Dehydration

What it means

Common causes include vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, fever, some medicines that increase urination and simply not drinking enough. Signs in adults include strong thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, urinating less, tiredness and dizziness.

On a GLP-1, people may drink less because they feel full, and stomach side effects can add to fluid losses. The labels warn that dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea has led to sudden kidney injury, sometimes needing hospital care.

Sipping fluids through the day, rather than large amounts at once, is often easier when the stomach empties slowly. If you cannot keep fluids down, an oral rehydration solution may help, and your clinician can advise.

Get emergency care for confusion, fainting, no urine, a racing heartbeat or fast breathing. Older adults and people with kidney disease or diabetes are at higher risk and may need to act sooner.

Why it matters

Staying hydrated protects the kidneys during GLP-1 dose increases, when vomiting and diarrhea are most common.