Dehydration and Heat Exhaustion in Cabo: What to Buy at the Pharmacy

Sun, salt water, long beach days and a few drinks by the pool make dehydration one of the most common reasons travelers end up feeling unwell in Los Cabos. The good news: most mild cases are easy to prevent and treat with a few pharmacy basics. Here is what to look for, what to buy, and when to get medical help in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo.

How do I know if I’m dehydrated in Cabo?

Early signs of dehydration include thirst, a dry mouth, dark yellow urine or urinating less than usual, headache, tiredness and feeling dizzy when you stand up. Children may be unusually sleepy or cranky and have fewer wet diapers.

Dehydration often shows up after a day in the sun, a boat trip, a round of golf, heavy sweating, alcohol, or a stomach bug with vomiting or diarrhea.

What should I buy at a pharmacy for dehydration?

• Oral rehydration solution (ORS): ready-to-drink electrolyte drinks or oral rehydration salt sachets replace water, sodium and potassium better than plain water alone when you have been sweating a lot or have diarrhea.
• A refillable water bottle: sip regularly through the day instead of drinking a lot at once.
• Sunscreen, a hat and after-sun care: sunburn and heat go together, and protecting your skin helps you stay out of trouble in the first place.
• Medicine for travelers’ diarrhea, if needed: ask our pharmacist which option fits your symptoms, especially for children, pregnant travelers or anyone taking other medications.

Sports drinks and sodas are not a substitute for an oral rehydration solution when you are sick, because they are usually higher in sugar and lower in electrolytes.

Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke: what is the difference?

Heat exhaustion can cause heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, weakness, nausea, headache, muscle cramps and dizziness. Move to shade or air conditioning, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths and sip an oral rehydration solution.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs include confusion, slurred speech, fainting, seizures, a very high body temperature, or hot skin. In Mexico, call 911 right away and start cooling the person while you wait.

When should I see a doctor in Los Cabos?

Get medical help if symptoms do not improve after a few hours of rest and fluids, if you cannot keep liquids down, if there is blood in your stool, a high fever, very little or no urine, or if the person affected is a baby, an older adult, pregnant, or has a chronic condition such as diabetes or heart or kidney disease.

Clearwell Pharmacy can connect you with an English-speaking doctor. See our doctor consultation service.

Tips to prevent dehydration on vacation

• Drink water steadily throughout the day, not only when you feel thirsty.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
• Plan beach time, hikes and golf for the cooler early morning or late afternoon.
• Take breaks in the shade and reapply sunscreen.
• Pack electrolytes for boat trips and excursions.

Get electrolytes and pharmacy essentials delivered

Clearwell Pharmacy offers 24/7 delivery with English support to hotels, resorts and villas in Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Call or WhatsApp us at +52 624 192 9021 or email support@clearwellpharmacy.com.

Frequently asked questions

Can I buy oral rehydration salts without a prescription in Mexico?

Oral rehydration solutions and electrolyte drinks are over-the-counter products. Contact us to check what we have available and get it delivered.

Is plain water enough to treat dehydration?

For mild thirst, water is usually enough. If you have been sweating heavily, vomiting or have diarrhea, an oral rehydration solution helps replace the salts your body has lost.

What number do I call for an emergency in Cabo?

Call 911 for medical emergencies anywhere in Mexico.

This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice. If you are unsure, talk to a doctor or pharmacist.