Other Brands/Names

Pedialyte

How It Works

ORS is the first-line treatment for acute diarrhea to prevent or treat excessive losses of fluid and electrolytes (dehydration), especially in infants and older adults. Dehydration is a state of fluid deficiency in the body and, if it is not managed promptly, can be life-threatening in children and infants.

ORS, or oral rehydration solution, does not halt diarrhea; instead, it replaces fluids lost through stools and vomiting. By restoring the fluid loss, the risk of dehydration can be prevented.

According to WHO and UNICEF guidance published in December 2006, the new oral rehydration solution contains lower sodium and glucose than earlier formulas. This change helps to:

• Speed up fluid absorption.

• Reduce the need for intravenous fluids.

• Simplify the management of acute non-cholera diarrhea in children by decreasing the need for hospitalization.

Indications

ORS acts as an electrolyte replacement to prevent dehydration in cases of acute diarrhea and vomiting.

Contraindication

• A previous history of allergy to any ingredient in ORS.

• If you have any of the following conditions, consult a doctor before taking ORS:

  • Inability to keep down food or drink (for example, due to severe or persistent vomiting).

  • Difficulty or inability to urinate.

  • Intestinal obstruction.

Side Effects

Mild nausea and vomiting may occur. These effects can be minimized by taking ORS slowly in small amounts with a spoon. If these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor immediately.

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following serious side effects:

• Dizziness.

• Unusual weakness.

• Swelling of the ankles or feet.

• Mental changes (such as irritability, restlessness).

• Seizures.

A very serious allergic reaction to this product is rare. However, seek urgent medical care if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, including rash, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe headache, and difficulty breathing.

Types

ORS is supplied as a powder to be dissolved and taken as a solution. Each packet contains 2.7 grams of anhydrous dextrose, 0.3 grams of sodium citrate dihydrate, 0.52 grams of sodium chloride, and 0.58 grams of potassium chloride. Dissolve one sachet of ORS in one glass of previously boiled water (200 mL).

Dosage

• Children under 1 year old: 1.5 glasses (300 mL) during the first 3 hours, then 1/2 glass (100 mL) after each diarrheal episode.

• Children 1–5 years old: 3 glasses (600 mL) during the first 3 hours, then 1 glass (200 mL) after each episode.

• Children 5–12 years old: 6 glasses (1200 mL) during the first 3 hours, then 1.5 glasses (300 mL) after each episode.

• Adults and children over 12 years old: 12 glasses (2400 mL) during the first 3 hours, then 2 glasses (400 mL) each time loose stools occur.

Safety

• If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before using this product.
• It is unknown whether this medicine will pass into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before drinking ORS.

Drug Interactions

Medicines that may interact with ORS include drugs that alter body water, sodium, or potassium levels, such as:

• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) for heart or blood pressure (valsartan, candesartan, losartan).

• ACE inhibitors (such as captopril, enalapril).

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen, naproxen).

• Thiazide diuretics.

Looking for more information about other drugs? Click here!