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Starting October 1, 2024, all Care1st members will join Arizona Complete Health-Complete Care Plan.
There is no change to your benefits or providers. New ID cards will be sent to you.
 Find more information here

Available Resource Impact of Medications on Risk of Heat-Related Illness

Date: 08/26/24

Heat and Medications Information Sheet for HealthCare Providers

What is the concern?

Extreme heat temperatures may adversely impact patients on specific medications. This document is intended to alert healthcare providers to the impact that ambient heat may have on patients taking certain medications and to provide recommendations.

Some factors that might increase a patient's risk of developing a heat-related illness include:

  • High levels of humidity
  • Obesity
  • Fever
  • Dehydration
  • Heart disease
  • Mental illness
  • Poor circulation
  • Sunburn
  • Alcohol use
  • Certain prescription and non-prescription medications and polypharmacy

Source: CDC Extreme Heat and Your Health page

What do I need to be aware of?

Heat-related illness can affect everyone - no matter how long someone has lived in Arizona, their age, gender, gender identity, or health issues.

Heat-related illness is a serious medical condition resulting from the body’s inability to cope with a particular heat load, and includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat syncope and heat stroke.

Health care providers are recommended to consult the Heat and Medications websites provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent (CDC), the Arizona Department of Health Service(ADHS) and the Pima County Health Department (PCHD) for more information.

The following populations maybe at an even higher risk for heat-related illness:

  • Children
  • Individuals 65+ years old
  • Outdoor workers
  • Pregnant people
  • Individuals with disabilities
  • Athletes
  • Individuals without air conditioning
  • Individuals who are living alone
  • Residents of mobile homes
  • Individuals with chronic health conditions
  • Individuals with substance use disorder/opioid use disorder

Taking certain medications increases the risk of adverse health outcomes for patients.

When individuals are on these types of medications extra education and precautions are necessary. Some medications will interfere with thermo regulation or fluid balance while other medications can increase skin sensitivity to sun exposure.

Included is a consolidated list of medications that increase risks from extreme heat exposure. These include certain cardiovascular medications, anti-seizure medications, antibiotics, and other classes of medications.

How can I help my patients stay safe during extreme heat?

Ask patients:

  • How do they keep cool in the summertime?
  • Do they have reliable transportation?
  • Do they rely on walking, biking, or public transportation?
  • Do you have someone who can check in on you during periods of extreme heat?
  •  Provide recommendations on changes to fluid intake based on prescription medications.
  •  Assess the need to modify medications prescribed and/or their dosage to reduce heat risk.
  •  Understand what other factors (e.g., living conditions) patients may have that increase their risk of heat-related illness.
  •  Provide a list of symptoms patients can watch out for.
  •  Encourage patients to have a “buddy” plan to have a family member or friend check up on them. 
  • If possible, offer water while patients wait for their appointments.
  •  Provide information on area cooling centers, financial support to offset electric costs, and other social services, as needed.

What are other resources I can share with my patients?

Consolidated List of Medications

Disclaimer: The list below is for reference purposes only. It is not in any particular order of risk or concern. Healthcare providers are encouraged to utilize their experience and knowledge to assess individual patient risks or concerns.