# Certain Common Medications Increase Heat Illness Risk in Children and Teens
Ten medications that children and teens regularly take can raise the risk of heat-related illness during hot weather or exercise. Parents should know which drugs carry this risk and take precautions when temperatures climb.
Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec) interfere with the body's ability to sweat and cool itself. Stimulant medications including methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based drugs (Adderall) increase heart rate and metabolic activity, making kids generate more internal heat. Decongestants like pseudoephedrine narrow blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the skin where cooling happens.
Anticholinergic medications, which treat conditions from ADHD to urinary issues, block sweating. Certain antipsychotics used for behavioral and mood disorders also impair temperature regulation. Even some common acne treatments and antibiotics can increase sun sensitivity and heat sensitivity.
When your child takes these medications during summer, heat waves, or sports season, extra vigilance matters. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends increasing water intake, taking frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning, and avoiding peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) for outdoor activity.
Watch for heat exhaustion signs: excessive sweating or lack of sweating despite heat, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, and muscle cramps. Heat stroke, the dangerous escalation, brings confusion, hot dry skin, and loss of consciousness. Both require immediate medical attention.
Parents shouldn't stop prescribed medications. Instead, discuss heat precautions at your next visit with your pediatrician or pharmacist. They can review your child's specific medications