Anyone have a problem with bp meds and dehydration? I take 80mil Micardis combined with 12.5 mil hydrchlorothiazide. I realize the hct does make you go a lot more, but my dehydration is extreme. Any ideas? Thanks.

I'm taking the same medication as you, plus 50 mg. of atenolol and 1/2 of a 5 mg. of Norvasc. I don't find that I'm exceptionally thirsty. I can't remember if that's one of the side effects?

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic (water pill) anyone taking a water pill needs to drink at least 6 glasses of water daily. The tendency is to drink as little water as possible when taking a diuretic but that is wrong and only leads to dehydration. The action of a diuretic is to help remove excess fluids so it is still working even if you are drinking fluids.

My father was also told to drink enough water when taking diuretics. He still palys sports and the doc said it is very important he stayed hydrated.

I do try and drink alot of water. There are exceptions when taking diuretics - people who have congestive heart failure, must watch their intake of fluids.

The recommended fluid intake for a congestive heart failure patient is 6 glasses a day,unless the MD specifically has them on fluid restrictions. Too many people end up in the ER unnecessarily because of dehydration.

willc,

Have your potassium and sodium levels measured.
If both are fine, then you have nothing to worry about; drink water when thirsty and then a little more.
Have uric acid checked as well while they have your blood.

If one or the other is low, then some action must be taken. If either is low, forcing water could be harmful.

I also take 12.5 mg of HCTZ, Norvasc 5. mg, and 50 mg Atenenol, + Lisinopril, and potassium, to make sure all my levels in the blood are safe for about 2 1/2 years. I drink at least 32-40 ounces of water all day long. It's correct, the diuretic makes you release fluid, but it cleans you out and the fresh water helps to keep you hydrated. My doctor says I'm doing the correct thing. I might add, he takes lab tests every 6 months to monitor my kidneys.

I might add, this regimin may not be good if someone has to watch water intake due to heart failure. Please check with your own doctor.

It is recommended that CHF patients on diuretics drink 6 glasses of fluids(preferably water) daily to prevent dehydration. You should never wait until you are thirsty to begin drinking--that's one of the first signs of dehydration.

My Mom has congestive heart failure, and she does drink water and other fluids, but trys to stay on the recommended amount of fluid for her condition.

If you look up CHF literature on the web, you will see that the recommended fluid amount for CHF patients is 1.5L = 6 glasses/day. You must include anything that counts as fluid ie: popsicles, soups , gelatin etc. The exceptions are if your doctor has you on fluid restrictions, in which the amount could be less.