Why Certain Medications and High Temperatures Are Dangerous and Shouldn’t Mix

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Currents News Staff

A heat wave continues to crash over much of the U.S. But mixing those soaring temperatures with some medications could cause major problems.

Dr. Riza Conroy with the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center says some medications that don’t go well with the sun include: some antibiotics; antidepressants; antihistamines; anti inflammatories and medications for blood pressure and diabetes.

“Sometimes the reaction can take weeks or months for it to fade,” said Conroy.

She says bring a cooler when you’re out as the heat can degrade insulin and other medicines.

“Put the medication, especially insulin, in the cooler and keep it nice, cool and dark,” Conroy added.

She says sun-related side effects of medications usually develop about 24 to 72 hours after sun exposure and may appear to be an exaggerated sunburn.

“It looks red,” she said. “Sometimes scaly. Sometimes itchy and sometimes when it’s really bad blisters and spots that resemble hives.”

Conroy says to take the medicine before bed instead of the morning and follow these sun-smart steps:

SLIP: on clothing that covers the body.

SLOP: on SPF 15 to 30 or higher broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen.

SLAP: on a hat

SEEK: shade and avoid the sun between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

AND SLIDE: on sunglasses with UV protection and side panels.