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Prescription Medications Can Cause Dehydration

Multiple medical conditions can lead to dehydration, such as certain chronic conditions, bowel preparation for a colonoscopy, or fasting prior to medical or surgical procedures.

In addition, some prescription medications may cause dehydration as a side-effect, and/or indicate someone is at risk for dehydration.

These include:

  • Diuretics
  • Diabetes-related medications
  • Antibiotics for infectious diarrhea caused by bacteria
  • Opioid antidiarrheal medications
  • Drugs for conditions where vomiting/diarrhea and decreased fluid absorption is a problem, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Antiemetics
  • Travel medications, including vaccines and malaria preventatives
  • Colchicines

Some over-the-counter products may also lead to dehydration and/or indicate someone is at risk of dehydration, including:

  • Loperamide anti-diarrhea (Ex. Imodium)
  • Antihistamines
  • Histamines
  • Bowel prep kits for colonoscopies

Do you regularly take any of these medications and/or suffer from a chronic condition such as IBS? Are you preparing for a surgical procedure or exam? Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how an oral electrolyte solution (Hydralyte) can help.