Dehydration Caused by a Medicine

Dehydration Caused by a Medicine

Topic Contents

Overview

Many prescription and non-prescription medicines can cause dehydration. A few examples are:

  • Antihistamines.
  • Blood pressure medicines.
  • Chemotherapy.
  • Diuretics.
  • Laxatives.

If you think that your dehydration is caused by a medicine:

  • Call the doctor who prescribed the medicine to find out if you should stop taking it or take a different one. An appointment may not be necessary.
  • If you are taking a non-prescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

Credits

Current as of:
July 1, 2021

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
H. Michael O'Connor MD - Emergency Medicine