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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.

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By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	David Messenger, MD
Last Revised	July 19, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: July 19, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.