Farmers in Southwest Georgia are all too familiar with the unpredictability of weather and what it can mean for their crops and harvest. But how many are aware of the toll that heat and humidity can take on their bodies and the medications they rely on to manage chronic and everyday health conditions?

Matthew L. Holt, PharmD, BCPS, assistant professor of pharmacology at PCOM South Georgia, has seen this firsthand given his previous experience as a clinical pharmacist in a large family medicine clinic.

“My training has been in the Southeastern United States, where environmental factors, like the weather, must be considered when educating patients about their medications, proper storage, and how the elements can affect their bodies,” Holt said. “Medicine is not taken in a vacuum, and in osteopathic medicine, we recognize that a whole-body approach is important.”

On Tuesday, October 20, at 1:30 p.m., Holt will present on this topic during the 2026 Sunbelt Ag Expo, with a discussion titled “Medicine in the Georgia Heat: What Farmers and Gardeners Need to Know.”

Holt says that one of the biggest concerns during hot weather involves diuretics, commonly known as water pills.

“They make you lose water; that’s why they are prescribed, but you also lose electrolytes like sodium and potassium,” he said. “In the summer, we sweat excessively, which also leads to electrolyte loss, so this can lead to dehydration, dizziness and confusion.”

He goes on to say that sweating is the body’s natural way of cooling itself, but some medications can interfere with that process.

“Some allergy medications, including diphenhydramine, overactive bladder medications and antidepressants can impair sweating. Body temperatures can rise to a dangerously high level if you don’t sweat.”

Heat can also lower blood pressure. When combined with blood pressure medications, this may cause blood pressure to drop too far, leading to lightheadedness, fainting or falls.

“If you spend a lot of time outdoors, consider asking your pharmacist if your medications could cause dehydration,” Holt advised. “Inform your pharmacist about your outside activities so that they can help you make the best decisions regarding your health and medications.”

Dr. Holt also said over-the-counter medications can also pose risks. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), often used for back pain, knee pain and headaches, can put additional strain on the kidneys when combined with heat and dehydration. This is a particular concern for farmers who spend long hours outdoors.

Some antibiotics can also increase sensitivity to sunlight. Holt recommends wearing long sleeves, using sunscreen and wearing a hat to protect against sunburn, which can contribute to heat-related illness.

“If you think you are experiencing a heat-related side effect like dizziness or confusion, or if you notice you are not sweating, you should not work through this hoping it will get better,” Holt said. “Stop, drink water or a sports drink, rest, cool down and call your doctor or pharmacist.