With some of the hottest days of summer upon us, Ingalls wants to remind shipbuilders that multiple factors can contribute to heat stress. Many medications, including common over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and allergy medications containing diphenhydramine, have side effects that can increase your sensitivity to heat.
It’s important to note that you should never stop taking prescription medication without first consulting your doctor. Just be aware of how your medication may affect you while working in high temperatures so you can take steps to be safe.
Drugs that can increase your sensitivity to heat include (though aren’t limited to):
-
Antidepressants: tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
-
Antihistamines: diphenhydramine (Benadryl Allergy)
-
Antipsychotic drugs: atypical antipsychotics such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) and risperidone (Risperdal), and conventional antipsychotics such as thioridazine
-
High blood pressure drugs: thiazide diuretics such as chlorothiazide (Diuril) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) also known by the abbreviation HCT, may be seen in combination with other meds, such as Lisinopril-HCT (These meds tend to dehydrate you.)
-
Overactive-bladder treatments: anticholinergics such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol) and solifenacin (Vesicare)
-
Mood-stabilizing lithium medications
Drugs that can increase your sensitivity to sunlight include (though aren’t limited to):
-
Acne and aging skin treatments: products containing salicylic acid and tretinoin (Retin-A, Renova)
-
Antibiotics: fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), sulfa antibiotics such as sulfadiazine, and tetracycline antibiotics such as doxycycline (Doryx)
-
Antidepressants: tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
-
High blood pressure drugs: ACE inhibitors such as benazepril (Lotensin) and captopril (Capoten), angiotensin II receptor antagonists such as valsartan (Diovan), and thiazide diuretics such as chlorothiazide (Diuril) and hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril)
-
Pain medications: ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and Naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and topical pain relievers such as diclofenac (Voltaren gel, Pennsaid)
If you or a coworker are experiencing signs of heat stress, emergency first responders can be reached by dialing 911 from any Ingalls phone, or by dialing 228-935-6101 from a cell phone.