A Review of the Effects of Drugs on Hydration Status

Document Type : Review

Authors

1 Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background and Aim: Despite the essential role of water in biological environments, this nutrient is often overlooked. The hydration status of the body is determined by water balance (the difference between water intake and output). Water deficiency or negative balance is influenced by various internal and external factors. This review article aims to evaluate the existing evidence regarding the effects of medications on hydration status and discusses their implications for overall health.
Methods: A comprehensive search using selected keywords based on the MeSH model, including water, drugs, pharmaceutical additives, hydration, and dehydration, was conducted in the databases PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for relevant studies published in English. These studies focused on the effects of medications on hydration, encompassing both primary and secondary research.
Results: Current findings regarding the interaction between hydration status and medication use, as well as other related additives, are limited. Medications may induce dehydration by increasing water loss through diarrhea, elevating urine output, or promoting sweating. Common mechanisms of action include reduced thirst sensation, decreased appetite, and altered central temperature regulation. Conversely, many medications can affect hydration status by altering gastric residence time and modifying gastrointestinal permeability and absorption.
Conclusion: Monitoring the hydration status of patients, particularly those at high risk, plays a crucial role in protecting against many unintended side effects arising from medication and dietary regimens. Improving hydration status not only aids in the overall functioning of body systems but can also reduce the risk of complications such as renal dysfunction, hypotension, and increased susceptibility to infections. Therefore, prioritizing hydration as a vital factor in patient care, especially in specific medical conditions, is essential for enhancing treatment outcomes and improving patients' quality of life.

Keywords

Journal of Military Medicine
Volume 26, Issue 5 - Serial Number 129
November and December 2024
Pages 2467-2479

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