Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Medicines That Increase the Chance for a Heat-Related Illness
Many medicines change your body's ability to stay cool.
- Medicines that lower the amount of blood pumped
by the heart (cardiac output) so blood flow to the skin is less include:
- Antispasmodics, such as Donnatal or Levsin.
- Diuretics, such as Dyazide or Maxzide.
- Beta-blockers, such as Inderal or Betapace.
- Calcium channel blockers, such as Cardizem.
- Anti-Parkinson medicines, such as Sinemet.
- Medicines that increase how much heat your body
makes include:
- Thyroid hormone, such as Synthroid, if you take too much.
- Salicylates (aspirin products).
- Medicines that change your sense of thirst in hot
environments include:
- Neuroleptics, such as Haldol or Prolixin.
- Sedatives, such as Nembutal or Excedrin PM.
- Medicines that lower your body's ability to keep
the temperature in a normal range (thermoregulation) include:
- Antihistamines, such as Benadryl and other nonprescription cold remedies.
- Anticholinergics, such as Cystospaz.
- Phenothiazines, such as chlorpromazine.
- Benztropine mesylate.
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline or Sinequan.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as Furoxone or Nardil.
Alcohol and illegal drugs, such as methamphetamines, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, PCP (phencyclidine hydrochloride), and LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), also affect your ability to sense dehydration or heat-related symptoms. These substances also reduce your judgment about whether treatment is needed for a heat-related illness.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: July 19, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine David Messenger, MD | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
from
- Facebook is now fueling organ donations
- Military women and suicide: Home safe but not sound
- Still in gear: Injuries don’t stop veterans on 100-day bike trek
- Ask Jenna: I've hit a weight loss plateau. What do I do?
- He poses in a tutu to laugh in face of wife's cancer
- After chemo hair loss, 'henna crowns' help heal
The iVillage Network