Some medications can change how your body responds to heat and sun exposure.
Certain medications can affect how your body regulates temperature, controls blood flow, sweats, and stays hydrated. This can make it harder to cope with hot weather and increase the risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or, in severe cases, heatstroke. Other medications might make your skin more sensitive to the sun, meaning you need greater protection.
If you are taking regular medication, it is worth checking whether heat or sun exposure may affect you.
Some medicines increase the risk of dehydration, while others can affect sweating, body temperature regulation or sensitivity to sunlight.
Take extra care if you are taking:
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Stimulants
Acne medicines
Diabetes medicines/insulin
Methotrexate
Heart and blood pressure medicines
Antihistamines
Water tablets
Antibiotics
Please note this isn’t a definitive list. Always check your medication.
Aside from the medications mentioned above, it is important you read the leaflet inside your medication for any impact heat may have when taking it. This will also tell you how to safely store it too.
Continue taking your medication as prescribed, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional. Speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty
Apply sun cream if you’re spending time outside
Take regular breaks from the sun by going inside, or finding shaded areas
Wear light-coloured, loose clothing
Avoid excessive alcohol intake
Keep your home cool by closing curtains in rooms that face the sun
Older adults
Infants and young children
People with long-term health conditions
People taking medications that affect hydration or temperature regulation
Make sure you know how to spot the signs of heat illness and check on loved ones who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell.
Seek medical advice if you become unwell during hot weather, particularly if you experience dizziness, confusion, severe headache, persistent vomiting, or symptoms that do not improve after cooling down and rehydrating. In an emergency, call 999.
