Polish health experts warn of medication risks during heatwaves

Pharmacist Katarzyna Talarek‑Pasternak advises patients to drink boiled or low‑mineral water at room temperature when taking medicines, and to avoid hot drinks, caffeine, grapefruit juice, milk and highly mineralised water because they can alter drug absorption or cause toxic interactions. She also notes that alcohol and tobacco can change drug metabolism and reduce efficacy.

Medical doctors highlight that high temperatures can modify how the body reacts to drugs. Diuretics, certain antihypertensives, heart‑failure medicines, some antidepressants, antipsychotics and cholinolytic agents may increase fluid loss, impair sweating or disrupt thermoregulation, raising the risk of dehydration, low blood pressure and kidney problems, especially in older adults. Topical analgesic gels containing ketoprofen and similar products can cause severe photosensitivity when exposed to sunlight.

Both pharmacists and physicians stress the importance of regular hydration with small amounts of water, monitoring for dizziness, fainting, dark urine or sudden weakness, and consulting a healthcare professional rather than altering therapy on one's own.