CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – As the weather continues to get hotter, taking care of your body is top priority.
Katie Czupryn, a pharmacist, said there are certain medications that can increase the risk of heat-related illness.
“Certain medications can actually stop our body from producing enough sweat, and so that can decrease out body’s ability to actually cool itself down,” Czupryn said. “So we think about medications some of our medications for allergies, or some of our anti-depressants, or some of our overactive bladder medications.”
While taking those medications, especially during the summer, it is important to avoid going outside for long periods of time during peak daylight and making sure to stay hydrated.
“Everyone always says hydrate. It really is true; that can definitely help in those situations,” Czupryn said.
Some medications can increase sun sensitivity, raising the risk for sun burns.
“Think about some of our antibiotics like Doxycycline, or our Fluoroquinolone medications like Ciprofloxacin or Levofloxacin or some of our heart medications like Amiodarone or acne medications like Isotretinoin like those can increase sun sensitivity so the importance of sunscreen becomes even more so in those cases as well,” Czupryn said.
Remember to put on sunscreen, grab a hat, and wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Most importantly, though, listen to your body.
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