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Hydration status, drug interactions, and determinants in a Spanish elderly population: a pilot study
A M Puga1, T Partearroyo1, G Varela-Moreiras2,3
1Department of Pharmaceutical and Health Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, CEU San Pablo University, Boadilla del Monte, 28668, Madrid, Spain.
Journal of Physiology and Biochemistry
|August 12, 2017
Summary
Elderly hydration is compromised by certain medications like diuretics, corticoids, and metformin. Monitoring hydration status is crucial, especially considering drug administration routes and age-related changes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Optimal hydration is vital for elderly health.
- Certain medications can negatively impact hydration status in older adults.
- The interaction between drug use and hydration in the elderly is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of chronic use of diuretics, corticoids, and metformin on the hydration status of elderly individuals.
- To identify correlations between specific drug consumption and hydration markers.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 96 volunteers (aged 65-93).
- Utilized food and drink frequency questionnaires, dehydration assessment, and urine analysis.
- Data analyzed by age and sex, considering pharmacological treatment.
Main Results:
- Water balance decreased with advanced age, particularly in men.
- Correlations found between corticoid use (route-dependent) and hydration status.
- Diuretic and metformin use showed significant correlations with urine markers.
Conclusions:
- Elderly dehydration is influenced by drug consumption and administration route.
- Urgent need for hydration status monitoring based on medication use in the elderly.
- Highlights the importance of considering polypharmacy in geriatric hydration management.
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