‘Life-threatening’ warning for Britons with health conditions heading abroad

As Europe prepares for the heatwave to reach its peak, health experts have issued a warning to all Britons traveling this summer who are taking certain medications – as they face an increased risk of dehydration. People with diabetes and low/high blood pressure are at increased risk of experiencing extreme dehydration in hot weather due to the combination of side effects created by the medications they take to manage their conditions.

Furosemide/indapamide and metformin

“Medication used for heart conditions such as heart failure or high blood pressure, for example furosemide or indapamide, can cause rapid drops in blood pressure and require the patient to maintain a constant water intake,” said Peter. “For example, if an elderly person taking one of these drugs finds themselves sweating more than normal, they can quickly reach a state where their blood pressure is very low, which will drastically increase their chances of falling . These types of tablets are taken by about 30% of our PillTime patients.”

Lauren added: “Over 40% of falls in older people recorded by TakingCare are from people taking medication for a heart condition, possibly related to the potential side effects of some of their medications, which can put them at increased risk of falling.

“This, combined with the fact that a person’s risk of falling increases dramatically once they enter the over-70 age bracket, creates the perfect storm for older people who take multiple heart medications because they are more likely to to dehydrate, to stun. and consequently have an accident. Our research shows that a person’s health can seriously deteriorate after suffering a fall, so accident prevention is key here.”

Peter said: “The type 2 diabetes drug metformin can also cause a condition called lactic acidosis in cases where a patient becomes dehydrated. This can cause them to feel exhausted, weak, experience a burning sensation in their muscles, as well as nausea and cramps. It would be safe to say that an elderly person taking both metformin and furosemide is at increased risk if they become dehydrated, putting them more at risk of falling.”

Antihistamines (hay fever medicines) and sedatives or benzodiazepines

As hay fever patients have suffered numerous “pollen bombs” this summer, Peter warns that hay fever tablets should be taken with caution by patients who are also taking multiple other medications.

“A lot of the active ingredients in hay fever medicines belong to a group of medicines called antihistamines,” explained Peter. “These are very effective in reducing hay fever symptoms, however they are known to cause drowsiness – some more than others.

“If someone is perhaps not as stable on their feet and is also taking another medication that has a sedative effect alongside the hay fever medication, they could quickly become at risk of falling. Benzodiazepines such as temazepam, loprazolam, lormetazepam, diazepam and nitrazepam, which are usually prescribed to reduce anxiety and promote calmness, relaxation and sleep, all include drowsiness and confusion as one of their potential side effects, so taking antihistamines in combination with these drugs should also be handled with care.

Lauren added: “Hay fever medicine is an easy solution to help relieve symptoms during the summer months. However, the increased risk of drowsiness, combined with other drugs that have a similar effect, should not be underestimated. Patients should also be careful when driving while taking multiple sedative medications, as the effect could be very dangerous.”

Oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine) and antidepressants

Peter points out that antidepressants, which according to the NHS are taken by 8.6 million people in the UK, can also interact with common over-the-counter medicines and have potentially risky results.

“Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are used to treat depression and anxiety, can also cause drowsiness, confusion and slowed reactions. Fluoxetine is a well-known SSRI. Other SSRIs include citalopram (Cipramil), escitalopram (Cipralex), paroxetine (Seroxat), and sertraline (Lustral).

“Another drug found in cold and flu products will interact with some antidepressants. For example, taking a selective SSRI antidepressant and an oral decongestant (such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine) can cause irritability, insomnia, and affect blood pressure. If one is not aware of taking care of these, they can exhibit very strange behavior that can be alarming to the individual and to those around them.”

Lauren added: “Our experience with older people shows that people who experience confusion and delayed reactions are at greater risk to themselves. This can mean they put themselves at unnecessary risk because they didn’t understand their surroundings or, in more serious cases, they can neglect an injury or wound, which can lead to dangerous consequences. This could be even more risky for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

“Emergency alert services will help monitor patients who are taking multiple drugs and response teams will be on the lookout for common side effects, and it’s important that family members are also aware of potential side effects and signs that you have to follow them.

“For example, patients who experience sudden confusion as a result of their medication may be unnaturally irritable and perhaps even aggressive. They will likely have changes in their personality, be distracted, and seem slightly distracted from the conversation.

“Especial care should be taken in people who express these symptoms as they may be at risk of an accident, so make sure the living space has been checked for any tripping hazards or poor lighting in stairwells. It may sound simple, but a quick check to ensure that carpet corners are tucked in and that there are non-slip mats in bathroom and kitchen areas can make all the difference in preventing accidents at home.

“While an increased risk of falling can be alarming for patients’ families who are unaware of this information, the key takeaway is that there are simple preventative measures that can be put in place to reduce the risk of patients having a fall. By taking simple preventative measures early on, both patients and their families ensure that older people can live independently and safely at home for longer.”