Polyuria

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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What is polyuria?

Polyuria is a condition that causes you to urinate an abnormally large amount of urine. You may urinate more often during the day and at night.

What increases my risk of polyuria?

• Drinking large amounts of caffeine and alcohol
• Medicines, such as diuretics or antiseizure medicines
• Dye used during imaging tests, such as CT scans
• Medical conditions, such as diabetes, heart failure, and kidney disease
• Excessive thirst caused by diabetes insipidus

How is polyuria diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Your provider will ask if you have any health conditions. Tell your provider if you take any medicines or supplements. Your provider will ask about the amount and types of liquids you drink each day. Your provider may request blood or urine tests to find the cause of your polyuria.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

How is polyuria treated?

Treatment for polyuria depends on the cause. If you have a condition that causes you polyuria, your condition will be treated. If you have a medicine that causes your polyuria, your medicine may need to be changed.

How can I manage polyuria?

• Limit caffeine and alcohol. These may make your polyuria worse.
• Drink enough liquids. Polyuria can lead to dehydration. Ask your healthcare provider how much liquids you should drink each day.
• Keep track of how often and how much you urinate. Your healthcare provider may also ask you to keep track of the type of liquids you drink each day. Ask your provider how to measure the amount you urinate.
• Weigh yourself each day. Polyuria or certain medical conditions that cause polyuria can lead to weight loss.

When should I seek immediate care?

• You have blood in your urine.
• You have symptoms of dehydration, such as dark yellow urine, dry mouth and lips, and dry skin.

When should I call my doctor?

• You lose weight without trying.
• Your symptoms do not improve, or they get worse, even with treatment.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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