What You Drink Can Affect Your Medications & Kidneys

Your kidneys are constantly filtering what goes into your body—including your medications and everything you drink. But did you know that the way you hydrate (or don’t) can change how well your meds work and even affect your kidney health?

Water: The Balancing Act

Hydration is crucial, but drinking too much water too fast can flush out medications before your body absorbs them properly. On the other hand, not drinking enough water can concentrate medications in your bloodstream, making it harder for your kidneys to clear them.

Caffeine: Friend or Foe?

Caffeine acts as a diuretic, meaning it makes you lose water faster—this can make certain meds, like blood pressure pills or diuretics, work differently. If you drink a lot of coffee, energy drinks, or sodas, you might be dehydrating your body without even realizing it.

Alcohol & Medications: A Risky Combo

Alcohol doesn’t just affect the liver—it can stress the kidneys too. If you take medications like painkillers, diuretics, or antibiotics, alcohol can either weaken their effects or make side effects worse. Chronic alcohol use can even raise blood pressure, putting your kidneys under more strain.

What’s the Solution?

Stay hydrated, but don’t overdo it—drink consistently throughout the day.
Watch your caffeine intake, especially if you take diuretics or blood pressure meds.
If you drink alcohol, always check for medication interactions with your pharmacist.

Next week, we’re diving into medications that can actually harm your kidneys—including some surprising over-the-counter ones! Stay tuned!

Comprehensive Pharmacy

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