How can excessive heat affect medications?

Finding ways to cool the body in extreme heat is important, as is ensuring that your medications are not exposed to extreme heat. Mayo Clinic pharmacist Scott Hall notes that temperature changes can destroy medications, and some medications can cause heat intolerance, writes Medical Xpress.

A temperature can affect any medication a person takes, but some are more prone to problems than others.

“Insulin is definitely one of those drugs,” says Hall. “Therefore, patients with diabetes should try not to store insulin in places where the temperature would be too high.”

Store your medicines in a cool, dry place. If you store them in the bathroom where you shower, leave the medicines in their original packaging, the expert advises.

“Storing them in bottles where they can stay airtight really helps prevent any negative effects of heat,” the pharmacist emphasizes.

Some medicines can cause heat intolerance. These include:

• pressure medication
• antihistamines
• decongestants
• psychiatric drugs

If you have questions about your medications, it's important to ask your healthcare team.

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