Every summer, emergency departments treat thousands of older adults for heat-related illnesses. While high temperatures are the obvious culprit, many people don’t realize that some common prescription medications can quietly increase the risk of dehydration, dizziness, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke. Adults over 60 are especially vulnerable because the body’s ability to regulate temperature naturally declines with age, and many older adults take several medications every day.
That doesn’t mean you should stop taking your prescriptions, but it does mean a five-minute conversation with your pharmacist before the hottest part of the summer could help prevent a medical emergency. Knowing which questions to ask is one of the easiest ways to stay safer during extreme heat. Here’s a look at what you need to be asking your pharmacist about your meds.
