Heart Health High Blood Pressure Treatment How Much Water Should I Drink While Taking Water Pills? By Christina O'Neal, PharmD Published on August 23, 2023 Medically reviewed by Alex Yampolsky, PharmD Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Water Amounts What Are Water Pills? Safety Dehydration What Impacts Water Levels? Foods High in Water Frequently Asked Questions Water pills, also known as diuretics, increase urination, so it is important to avoid dehydration while taking them. With this in mind, you should ensure you drink enough water daily. However, you do not always need to drink extra water while taking water pills unless your healthcare provider tells you to. This article will explain how much water to drink while taking water pills. How Much Water Should I Drink While Taking Water Pills? Unless your healthcare provider advises you to, you do not need to drink extra water while taking water pills. Your daily water needs can vary depending on your health condition. For example, you may need to restrict the amount of fluids you drink daily if you have kidney, liver, or heart problems. Before taking your water pill, ask your healthcare provider how much water you should drink daily to avoid dehydration, and follow the instructions. If you are an average healthy adult, about 20% of your daily water needs are met through food. With this in mind, females need about 9 cups of fluids, and males about 13 cups daily. However, when eating less food, females need about 11.5 cups of fluids, and males about 15.5 cups per day. Medical Disclaimer You may need to drink less fluids if you have heart, kidney, or liver problems. And your needs may change over time. Follow your healthcare provider’s guidance and your medication’s label instructions. They will guide your water intake while taking water pills. Contact your healthcare provider with any questions. What Are Water Pills? Water pills are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following: Edema (swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in the body's tissues) High blood pressure (hypertension) Water pills treat these conditions by working in certain parts of your kidneys to remove excess water and salt from the body through urination. Refreshment after hiking in the woods. Jackyenjoyphotography / Getty Images Water Pill Safety Here are a few things to keep in mind while taking water pills: Water pills may make you feel dizzy, so do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how it affects you.This medicine could lower your blood pressure too much, mainly when you first use it or if you are dehydrated. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy. Alcohol may make this problem worse.To avoid drug interactions, tell any healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so wear sunscreen and do not use sunlamps or tanning beds. When to Be Mindful of Dehydration Besides not drinking enough water or fluids, the following can also increase your risk of dehydration: Hot weatherExerciseVomitingDiarrhea It's essential to stay hydrated in these situations. Warning Signs of Dehydration If you lose more water than you take in, your body can become dehydrated. The following are signs of dehydration: Feeling thirsty Dry mouth and nose Cracked lips Fatigue and muscle weakness or pain Wrinkled skin Headache Dizziness or light-headedness Weakness or unusual fatigue Urinating less or having dark urine (may have a strong odor) Constipation Increased heart rate and breathing Confusion What Can I Do If I Feel Dehydrated? If you suspect you're dehydrated, rehydrate using the following guidelines: Drink water or oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte. Sip all fluids slowly. Be aware that drinking too quickly could lead to nausea or vomiting. If your dehydration is severe and you cannot keep fluids down, or if your symptoms do not get better with fluid intake, seek immediate medical attention. In most medical settings, you will rehydrate by receiving fluids through your vein (called intravenous fluids) to rehydrate quickly. When Should I Talk to My Healthcare Provider? You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects while taking water pills: Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness or trouble breathing Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash Confusion, weakness, and muscle twitching Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, uneven heartbeat Light-headedness, dizziness, or fainting Sores, reddish patch or irritated area, shiny bump, pink growth, or white, yellow, or waxy scar-like area on the skin Trouble seeing, eye pain, blurred vision, or other vision changes Unusual tiredness or weakness Fever, chills, cough, or pain in the side or lower back Blood in the urine, low-back pain, side pain, or sharp back pain just below the ribs Hearing loss or ringing in the ears Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet Severe diarrhea or stomach pain Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness Yellow skin or eyes What Else Impacts Water Levels in My Body? The following can impact water levels in your body: Intake of electrolytes (salt, potassium, etc.) through food, supplements, or sports drinks Excess heat Sweating or exercise Drinking alcohol Drinking coffee or caffeinated drinks Fiber intake What Foods Are High in Water? Fruits and vegetables tend to be high in water, including the following: Cantaloupe Cucumbers Tomatoes Cabbage Celery Watermelon Spinach Cooked squash Zucchini Strawberries Lettuce Broccoli Peaches Oranges Grapes Pears Pineapple Other foods high in water include but aren't limited to the following: Fat-free milkSoupsStewsYogurt Fruit juices Note that some of these foods may also be high in salt or sugar. If you have a condition like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, do your best to be mindful of your dietary needs. Summary Avoiding dehydration while taking water pills is essential because they increase urination. The amount of water you need to drink daily while taking water pills can vary depending on your health condition. Ask your healthcare provider how much water you need to drink daily to avoid dehydration. Do your best to follow both the guidance of your healthcare provider and your body. Frequently Asked Questions How much water should I drink while taking water pills? The amount you should drink will vary depending on your health condition. Ask your healthcare provider how much water you should drink daily to avoid dehydration, and follow those guidelines. What conditions are water pills used to treat? Water pills can help with edema (swelling caused by fluid retention in the body’s tissues) and high blood pressure (hypertension). When are my symptoms of dehydration considered a medical emergency? 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