For the past few weeks, many parts of North India have been experiencing intense heat, especially the capital Delhi. With heat-related illnesses on the rise, most people are taking medications that can lead to dehydration, making it difficult for the body to cope with the high temperatures.

Taking certain medications, such as those related to blood pressure, mental health, and even allergies, can make it difficult to keep the body hydrated.

Dr Anurag Agarwal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, spoke about several medicines that cause dehydration in the body. Hence, the expert urged people to hydrate themselves better if they are taking these medicines.

diuresis

Diuretics are often prescribed for the heart and kidneys to help the body lose fluids through urination. Since it increases urine production by the kidneys, the body loses more water and essential electrolytes, leading to dehydration, if not compensated for.

Laxative

Laxatives speed up bowel movements, increasing the frequency of bowel movements. This can lead to a significant loss of water, as well as electrolytes, leading to dehydration.

Antihistamines

Many anti-allergic medications reduce mucus production and can cause dry mouth. Decreased fluid consumption due to dry mouth can lead to poor fluid balance in the body.

antidepressants

Antidepressants are prescribed in case of various mental health illnesses. However, these medications can cause dry mouth. This leads to reduced fluid intake as the person does not feel the need to drink water, leading to low water levels in the body.

Blood pressure medications

Various blood pressure medications increase urine output and also cause an imbalance in electrolytes. If adequate fluids are not replaced other than just drinking water, it will make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature.

(Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the doctor are his independent professional judgment, and we take no responsibility for the accuracy of his views. This should not be considered as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.)