Drugs that May Increase Risk of ‘Heat-Related Illness’ During Hot Weather

The increasing frequency and intensity of heat waves due to global warming pose significant risks to human health, with vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic conditions, being particularly affected. The hypothalamus plays a crucial role in thermoregulation, maintaining homeostasis through mechanisms like sweating and blood vessel dilation. However, extreme heat can disrupt these processes, leading to dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke, heat rash, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion. Certain medications can exacerbate these risks by impairing the body's ability to regulate temperature. Antipsychotics, for example, disrupt hypothalamic function, while diuretics and beta-blockers affect fluid balance and vasodilation, respectively. Antidepressants may increase sweating and dehydration, and illicit drugs like amphetamines can induce severe hyperthermia. These drug-induced impairments highlight the interconnectedness of pharmacology and environmental health, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and precautionary measures during heat waves, particularly for those on medications that impact thermoregulation. This review underscores the importance of understanding drug interactions with heat exposure to mitigate the risks of heat-related illnesses in a warming climate.