Medications and Summer: Can Your Body Be Affected? 

Older woman sitting indoors, fanning herself with a bright orange hand fan to cool down. She has short gray hair and wears a white sleeveless top, with sunlight filtering through a window and green plants in the background. The image conveys relief from heat, or warm weather discomfort.

July 13, 2026 | Tags: Wellness

Your summer plans include being outdoors to enjoy swimming, hiking, picnics and barbecues. However, if you take medication—whether for treating an illness, managing a chronic condition or improving your quality of life—your plans will also include dealing with the rising temperatures and prolonged sunlight. 

Hot weather and sun exposure can affect your body due to the medications you take. To make sure you’re protected this summer, learn if your medications can cause a heat-related reaction. 

Does hot weather affect your body while taking medications? 

The short answer is yes. Not all medications you take mix poorly with hot or sunny days, but some can increase your risk of harm by causing heat intolerance, sun sensitivity or dehydration. Your body has natural cooling systems to keep you from overheating, like sweating or blood circulation. Some medications can impair your body’s ability to regulate its temperature, making you more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

They can also make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, increasing your risk of sunburn, skin damage or cancer. “Increased sun sensitivity is one that seems to always surprise people,” said Nate Hendrick, a Pharmacist at Medical Mutual. “For example, a simple antibiotic can make you much more susceptible to a sunburn, so take warnings from your pharmacist seriously.” 

Medications specific to fluid loss or those that can suppress thirst increase your risk of dehydration, an already pressing concern during summer months. Knowing how medications affect your body as temperatures rise can help you better prepare and manage safely. Knowing how medications affect your body as temperatures rise can help you better prepare and manage safely. 

What health risks increase in hot weather? 

Because certain medications can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate its temperature or stay hydrated, exposure to summer heat and sun can put you at higher risk for: 

  • Dehydration
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Kidney injury
  • Excessive or reduced sweating
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Decreased blood pressure
  • Increased risk of fainting or falls

What medications increase your risk of heat-related illness? 

Medications that can increase your risk of heat sensitivity and dehydration include:

  • Antidepressants and other SSRIs
  • Anticholinergics, like over-the-counter antihistamines
  • Some antipsychotics
  • Beta-blockers
  • Diuretics
  • GLP-1 drugs
  • Opiates

Medications that can increase your risk of sun sensitivity include: 

  • Antibiotics
  • Antifungals
  • Antihistamines
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Oral contraceptives and estrogen
  • Retinoids
  • Sulfonamides

Some medications listed above, like diuretics, can increase your risk for multiple sensitivities. Check with your pharmacist or primary care provider (PCP) about your medications and how they can affect your sensitivity to heat, the sun or staying hydrated. 

Tips to stay safe if you’re taking medications affected by heat 

Some medications can make you more vulnerable to heat, making it especially important to take extra care during warmer months:

  • Avoid too much sun: Take extra precautions when UV rays are at their strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check your local UV index and take protective measures if it's three or higher. Seek shade or cool areas while outdoors or remain indoors with air conditioning.
  • Protect your skin: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Apply at least 15 minutes before going outside so your skin can absorb it. Reapply every two hours, especially after sweating, swimming or drying off.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t always feel thirsty. Limit alcohol, excess caffeine and sugary beverages, which can further dehydrate you. 
  • Dress appropriately for summer: Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing and hats. Avoid overdressing, especially in clothes that don’t allow sweat to evaporate easily.
  • Recognize heat-exhaustion symptoms: These can include headache, nausea, dizziness or trouble concentrating, feeling tired or weak, fast heart rate and excessive sweating.

If you or someone has signs of heat exhaustion, act fast to prevent heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency. Do the following: 

  • Call 911 for medical help.
  • Move to a cooler or shaded area.
  • Loosen or remove excess clothing.
  • Lie down with legs elevated.
  • Use methods to cool down, like fanning or applying a water-soaked towel to skin.
  • Slowly sip water or other fluids.

If you suspect you or someone has heat stroke, do not drink any liquids as the person is at risk of aspirating. Wait for help to arrive. 

Learn how your medications will react to summer weather 

Talk to your pharmacist or PCP if you have questions or concerns regarding current or new medications you’re taking and any side effects you may experience during warm or sunny weather. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting new medications or stopping current ones. Only stop taking your medication if your doctor advises you to do so. 

If you don’t have a PCP, Medical Mutual can help. Use our Find a Provider tool in the My Health Plan portal or call the Customer Care number listed on your member ID card. 

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