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.