dehydration
3 interactions related to dehydration
alcohol + lithium
Lithium has a narrow therapeutic window and is excreted by the kidneys. Alcohol causes diuresis and dehydration, which reduces renal lithium clearance and raises serum lithium levels — pushing patients toward lithium toxicity (tremor, confusion, ataxia, arrhythmia). Alcohol also worsens mood instability in bipolar disorder.
lithium + sodium
Lithium and sodium are handled by the same renal transporters and compete for reabsorption in the proximal tubule. A low-sodium diet causes the kidneys to retain sodium and lithium, raising lithium levels and the risk of toxicity; a sudden high-sodium load can drop lithium below the therapeutic range.
alcohol + hydrochlorothiazide
Hydrochlorothiazide and alcohol both lower blood pressure and promote dehydration; combined use causes additive hypotension, dizziness, and orthostatic syncope, especially on standing or in hot weather. The combination also worsens electrolyte loss, particularly potassium and magnesium.