DRINKING ENOUGH WATER PLAYS A HUGE ROLE IN HOW MEDICATIONS ARE ABSORBED, DISTRIBUTED, AND CLEARED FROM THE BODY.
Drinking water (hydration) is important for everyone, but if you are taking any of these 8 medications, hydration should be taken more seriously. This is because staying hydrated helps to reduce the risk of side effects.
1….. DIURETICS.
These are medications mostly used for hypertension, edema, and heart failure. They increase urination. Because of this, dehydration is a major side effect. Taking enough water is necessary except your doctor places you on fluid restriction due to a health concern. Example: Lasix (furosemide), Natrilix (indapamide), Aldactone (spironolactone), Torsinex (torsemide), Hydrex, Esidrex, Moduretic.
2….. NSAIDs.
NSAIDs are medications for pain and arthritis. Avoid taking pain killers if you are in the habit of staying long without drinking water. Being dehydrated while taking NSAIDs can affect your kidneys. Please always stay hydrated after taking NSAIDs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, Felvin (piroxicam), aspirin, and naproxen.
3….. VITAMIN C & CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS.
Calcium supplements and high dose vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones. Always take water regularly, especially if you are taking these supplements for long term use.
4….. LISINOPRIL & OTHER ACE INHIBITORS.
If you’re taking lisinopril for BP, try to stay hydrated. These medications are processed by the kidneys. Not taking enough water can cause kidney injury, especially during illness or hot weather.
5….. METFORMIN.
This is a popular medication for managing diabetes. Not taking enough water can increase the risk of lactic acidosis, which means acid builds up in the blood because the body is not clearing it properly. Taking enough water also helps your kidneys clear Metformin more easily.
6….. DOXYCYCLINE.
It is an antibiotic used for treating bacterial infections and sometimes used for prevention of malaria. Taking this medication without enough water can cause heartburn and serious throat irritation. Always take it with plenty of water.
7….. LACTULOSE.
This is a syrup used to treat constipation. It works by osmosis, it draws water from your body to soften stool. It can cause severe dehydration, especially in children. Please always follow it up with regular intake of water.
8….. BLOOD TONICS & IRON SUPPLEMENTS.
They can cause constipation. Taking them with enough water reduces the risk.
Like I said before, taking enough water is good for everyone, but if you’re taking any of the above medications, you should consider taking ENOUGH water as part of the treatment.
WHAT IS ENOUGH?
There is no specific amount of water, but you can take up to 3 liters in a day. The most important thing is that you don’t wait until you are very thirsty before you take water.
Hydration plays a huge role in how medications are absorbed, distributed, and cleared from the body. Inadequate fluids can increase side effects and strain the kidneys.
