When should you refrain from drinking water?

Refraining from drinking water after taking antacids or cough drops is based on the mechanisms of how these medications work in the body. Antacids are formulated to neutralize stomach acid, providing relief from heartburn and indigestion. If you drink water immediately after taking antacids, it can dilute the antacid's effectiveness by increasing the stomach’s volume and potentially flushing the medication out before it has a chance to work.

Similarly, certain cough drops contain ingredients that are meant to coat the throat and provide a soothing effect. Drinking water shortly after may wash away these ingredients before they have the desired effect, thus diminishing the benefit of the cough drop.

In contrast, taking antibiotics does not require you to refrain from drinking water; in fact, hydration is often encouraged when taking medications to help with absorption and to reduce potential side effects. After consuming food, drinking water can aid digestion rather than hinder it. Lastly, while appropriate to review cases where water intake may be necessary, there is generally no requirement to refrain from drinking water before taking medications as this can depend on specific medication instructions.