|
|
Medications and Summertime Heat
Several medications commonly prescribed for older adults can affect them in the heat, creating an increased risk of developing heat stroke or heat exhaustion. As a result, older adults on these medications need to know how to "keep their cool."
| Type of Medication |
Why They Can Cause Problems for
an Older Adult
|
Examples, or specific drugs to watch out for |
|
Beta Blockers
Anti-parkinson drugs |
Beta blockers are used to regulate high
blood pressure by
keeping the heart rate low.
These drugs don't allow
the small blood vessels in the skin to dilate. That reduces blood flow to the skin and impedes sweat production and causes the body temperature to rise. The human body needs to respond to heat stress by elevating heart rate and dissipating the heat. Beta blockers work against that system and predispose people working in heat to heat-related emergencies. Diuretics and calcium channel blockers have similar effects by working against the body's protective systems.
Anti-parkinson drugs inhibit perspiration
|
Inderal or Betapace.
e.g. Sinemet |
|
Antidepressants
|
Antidepressants can cause sedation and dizziness, so
the person may be less aware of heat problems. Some increase heat production, so the person's body is warmer. Tricylic anti-depressants affect body's ability to regulate heat. Lithium – heavy exercise or heavy sweating in hot weather may change lithium levels, so that you may have too much in your system.
|
Tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil or Sinequan.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Furoxone or Nardil. |
|
Antihistamines
|
These drugs reduce sinus congestion by
blocking the function of the autonomic nerves. But this group of nerves stimulates your sweat glands. So a side effect of the antihistamines is that you produce less sweat. You need to sweat to keep your body cool.
|
e.g. Benadryl, Chlortripolon Doctors say don't stop taking antihistamines, if you suffer from allergies. They say you should just drink plenty of water when you do take them.
|
|
Over-the-counter sleeping pills
|
Some contain the same medication that is used in antihistamines [see above]. Also causes sedation, you may not be aware of how hot you are.
|
e.g. Nytol
|
|
Anti-diarrhea pills
|
Can cause confusion, dizziness for some. |
e.g. Lomotil
|
|
Some diuretics (usually used as a hypertension medication)
|
These drugs make you lose water,
and increase your urine flow and as
result you lose salt too. You need isotonic fluids to replenish Can make you feel light headed when you get up quickly or exercise. Some diuretics make you sensitive to sunlight. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Psychiatric drugs
|
Some neurolepics such as Haldol
alter the person's sense of thirst (so, the person may not realize her or
his body needs the water) Some of the drugs used for schizophrenia sedate the person. Some of the newer neuroleptic medications ("atypicals") have been fund to weaken the heart muscle, leaving the person more susceptible to heat problems.
|
HEAT DISORDERS
HEAT STROKE
Occurs when a person's body is not able to regulate its temperature regulation properly and the body's temperature rises to critical levels. This is a medical emergency.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; unconsciousness
TREATMENT
CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY
Move person to a shaded area and remove outer clothing
Wet person's skin and ventilate to improve evaporation cooling until medical professionals arrive
Only give the person fluids if they are conscious (cool, not ice cold water)
PRECAUTIONS
Acclimatize to heat
Take in adequate fluid and replace what are losing
Stay in the shade; out of the heat.
Avoid caffeine or alcohol
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Is caused by an imbalance of water/electrolytes
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Heavy sweating; paleness; muscle cramps; tiredness; weakness or fatigue; dizziness; headache; nausea or vomiting; fainting.
TREATMENT
Move to cooler environment
Rest in lying down position
Administer fluids by mouth
PRECAUTIONS
Take in adequate water/fluid/electrolyte replacement and avoid fluids that contain caffeine or alcohol
HEAT CRAMPS
Are caused by water and/or electrolyte depletion. Heat cramps are usually a precursor to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Painful muscle spasms
TREATMENT
Stretching, coupled with water and electrolyte replacement
PREVENTION
Adequate fluid/water/electrolyte intake
Avoid fluids that contain caffeine or alcohol
Sources:
Center for Disease Control. Frequently Asked Questions for Extreme Heat. Online: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/FAQs.htm
Warning: Heat Exhaustion & Allergy Sufferers. Online at: http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/health/050803_hs_allergies_heat.html
Yale New Haven Health. Medications that increase the risk for a heat-related illness. Online at: http://yalenewhavenhealth.org/library/healthguide/IllnessConditions/topic.asp?hwid=tw3332
York, K. (August, 2000) "Consumers: Take care in the heat." Interface. Online at: http://www.mhmraofharriscounty.org/vol5no1010.html
Zoghby, J.C. (Jul. 22, 1995). Medications can magnify heat dangers: Special warnings given for older people. Mobile Register, Section: 1B, 6B Online at : http://southmed.usouthal.edu/library/news/22jul95.html
Page last updated: 31/10/2004
| Return to |