According to the CDC, some medications can damage or degrade in the heat.

ST. LOUIS — During the dog days of summer, high temperatures can impact almost everything, and that includes common medications. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, medications and heat interact in three main ways:

  1. Some medicines, including ones that treat high blood pressure and heart failure, can amplify your risk of harm from the heat. 
  2. Hot weather can damage or degrade medicines like inhalers, EpiPens and insulin. 
  3. Certain antibiotics can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sun exposure.

Certain medicines can also contribute to heat sensitivity, according to the CDC. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Lack of thirst. 
  • Interference with thermoregulation, which is the body’s ability to regulate its body temperature.
  • Lack of sweat, which can be triggered by antidepressants. 
  • Low blood pressure, which increases the risk of fainting and can be caused by certain anti-inflammatory drugs.
  • Cognitive impairment can be caused by certain medications that treat mental illnesses.

Storing medication properly also makes a difference in how it’s impacted by the heat. 

  • Doctors recommend storing it in a cool, dry place.
  • Storing medicines in your bathroom cabinet is not recommended because the heat and moisture from the shower or bath can lead to damage. 
  • Keep your medicine in its original container. 
  • If you’re worried, you’re not storing it properly, you can always ask your pharmacist.