When the days become longer, and the sun starts to shine, it’s natural to want to enjoy the warm weather outdoors. But, for many older people, the summer months can bring more than sunshine – they can introduce added health risks.
Whether you’re supporting a loved one yourself, or arranging care, it’s useful to understand how high temperatures can affect both how medications work, and how our bodies can respond to them during a heatwave.
Why are older individuals more susceptible to heat?
As we age, our body’s ability to thermoregulate declines. This, paired with a reduced perception of thirst, means that older individuals can more easily overheat, or become dehydrated, e
specially in the summertime.
Older people are also less likely to behaviourally adapt to the heat – such as to seek shade, or remove excess clothing – due to a reduced sense of temperature increase.
Now we know more about how heat can affect older individuals, let’s take a closer look at what it can do to our medication.
Heat can affect how medication works
One of the lesser-known risks of summer is how easily heat can degrade medicine. With most medication needing to be stored below 25°C, any hot room, parked car or sunlit windowsill can exceed the recommended temperature – sometimes without us realising.
When medicines get too warm, their active ingredients can begin to break down. This can mean they don’t work as effectively, or, in some cases, they might not work at all. Medications especially vulnerable to the heat include:
- Tablets and capsules
- Inhalers
- Hormone patches
- Insulin and liquid antibiotics
- EpiPens
If a medicine changes colour, texture or smell – or if the packaging feels warm or sticky – it may have been heat damaged. In these cases, the safest thing to do is ask a pharmacist or GP for advice before continuing use.
Tips for storing medicine in the summer
To protect your loved one’s medication during hot weather, you can keep it out of direct sunlight, in a cool, dark place; staying away from bathrooms or windowsills.
You can also avoid leaving medicines in parked vehicles or warm bags. Instead, consider travelling with a cool bag. This is especially important when travelling with fridge medicines.
Always make sure to check the leaflet for accurate storage instructions, or speak to your pharmacist if unsure.
How your body reacts to medicine in the heat
Heat can also change how our bodies respond to medicine. Some medications can increase the risk of dehydration, sunburn, or overheating. This is especially important for older individuals who may already be sensitive to the heat.
Certain blood pressure medications, diuretics, and diabetes treatments can make it harder for the body to stay cool or recognise early signs of heat-related illness. Here are some symptoms you should look out for during hot spells:
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- Confusion or tiredness
- Headaches or dry mouth
- Dark, concentrated urine
- Nausea or rapid heartbeat
If you, or your loved one, notice any of these signs, it’s important to move somewhere cool, sip water slowly, and seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve.
How some medicines increase sun sensitivity
Another common summer risk is photosensitivity – when a medicine makes your skin more likely to burn in the sun. This can happen even in mild sunlight, and may lead to painful rashes, blistering, or irritation. Medication that can cause sun sensitivity includes:
- Some antibiotics
- Diuretics
- Antidepressants
- Skin treatments for acne or eczema
- Painkillers like ibuprofen (less common, over long-term use)
- Methotrexate (commonly used for arthritis, psoriasis, or Crohn’s disease)
It’s always worth checking the information leaflet for warnings about sun exposure. And, if in doubt, ask your pharmacist or GP. Encourage loved ones to wear high-factor sunscreen, cover up with lighter clothing, and avoid direct contact with the sun during peak hours (11am – 3pm).
Caring for loved ones during the summer
Summer can be an exciting, and relaxing time of year. But it’s also when older individuals may need a little extra support. As caregivers, we can play an important role in making sure that medications are handled safely – whether that means checking storage, encouraging hydration, or simply keeping an eye on how our loved ones are feeling.
If you’re unsure about any medication or its side effects in hot weather, don’t hesitate to speak to a pharmacist or healthcare provider. A few simple precautions can make all the difference in keeping loved ones safe, comfortable and well throughout the summer.
If you’re looking into care options this summer, take a look at our home care and live-in care options. Or, you can always give us a call at 0203 936 1798.
