If you are taking medications listed by the UFC Que Choisir, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
France is going through a new episode of heat wave with many departments on orange alert. If the French are now unfortunately used to this and know the right things to do, not all of them necessarily think of taking a closer look at the drugs they take.
The UFC Que Choisir draws up a list of remedies that can cause dehydration. The association classifies them into several categories according to their effects on the body.
Increased loss of water and mineral salts
According to the UFC Que Choisir, several types of medication cause loss of water and mineral salts, which can lead to dehydration. These are diuretics, which increase urine production (Amiloride, Bumetanide, Furosemide, etc.). In addition, laxatives and antibiotics are also to be monitored since they expose to diarrhea (Bisacodyl, Lactulose, Amoxicillin, Azithromycin, etc.).
Impaired renal function
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ACE inhibitors, and sartans given for hypertension should also be avoided. Among them, the UFC Que Choisir notes, for example, the acetylsalicylic acid found in Aspirin, but also the various Ibuprofen.
Exposure to hyperthermia
Thyroid hormones such as Levothyrox or Cynomel can expose patients to hyperthermia. The same goes for neuroleptics prescribed in psychiatry (Aripiprazole, Clozapine, Cyamemazine, etc.), as well as antidepressants.
Increased sweating
Finally, the UFC QUe Choisir identifies a last category of drugs, which are prescribed in cases of dementia and myasthenia gravis, which should be avoided during heat waves since they increase sweating. (Mytelase, Aricept, Ebixa, etc.).
Find the details of these drugs on the Que Choisir website, the association nevertheless specifies that this list is not exhaustive.