Sick Day Rules: Dehydration & Medication Guide

What are 'Sick Day Rules'?

  • Sick day rules are advice from healthcare professionals for when patients become dehydrated while taking certain medications.

  • Some medications, when taken while dehydrated, can worsen your condition.

What is dehydration?

  • Dehydration is when your body loses fluid.

  • This can happen due to vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever (high temperature, sweating, trembling).

When should you worry about dehydration?

  • You're unlikely to become dehydrated from one episode of sickness or diarrhoea.

  • Dehydration can occur after two or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea.

What medication do Sick Day Rules apply to?

  • Your clinician will advise you on medications covered by Sick Day Rules. Here are some examples:

    • ACE inhibitors (e.g., medications ending in -pril)

    • ARBs (e.g., medications ending in -sartan)

    • Diuretics (water tablets) like bendroflumethiazide, indapamide, furosemide, spironolactone

    • Metformin for diabetes

    • NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac) for pain relief

Advice included in 'Sick Day Rules'

  • Stay hydrated:

    • Drink water or electrolyte drinks throughout the day if at risk of dehydration from vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever.

  • Adjusting your medication:

    • Some medications may need to be temporarily stopped to avoid causing harm.

  • Contact your GP or NHS 111:

    • Reach out if having trouble keeping fluids down or if symptoms persist.

    • They can provide guidance and ensure proper recovery.

  • Restarting medication:

    • Restart your regular medications 24 to 48 hours after eating and drinking normally.

    • Simply resume taking them as usual.

    • Don't take extra doses to make up for missed ones.

  • Emergency situations:

    • Seek urgent medical attention if experiencing severe symptoms like extreme dehydration or dizziness, or if unable to keep anything down for an extended period.

    • Call 999 or go to A&E.

Remember, always consult your GP, pharmacist, or NHS 111 if in doubt or for further assistance.