Dehydration can be a significant risk to people taking certain medicines. The Sick Day Rules will help you to understanding which medicines should be stopped temporarily during illness which can result in dehydration (e.g. vomiting, diarrhoea and fever).
When a resident is unwell with any of the following:
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Fever, sweats
• Shaking
Inform the GP immediately. Dehydration caused by the above can be a significant risk to residents who take certain medicines. The following medicines need to temporarily be stopped during an illness which causes dehydration:
• ACE Inhibitors
Ramipril, lisinopril, perindopril, enalapril
• Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs)
Losartan, valsartan, candesartan
• Diuretics
Furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, bumetanide, spironolactone
• Metformin
• NSAIDs
Ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen
• Digoxin
• Lithium
ACE inhibitors, ARBs and NSAIDs can impair the function of the kidneys. Dehydration can exacerbate this and result in an Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).
Diuretics can cause or exacerbate dehydration in unwell residents.
Dehydrated residents who take metformin are at risk of lactic acidosis which is very serious and potentially life-threatening.
Always contact the GP before taking action but be aware of residents who are taking these medications and act quickly when necessary.
Digoxin and lithium can be toxic in dehydrated residents.