Doctors Advise Not Stopping Prescribed Medication in the Hot Weather Without Professional Advice

Common painkillers including ibuprofen could increase the chance of getting sunburn, Britain’s health watchdog has warned as the country braces for its fifth blistering heatwave of the summer. The public is urged to take extra precautions if taking the medicine in warmer weather, with temperatures set to soar to 36C next week. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said on Friday that drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen could increase sensitivity to the sun, making burns more likely.

Other treatments that can increase sensitivity include antibiotics like doxycycline and tetracycline, acne treatments like isotretinoin and topical retinoids, and antifungal medicines such as voriconazole. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: Some commonly used medicines can affect the body’s ability to stay hydrated, regulate temperature, or protect itself from sun exposure. Simple precautions can make a significant difference.

Staying hydrated, avoiding the strongest sun during the middle of the day, and using protective clothing and sunscreen can all help reduce risk. She noted diuretics, often prescribed for blood pressure or heart conditions, can increase fluid loss and make dehydration more likely. Meanwhile, some antidepressants and antipsychotics can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and medicines like beta blockers may reduce the body’s response to heat stress.

The body uses several mechanisms to regulate temperature: sweating, blood flow to the skin and fluid balance. But some commonly prescribed drugs interfere with these processes, making it harder to stay cool. Older adults, people with chronic conditions – especially those with heart or lung disease – and those taking multiple prescription drugs are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.

Last month, doctors warned people on certain mental health medications to take extra precautions ahead of another heatwave. Dr Nick Broughton, NHS England’s national director for mental health, learning disabilities and autism, said that people taking antipsychotic medication and antidepressants need to be extra cautious during hot weather because some of these medicines can make it harder to keep the body cool. Most importantly, they should not stop taking their medication suddenly and can speak to their GP, pharmacist or mental health team for advice if they need to, he said.