Doctors Warn Kentucky Residents That Some Heart Medications and Antihistamines Can Increase Risk of Heat Illness

HARRISON COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) - With summer temperatures in the region, clinicians at Harrison Memorial Hospital are warning residents that heat-related illness can worsen quickly, especially for people taking certain prescription medicines. Medical staff said they are seeing heightened risk as heat exhaustion and heat stroke become more likely during extreme heat conditions and as some medications may affect how the body regulates temperature.

In an interview described by LEX 18, emergency physician Dr. Nathan Anthony outlined how symptoms can differ between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. He said that when a person’s temperature is between 100 and 104 degrees, the condition may be heat exhaustion. He added that a temperature above 104 degrees, along with skin that is dry and hot and confusion or impaired thinking, is more consistent with heat stroke.

Dr. Anthony also emphasized the severity of heat stroke. According to the report, he said heat stroke is dangerous and can carry a 30% mortality rate. He told patients and caregivers that if heat stroke symptoms appear, the safest step is to get to the hospital immediately rather than trying to manage symptoms at home.

The hospital physician said certain medications can make a person more susceptible to heat-related illness. LEX 18 reported that he identified heart medications and antihistamines as examples of drugs that can increase risk during hot weather. The warning did not say that people should stop their prescriptions, and the clinicians stressed continuing prescribed treatment while taking additional precautions.

Dr. Anthony also urged residents to check medication labels and, when possible, consult their pharmacist for heat-safety guidance. LEX 18 reported him saying that people should not skip medications prescribed by a primary care doctor or cardiologist, even while taking steps to stay safe in the heat. His instructions, as characterized in the report, included taking stock of medication instructions and confirming safe usage patterns during high temperatures.

The broader risk of heat illness is recognized nationwide by public health and medical organizations, which note that extreme heat can exacerbate cardiovascular and other underlying conditions and can lead to dehydration and organ stress. Public health guidance also emphasizes that medications and health conditions can change how the body responds to hot weather, increasing the importance of hydration, cooling, and timely medical attention when symptoms begin.

As Kentucky continues to see hot conditions, Harrison Memorial Hospital’s warning adds a specific local reminder for residents who are managing chronic conditions with prescription drugs. For people experiencing symptoms such as confusion, high fever, or worsening weakness during extreme heat, the next step is emergency care. For patients who are unsure how their medications affect heat risk, clinicians advised reviewing instructions and speaking with pharmacists or prescribing providers before making any changes.