stay hydrated and regulate your temperature.
Specific risks for ramipril and bisoprolol
Speaking of medicines such as ramipril and bisoprolol, the MHRA said: "Blood pressure medicines such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers can also make it harder for your body to regulate temperature, especially during sudden hot spells. ACE inhibitors can even suppress your natural thirst response."
The NHS' West Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership explained: "Some commonly used medicines can make you more sensitive to the effects of heat, increasing your risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. The more of these medications you take, the greater your risk." Beta blockers such as metoprolol or bisoprolol can affect sweat production.
Tips to protect your health
The British Heart Foundation has eight tips they recommend following to protect your heart in the hot weather. It suggests:
- Drinking plenty of fluids to replace liquid lost through sweating and prevent blood pressure from dropping too much. The British Heart Foundation say water is best.
- Keep your home cool by covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and opening windows when it is cooler outside than in your home.
- If you have angina and use a GTN spray, take extra care as you may feel faint.
- Avoid alcohol, as it can make you more dehydrated.
- Eat cold food with high water content, such as salad or fruit.
- Spend time in the shade, as it may be cooler outside of your home than inside, depending on the time of day.
- Avoid exercise.
- Wear light clothes that are loose-fitting and made of natural fibres.
