Dehydration Caused by a Medicine

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Overview

Many prescription and nonprescription 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 nonprescription medicine, stop taking it. Call your doctor if you feel you need to continue taking the medicine.

Credits

Current as of: July 10, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.