Warmer conditions may be on the horizon for Brits, but the hotter weather could be dangerous for some people. Some common medications come with a risk which presents itself during the sunshine. Drugs commonly used to treat ailments such as high blood pressure, allergies and mental health conditions sometimes come with a side effect which makes it more difficult to stay hydrated or cool down when it is hot.
It means that some medications increase the risk of sensitivity to heat. Diuretics - which make people urinate more often- could pose a problem, They are used to treat heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease. READ MORE: The cheap European spot with beautiful beaches and delicious food Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here .
While losing fluid is beneficial for these conditions, it can sometimes lead to dehydration. It can also result in an imbalance of electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium or salt, which makes it harder for the body to regulate its temperature. This can be dangerous during a heatwave , as the hotter weather can lead to dehydration anyway, GloucestershireLive reports.
So people taking this type of medication should drink plenty of water and look out for signs of dehydration such as headache, dizziness, dark coloured urine and feeling thirsty. Another common medication which could prove problematic in the heat is Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, or ACE inhibitors, in patients .
