Why is heat a problem?
On hot days, the body loses more fluids and salts through sweating. As a result, some medications may have a stronger effect or cause more side effects. Among other things, this can lead to dizziness, a drop in blood pressure, or a decline in kidney function.
The following groups are particularly at risk:
Older Adults
Patients with heart failure
People with high blood pressure
People with diabetes
Patients with kidney disease
What can you do yourself?
✓ Drink enough fluids (unless you have been instructed to limit your fluid intake)
✓ Avoid the midday heat and strenuous physical activity
✓ Check your blood pressure regularly
✓ Weigh yourself daily if you have heart failure
✓ Store medications properly (e.g., do not expose insulin to excessive heat)
✓ Never stop taking medication on your own
Medications That Require Special Caution in Hot Weather
| Medication | Examples | Why? | Possible symptoms |
| Drainage tablets | Torasemide, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, indapamide (Fludex®), spironolactone (Aldactone®), etc. | Fluid/Salt Loss | Dizziness, drop in blood pressure, deterioration of kidney function |
| ACE inhibitors | Ramipril, lisinopril, perindopril, enalapril, etc. | Kidney function can be impaired by dehydration | Dizziness, weakness |
| Sartans | Candesartan, valsartan, irbesartan, losartan, telmisartan, etc. | Kidney function can be impaired by dehydration | Dizziness, weakness |
| SGLT2 inhibitors | Empagliflozin (Jardiance®), Dapagliflozin (Forxiga®), Canagliflozin (Invokana®) | Increased fluid excretion | Dehydration, drop in blood pressure |
| Metformin | A problem when it dries out | Nausea, weakness | |
| Insulin / Antidiabetic Drugs | Risk of hypoglycemia | Hypoglycemia | |
| Pain relievers | Ibuprofen, Diclofenac, Naproxen | Strain on the kidneys when there is a lack of fluids | Kidney dysfunction |
| Beta blockers | Bisoprolol, Metoprolol, Nebivolol, Propranolol, Carvedilol | Heat dissipation reduced | Feeling of heat, dizziness |
| Calcium channel blockers | Amlodipine, Lercanidipine, Verapamil, Diltiazem | Blood vessels dilate | Drop in blood pressure |
| Nitrates | Nitroglycerin, isosorbide mononitrate | Blood vessels dilate | Dizziness, Fainting |
When should you contact your doctor's office?
⚠ Severe dizziness or fainting
⚠ Barely urinating
⚠ Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
⚠ Very low blood pressure
⚠ Rapid heartbeat or irregular heartbeat
⚠ Severe weakness or confusion
IMPORTANT: Never stop taking your medications without consulting your doctor. If you have a fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, it may be necessary to temporarily adjust the dosage of certain medications.
Cardiovascular Center Klinik Im Park
☎ 044 209 20 20
www.herzgefaesszentrum.ch
